Building the Right Team: Key People You Need to Drive Your Project Forward
Building the Right Foundation Starts with the Right People At Catalyst, we’ve seen it time and time again: the success of a building project doesn’t hinge on the blueprints or budget, it hinges on the people. Whether it’s a school building a STEM wing or a church expanding worship space, having the right team early makes the difference between a smooth, mission-driven project and one with setbacks. For mission-driven schools and churches, especially in the private or faith-based space, this guide will help you build with purpose, not just concrete. Our goal is to help you think differently—not just about [...]
Building on Faith and Future: A Perspective from Great Plains Lutheran High School
A mission-driven building project brings new learning spaces, student support, and lasting value to Great Plains Lutheran High School.
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 “Turns out, if you just wait long enough, your outdated building might become fashionable again!”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 [...]
Prioritizing Community-Centric Development in Church Construction: What You Need to Know
St. Mark’s was bustling with joyful activity as the aroma of roasted chicken and potatoes filled the air. Each week, the church’s multi-purpose hall transformed into a welcoming cafeteria, serving as a beacon of hope for those facing food insecurity. As the adults expressed their gratitude and the children whispered, “Thank you,” before taking a bite of their meal, it was clear that St. Mark’s was fulfilling its divine mission within the community. Pastor Joe often thanked God for the community-centric design, which was influenced by members during the church construction planning process. From the look on the volunteers' faces, [...]
4 Tips for Effective School Construction for STEM Education
Meet Sara, a fourteen-year-old student who became fascinated with coding after being introduced to robotics at summer camp. However, as she entered high school, she was devastated to learn that her school was not equipped to teach the skill—not because the teachers were not knowledgeable but because there simply wasn’t enough room for a maker space. STEM education just wasn’t at the forefront of the school’s design or curriculum. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education lies at the heart of modern learning because it is the basis of everyday life for children and adults. STEM equips students with the [...]
