Building Tomorrow: How Strategic Planning and Technology Shape Regional Growth (Sponsored Content)

[Publisher's note: Below is a corrected version of the article from what appeared in the Nov. 18 edition.]

In an era of rapid technological advancement and evolving community needs, the approach to architectural design and community development is undergoing a significant transformation. Sapp Design Architects has been at the forefront of this evolution as an early adopter of new technologies and planning methodologies that are reshaping how communities grow and develop.

At the heart of this transformation is the accelerating pace of technological innovation in architecture. "Everything continues to get produced faster," notes John McNabb, partner and director of business operations for Sapp Design. "With technological improvements, we're seeing everything designed three-dimensionally. Virtual reality allows a client or community stakeholders to experience the building design before construction even begins. "There is already AI software that aids in creating building designs. They are a work in progress, but they are continuing to improve and will significantly change how the industry design buildings, particularly as we strive to design spaces that will remain functional and relevant well into the future."

To address these growing complexities, communities are increasingly turning to comprehensive planning approaches. One key trend emerging in 2024 is an increased focus on master planning, particularly among public entities and healthcare facilities. "In the last three to six months, we've had more calls asking for master planning services than in previous years," McNabb observes. "2025 appears to be shaping up as the planning year, with 2026 likely being when people start executing these plans."

This shift toward master planning has brought with it new methodologies for community engagement. The master planning process has evolved to become more inclusive and technology-driven. Modern planning sessions incorporate advanced visualization tools and community engagement strategies. "We start with visioning sessions where city leaders help guide us, and we open it up to the public," McNabb explains. "We identify stakeholders and implement voting systems to help rank priorities. This helps us look for consensus on first, second, and third priorities." Web-based technology and applications allows for broader audience participation (from wherever they may be on their time) in the decision-making process.

Building on these collaborative approaches, the integration of technology extends beyond planning into design and client interaction. “Virtual reality has become an invaluable tool for helping stakeholders visualize projects and truly become a partner in creating a functional design,” McNabb indicates. “This technology is particularly valuable for public projects, helping communities better understand how their investments will materialize.”

While technology shapes how buildings are designed, adaptability has emerged as a crucial design principle. "Clients are wanting spaces to be more flexible," McNabb notes. "By designing a space to allow for flexibility, the client can more easily change that space over time as needs evolve. We're seeing furniture and its placement defining spaces more than hard walls."

This emphasis on adaptability goes hand in hand with advances in building science. Modern development increasingly relies on designing a superior exterior building envelop (walls, windows and roof) resulting in more energy-efficient buildings and lower utility bills for building owners. High performing buildings also result in improved health, safety and overall productivity of the building occupants.

Beyond new construction, sustainable community growth often involves reimagining existing spaces. For communities looking to grow, renovation and repurposing of existing structures often presents viable opportunities. "If there's opportunities where you can renovate or repurpose, there's definitely benefits," McNabb states, noting that various government entities offer tax incentives to encourage redevelopment, while at the same time enhancing the character and culture of our communities.

As Southwest Missouri continues to develop, the integration of strategic planning, technology, and community engagement will be crucial for sustainable growth. The current trend toward master planning suggests a region preparing for thoughtful, intentional development in the years ahead, building on the convergence of technological innovation and community-focused design principles.

This content is brought to you by Sapp Design Architects.