Designed for Thrill. Built for Legacy.

Randy’s Thrill Hill stands as one of our most daring and dynamic recreational projects to date — now open at Bear Paw Adventure Park in Caledonia, WI. Designed and brought to life by our team, in collaboration with Susan Lasecki of Ionic Structures and Design, this monumental attraction pushes the boundaries of both engineering and emotion.

At 70 feet tall, with a 250-foot Super Mega Slide and a 50-foot vertical drop, it’s the tallest and fastest of its kind in the Midwest, reaching speeds up to 30 mph. But more than a thrill ride, this is a tribute to the late Randy Isaacson — the visionary behind Bear Paw and Jellystone Park™ Caledonia — whose passion built these parks into cherished family destinations.

The structure features high-strength galvanized steel and impact-resistant polyethylene panels, engineered for durability and a smooth, high-velocity ride. The 38-degree launch angle was precisely calculated for peak excitement, and LED lighting along the stairs and platform transforms the hill into a nighttime beacon. A custom-designed canopy at the top reflects the rustic architecture of Bear Paw, seamlessly blending with the park’s character.

From panoramic views at the peak to the adrenaline-pumping descent, every detail of Randy’s Thrill Hill was crafted to honor a legacy — and inspire new memories for years to come.

Structural Engineer: Ionic Structures and Design, Llc

#ThriveArchitects #ArchitecturalSpotlight #LegacyInDesign #MilwaukeeArchitects #WisconsinArchitects #CommercialArchitecture #IonicStructuresandDesign #JellystonePark #BearPawAdventurePark #RandysThrillHill #ThrillDesign #CaledoniaWI #CampingSeason #SlideIntoSummer #MidwestAttractions

Welcome Our Newest Architectural Intern - Jorden Romano

Thrive Architects LLC is excited to welcome Jorden Romano to our Waukesha office as our summer intern!

Jorden is entering his final year at Waukesha County Technical College, where he is pursuing an associate degree in Architectural Drafting and Interior Design. His passion for architecture and computer modeling began in high school, where introductory courses sparked his interest and set him on the path toward a career in the built environment.

Outside the office, Jorden is an avid animal lover and proud owner of a chocolate lab named Scout. He enjoys spending time outdoors, especially fishing and riding his motorcycle whenever possible.

We’re thrilled to have him on the team and look forward to supporting his continued growth as he gains hands-on experience with us this summer!

#ThriveArchitects #MilwaukeeArchitects #WisconsinArchitects #TeamGrowth #Internship

Welcome Our Newest Architectural Intern - Cadence Gabel

 

Thrive Architects LLC is thrilled to welcome Cadence Gabel to our Appleton office as our newest intern.

Cadence is entering her senior year at the University of Idaho, where she studies architecture and competes as a Division I NCAA swimmer.

Her passion for architecture is rooted in creativity, problem-solving, and a deep commitment to community impact—whether through human-centered design, environmental stewardship, or thoughtful restoration.

Cadence has already distinguished herself as a finalist in the 2025 ICMA Design Competition (CMU) and received an honorable mention in the 2025 IFPC Mass Timber Design Competition.

We’re excited to support her journey and watch her thrive!

#ThriveArchitects #MilwaukeeArchitects #WisconsinArchitects #TeamGrowth #Internship

Exciting Progress at Waukesha State Bank – Fox Run Branch!

 

Construction is officially underway at the Fox Run branch, and it’s thrilling to watch the transformation begin to take shape. This highly anticipated renovation is bringing a fresh, modern update to the building—both inside and out.

Inside, the space is evolving to better serve staff and customers alike. The remodel includes four new offices, an expanded break room and teller areas, and the addition of a counting room and coupon room for improved functionality.

A 1,600-square-foot addition is also coming to life, introducing a spacious new vestibule, accessible restrooms, a large Manager’s office, and a versatile Community Room. The entrance will be more prominent and inviting, designed to echo the distinctive character of the Racine Avenue branch, creating a more welcoming, cohesive presence.

In total, 2,795 square feet of renovations and additions are coming together—and we’re excited to see the building form with each passing day. 

Stay tuned for more construction milestones!

CONTRACTOR: OneSource Construction

#ThriveArchitects #MilwaukeeArchitects #WisconsinArchitects #CommercialArchitecture #WaukeshaStateBank #FoxRunBranch #BankUpdate #WaukeshaWisconsin #Financial #UnderConstruction #CommunityDriven

Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin is Expanding

 

The Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin is expanding their Wolf River Community-Based Residential Facility (CBRF), reinforcing its commitment to compassionate care for their Elders. This nearly 12,000-square-foot addition spans both the first floor and basement, thoughtfully designed to enhance resident experience and operational functionality. The main level will add 8 memory care rooms, a centralized nursing station, and a dedicated memory care dining space that promotes comfort and connection. The existing facility will also be undergoing a remodel to create additional accessible resident rooms and updated bathing rooms.  The kitchen will be getting upgraded appliances to accommodate the growing population, and the existing dining area will get a refresh as well. The basement will support staff and facility needs with new resident storage areas, fire protection upgrades, and maintenance areas. Complementing the building expansion, a detached garage will be constructed to support facility operations. New landscaping elements—featuring a serene garden and outdoor patio—will enrich the site, offering therapeutic outdoor spaces for residents and visitors alike.

We are excited to watch as this addition goes up!

CLIENT: Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin

ARCHITECT: Thrive Architects 

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: Bloom Companies 

CIVIL ENGINEER: Oneida Engineering Solutions (OES)

MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL PLUMBING & FIRE PROTECTION: Thunderbird Engineering

GENERAL CONTRACT: Bayland Buildings

#ThriveArchitects #MilwaukeeArchitects #WisconsinArchitects #CommercialArchitecture #WolfRiverCBRF #SeniorLiving #MenomineeIndianTribeWisconsin

🎉Exciting things are happening in Big Bend, WI!🎉

We’re proud to share the preliminary renderings and site plan for a brand-new 12,000-square-foot medical development coming to the area.

Designed with functionality, patient experience, and community accessibility in mind, this project marks an important step forward in local healthcare infrastructure.

Stay tuned as we watch this vision take shape — we can’t wait to see how this space transforms from blueprint to reality!

#ThriveArchitects #MilwaukeeArchitects #WisconsinArchitects #CommercialArchitecture #BigBendWI #ArchitectureInProgress #HealthcareDesign #ArchitectsAtWork #SitePlanReveal #MedicalDevelopment #CommunityGrowth

White Stone Community Church is Celebrating a New Sanctuary!

We’re thrilled to share that White Stone Community Church has been worshipping in their new sanctuary since Mother’s Day — a milestone that marks the culmination of a truly transformative project.

This endeavor involved both a substantial remodel and a thoughtfully designed addition, totaling nearly 41,000 square feet. As architects, it was a privilege to partner with White Stone in reimagining their campus and crafting spaces that not only serve functional needs but also foster deeper community connection.

From the beginning, our design process was rooted in a shared vision: to create welcoming, purpose-driven environments that reflect the heart of the church. The result is a series of vibrant, engaging spaces, including:

• A new Sanctuary space, which doubled their seating capacity for meaningful worship experiences

• A large, light filled gathering space, designed for flexible use throughout the week

• A glass-enclosed entryway that offers a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors

• A warm and inviting café area, complete with high-top seating and communal tables to encourage gathering and conversation

• A playful, secure Kids Corner for families and young children

• A custom brick fireplace, featuring a hand-cut stone rendering of the church’s logo — a distinctive focal point that honors the church’s identity and heritage

Every detail — from material selections to spatial flow — was carefully considered to align with White Stone’s mission and enhance the overall experience for their members and guests.

We’re honored to have been a part of this journey and look forward to seeing how these new spaces support the church’s continued growth and impact.

Photo Credit: Moments by Kelly

#ThriveArchitects #MilwaukeeArchitects #WisconsinArchitects #CommercialArchitecture #WhiteStoneCommunityChurch #ReligiousArchitecture #Community #OconomowocWI

Taking Dog Walks Indoors!

Dogs just wanna have fun — and let’s be honest, so do their humans! But we all know how unpredictable Wisconsin weather can be. That’s where Fetch, Play + Sip comes in, turning rainy days and snowstorms into tail-wagging adventures with a one-of-a-kind indoor play space for pups (and their people, too!).

This next inspiration board is all about the magic behind the space. When dreaming up this unique indoor dog haven, we wanted to bring the great outdoors... indoors! Think nature meets industrial edge — raw metals, earthy textures, and a color palette pulled straight from the owner’s logo and lush green landscapes brought together for a playful energy with stylish sophistication.

This space will be a great addition in the Fox Valley area and we can’t wait to watch it come to life! 

#ThriveArchitects #MilwaukeeArchitects #WisconsinArchitects #CommercialArchitecture #InspirationalBoard #MoodBoard #Wisconsin #FetchPlaySip #GrandChuteWisconsin #DogFriendlyDesign #InteriorInspo #DogParkGoals #WIWeatherProof #DogLoversUnite

A Night for Celebration!

Downtown Madison, Inc. hosted an incredible Annual Celebration last night at the iconic Camp Randall Stadium! We’re thrilled to have played a small part in DMI’s biggest night of the year.

This event is more than just a celebration–it’s all about coming together to support and strengthen our downtown. Proud to be part of the movement making Madison more welcoming, vibrant, and full of opportunity for everyone.

#ThriveArchitects #MilwaukeeArchitects #WisconsinArchitects #DMIAnnualCelebration #DowntownMadison #CommunityImpact

🚧 Breaking Ground in Elkhorn! 🚧

We're thrilled to partner with Southern Lakes Church as they expand their ministry space with a 9,997 sq. ft. addition to their existing 19,237 sq. ft. facility!

The new design includes:

🏀 A multi-purpose gym

🚻 Updated restrooms + family bathroom

🍴 A warming kitchen

📦 Gym storage space

This addition is thoughtfully designed to support the church’s growing community and enhance their ability to gather, serve, and connect. We’re honored to help bring their vision to life! And excited to watch Catalyst Construction build it!

#ThriveArchitects #MilwaukeeArchitects #WisconsinArchitects #CommercialArchitecture #SouthernLakesChurch #Religious #MilwaukeeWisconsin #ChurchArchitecture #CatalystConstruction #CommunityDesign #ElkhornWI #BreakingGround #DesignWithPurpose

New Brewhouse to Begin Build in Beaver Dam, WI

 

One of the most effective ways to visualize a design is by overlaying our renderings onto aerial views of the site. This technique was a perfect fit for Shattered Glass Brewery, an exciting new addition to Beaver Dam, WI.

This 4,800-square-foot pre-engineered metal building is strategically positioned at a primary entrance to Beaver Dam (US-151 BUS / Madison Street) and is designed to serve as a prominent destination within the community. The brewhouse will incorporate a composite deck system with stainless steel cable railings and an aluminum-clad canopy, emphasizing durability, low maintenance, and contemporary aesthetics. Situated along the Beaver Dam River, the facility will offer 12 proprietary craft brews, complemented by unobstructed sunset views across the water. It is uniquely the only lakefront commercial development adjacent to the downtown district, enabling seamless pedestrian access to surrounding retail and service establishments.

Inside, the thoughtfully designed 1,672-square-foot bar and dining space will accommodate nearly 100 guests, creating a warm and social atmosphere. The brewhouse will be home to high-quality brewing vessels, where master brewers will craft unique, flavorful beers. Four of which will be available all the time (flagships), the other 8 will rotate continuously. They will also have hand crafted mocktails and curated non-alcoholic options available for those that want something different or would like an alcohol-free option.

We’re proud to play a role in Shattered Glass Brewery and will be watching as WDS Construction will bring it to life. Cheers to what’s brewing!

#ThriveArchitects #MilwaukeeArchitects #WisconsinArchitects #CommercialArchitecture #BeaverDamWisconsin #Brewery #ShatteredGlassBrewery #WDSConstruction

Inspiration is truly EVERYWHERE!

One of the greatest gifts of living in Wisconsin is being surrounded by the ever-changing beauty of the seasons — from the crisp geometry of frost on windowpanes to the warm, organic patterns of fall foliage. These seasonal shifts don’t just change the landscape — they inform our palette, our textures, and even the forms we gravitate toward. Combine that with the rich architectural history around us — from the clean, horizontal lines of Prairie-style homes inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, to the intricate details of Milwaukee’s Cream City brick buildings — there’s no shortage of creative fuel.

As we begin each project, we immerse ourselves in the environment by crafting a mood board — a curated collection of imagery, materials, colors, and textures that resonate with the story we want to tell. This process grounds us in context, offering a visual narrative that’s both emotive and practical. Whether it’s the silhouette of a gabled roof against a snowy sky, the rhythmic repetition of windows in a historic factory, or rich brown woods framing a log cabin, architectural elements help us shape spaces and designs with purpose, personality, and place in mind. Inspiration isn’t something we wait for — it’s something we build from what’s already around us.

#ThriveArchitects #MilwaukeeArchitects #WisconsinArchitects #CommercialArchitecture #InspirationalBoard #MoodBoard #Wisconsin