How Momentum-Building Events Maintain Excitement Between Groundbreaking and Ribbon Cutting
When people ask me what I do at Catalyst, I like to say: “I bring the fun!” While our project teams focus on building safe, functional, and beautiful spaces, I focus on something just as important: bringing people into the process in meaningful ways. Most construction firms focus solely on the building. At Catalyst, we build connections and excitement along the way. For many of our clients, especially churches, schools, and nonprofits, the journey is deeply emotional, personal, and is a once-in-a-lifetime accomplishment. That’s where momentum-building events like Family Days and Community Days come in. Custom-Tailored, Community-Focused What sets Catalyst [...]
Building Together: A Developer’s Perspective on Partnership, Trust, and Shared Vision
At FORE Investment Group, we’re a small, family-run development company with a big passion for housing. While we occasionally venture into smaller retail ventures, our primary focus has been on residential development, encompassing a range of properties from architecturally significant, service-forward developments to high-quality affordable housing projects. Regardless of the audience, our goal is to elevate communities and deliver lasting value. How Our Partnership with Catalyst Began Our partnership with Catalyst began through a referral from our attorney. At the time, there were few builders in the Fox Valley with the level of professionalism and experience we were looking for, [...]
Revitalizing with Purpose: Construction’s Role in Cultural & Historic Preservation Projects
As cities grow and change, so does the responsibility of construction professionals to preserve the soul of a place. It's history, architecture, and community identity. At Catalyst Construction, we view revitalization as more than just renovation; it's a form of stewardship, a mindset I’ve adopted throughout my career and one that fuels my passion for the work we do at Catalyst Construction Southwest. While I’m now based in Phoenix, my foundation with Catalyst began in Wisconsin, where I had the opportunity to work on several adaptive reuse and historic preservation projects. Those experiences shaped my perspective and continue to guide [...]
The Secret to Getting Your Construction Project to Break Ground
How Catalyst’s Readiness Assessment helps churches, schools, and nonprofits build with clarity and confidence—before they ever break ground. Starting a building project is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. For many churches, schools, and nonprofit organizations, the desire to expand or improve their space is clear, but the path forward is anything but. Some teams begin a construction project and get stuck. Others don’t start at all because they’re unsure of what step comes first. Either way, time, trust, and resources can be lost before the first shovel even hits the ground. At Catalyst Construction, we offer a complimentary [...]
Answering the Call: How Faith Communities Can Help Solve the Affordable Housing Crisis
With land, leadership, and local trust, churches can play a pivotal role in easing the affordable housing crisis in Arizona—one creative partnership at a time.
Bringing the Affordable Housing Capital Stack Together: Why Collaboration is Key
Discover how collaboration and creativity are key to assembling the affordable housing capital stack, in this expert interview with Baker Tilly’s Don Bernards.
7 Inspiring Church Design Trends For 2025
“Well, looks like we’re back in style!” Pastor Joel laughed as he looked at his 75-year-old church building in the middle of a quaint neighborhood. Huge, cathedral-like windows adorned the northern wall. A wide-open sanctuary with a highly vaulted ceiling welcomed worshippers and provided space for remote workers. Some repairs were needed, but the community didn’t have the budget for full-scale renovations in their church building. The previous generation couldn’t afford to hire a construction company specializing in church architecture. “Turns out, if you just wait long enough, your outdated building might become fashionable again!” Joel isn’t passive or lazy. [...]
Value Engineering in Construction: 5 Key Ways the Church Can Apply It to Its Design
Meet Pastor Sam. Sam wants to expand his church’s gathering space to include elegant finishes and a modern design. He imagines engaging the community with multimedia screens, comfortable seating, beverages, and ample lighting for gatherings and meetings. However, the church budget doesn’t align with his dream, and he’s disappointed, to say the least. So, the question is: how do you honor God’s vision for your church while still making practical decisions? Churches often struggle to create spaces that inspire and serve their communities while remaining within tight financial constraints. This is where value engineering comes in—and early in the process. [...]
Overcoming the Challenges of Church Growth
Imagine a growing church alive with energy—a packed worship space filled with engaged attendees, children who look forward to church, and welcoming faces at the door. While growth can be exciting, it won’t come without some growing pains. Don’t worry, though. Others have gone before you and learned a few lessons the hard way. You can benefit from their experience and maximize the opportunities before you! Church growth is a gift but also an opportunity to adapt, prepare, and kindle our leadership development. The size of your church affects more than attendance; it influences decision-making, relationships, and leadership roles. So, [...]
Church Construction for Music Ministry: Designing Spaces for Sound and Worship
Music is a powerful form of worship that demands thoughtful and purposeful planning from church leaders. When constructing a church building focused on its music ministry, creating a space where every note resonates and word is clear is essential. People need to focus on worship and not be distracted by poor sound systems. Jesus could communicate effectively with large crowds aided by the natural acoustics of seas, mountains, and God's grace. While your church may not be situated near large water and landforms, you still have divine guidance on your side, so follow the calling of the Lord as you [...]
