50 Years of Creating Environments That Form People
Since 1976, BCDM has shaped spaces where communities flourish, ideas take root, and minds are shaped.
Explore our 50-year journey
A Legacy Built on Community and Connection
Founded in 1976, BCDM began with a simple belief: thoughtful design can make a lasting difference. From the start, the firm built a culture of listening, collaboration, and shared responsibility. Over 50 years, that belief has guided every project and partnership, shaping environments that strengthen communities and serve the people who inhabit them.
This anniversary celebrates the clients, communities, and people who have inspired and shaped BCDM.
1976
ZBA was founded
In 1976, Golden Zenon and Dave Beringer founded (ZBA). The two took their previous experience in educational design to create a firm that focused on educational environments. ZBA was one of the first established African-American firms in Omaha.
1970s
GROUNDWORK (“GROUND-wurk” The preliminary or foundational work that prepares for something more complex or significant to follow.)
Establishing our footing. In an era of civic ambition and educational expansion, we laid the literal and cultural foundations of our practice.
1980s
SHIFT (“shift” A change or movement from one state, position, or direction to another.)
A decade of change — in technology, pedagogy, and form. We learned to move, adjust, and see design as a living process.
1982
CDG was founded
In 1982, Dave Ciaccio formed the landscape architecture firm Ciaccio Design Group. Jim Dennell joined the firm in 1988 and added architecture to the practice. The firm later changed its name to Ciaccio Dennell Group (CDG) and worked regionally on both landscape architecture and educational and religious design.
1989
ZBM was founded
In 1989 when Bob Mabrey became a principal at ZBA, the firm changed its name to ZBM. ZBM’s practice focused on education and religious architecture. Zenon soon retired thereafter.
1990s
CONNECTION (“kuh-NEK-shun” A relationship or link between people, ideas, objects, or places.)
Architecture as community. Schools became networks of collaboration, and design became the space between people.
2000s
ADAPT (“uh-DAPT” To adjust or modify something to fit new conditions, situations, or purposes.)
Facing new environmental and social realities, we reimagined flexibility — sustainable materials, modular systems, and classrooms that could evolve.
2004
BCDM was founded
While the two firms worked collaboratively on the Mount Michael Master Plan, ZBM and CDG began contemplating the idea of merging both firms. In 2004, the two firms combined their vast educational and religious resources and knowledge to create BCDM Architects (Beringer, Ciaccio, Dennell, and Mabrey).
2010s
INTEGRATION (“in-ti-GRAY-shun” The act of combining or bringing together parts, people, or systems to work as a whole.
Technology, nature, and learning merged. Architecture became an ecosystem, linking wellness, experience, and discovery.
2020–2025
REIMAGINE (“ree-i-MAJ-in” To think about or create something in a new, different, or innovative way, often improving or transforming it from its original form.)
Resilient, agile, and human-centered. These years challenged every assumption and renewed our belief in design as a tool for hope and continuity.
