The Practice of Church Design-Build
by Carol Badaracco Padgett of Church.Design "I'm here to talk about the connection of faith and works," said keynote speaker Erik Cooper with The Stone Table based in Indianapolis. The Stone Table is a resource community for faith, work and missions. Cooper's talk kicked off the 2019 annual meeting of the National Association of Church Design Builders (NACDB), Sept. 10-11, in the business offices of the Texas Rangers Stadium in Arlington, Texas. NACDB is a nationwide association of construction-related specialists that consult, design and build churches. Cooper's talk encouraged the nearly 65 committed companies represented at the annual meeting to focus on design-build in a team framework operating on the concept of faith and works. Church.Design spoke with NACDB Executive Director Meghan Williams about the organization's purpose and mission--and where church design is headed moving forward. Church.Design: When you break it down to its fundamental mission and function, what does the NACDB do? Williams: We connect like-minded firms by educating and equipping them to serve and provide resources to faith-based markets and customers. Our vision is to integrate biblical values into the creation of facilities that positively impact the Kingdom of God. Church.Design: How do architects, builders, interior designers and AV consultants benefit from being an NACDB member, on a business level? Williams: Due to the continuing education and 'iron that sharpens iron' that occurs between each NACDB member, the personal and professional growth that members experience is always noted as their most valued benefit. In addition, they have the opportunity to highlight their craft and position themselves as experts in the field