Beyond Buildings: Balancing Creativity, Function, and Impact in Architecture

In this episode, Jamie Seeker sits down with Paul Ladensack, a seasoned architect with over 30 years of experience designing spaces that go beyond function—they tell stories, honor history, and serve communities. As a principal at CCBG Architects, Paul has led a variety of award-winning projects, including cultural, religious, commercial, and residential buildings.

Paul shares insights on balancing creativity with functionality, how every building has a DNA, and the importance of listening to clients. He also talks about adaptive reuse—revitalizing historic spaces rather than demolishing them—and the impact that design has on people’s daily lives.

The conversation wraps up with his dream project, a Presidential Library, and his advice for business owners: surround yourself with colleagues of shared direction and maintain balance in life.

Key Notes & Takeaways:

1. Paul’s Journey into Architecture

• Grew up in a creative, artistic family with many influences.
• Initially thought architecture was only about designing exteriors—later learned the importance of interiors and community impact.
• Credits his professors for shaping his understanding of design.

2. CCBG’s Approach to Architecture

• Listening to clients is at the heart of their process.
• Every project blends history, community identity, and modern functionality.
• Paul believes architects are storytellers, not just designers.

3. Notable Project – Gethsemane Lutheran Church

• Paul was brought in after two previous architects failed to align with the community’s vision.
• The original plan was to tear down the existing church, but Paul realized its deep meaning to the congregation.
• Instead, he preserved and repurposed the church, turning it into a lobby while building a new worship space.
• This project reinforced his belief that architecture should honor history and people’s emotional connection to spaces.

4. The Power of Adaptive Reuse

• "Every building has a DNA." Understanding it makes the project successful.
• In Phoenix’s Warehouse District, CCBG has repurposed historic buildings multiple times for different clients.
• The key is working with the structure instead of against it to maintain its integrity and functionality.

5. Awards & Peer Recognition

• Paul values feedback and criticism from industry peers.
• Awards are not about personal recognition, but rather a testament to strong client relationships and good design.
• Younger architects at CCBG enjoy competing and learning from critiques.

6. Mentorship & Advice for Aspiring Architects

• Travel as much as possible to experience different forms of architecture.
• Listen to professors and mentors—their lessons can shape an entire career.
• Embrace criticism as a tool for growth, both from professors and colleagues.

7. Career Challenges That Shaped Him

• Early in his career, he worked on a high-stakes project for the Missouri Botanical Garden.
• The project started small but quickly became a major focus for conservationists.
• The experience taught him how to handle pressure and...