40 Years of Excellence in Innovative Design

From its inception, Structural Buildings has embraced innovation, particularly in its Drafting Department. Our commitment to in-house engineering and drafting has set us apart, allowing us to maintain complete control over the quality and precision of every project. Today, we celebrate how far this department has come, from its groundbreaking beginnings to its current status as a leader in custom design-build services. 

The Early Days of Innovation

When Structural Buildings first opened its doors, we were determined to do things differently. While many construction companies outsourced their engineering and drafting work, we recognized the value of keeping these critical functions in-house. This approach allowed us to ensure every detail was meticulously planned and executed, meeting our high standards of quality and customization. 

In the St. Cloud area, Structural Buildings was among the first—if not the first—to embrace computer-aided design (CAD) technology. This bold move set the stage for decades of innovation and positioned us as pioneers in the construction industry. Gary Kalla, one of the first drafters to join our team, played a crucial role in these early days. With his expertise and dedication, Gary has grown alongside the company and continues to lead as our senior drafter, contributing decades of invaluable experience. 

A Legacy of Custom Design

One of the cornerstones of Structural Buildings’ Drafting Department is our unwavering commitment to customization. Every building we design is a custom project, tailored to the unique needs and vision of our clients. Unlike many companies, we don’t reuse or duplicate drawings. Our customers own their plans, ensuring that every design is truly one-of-a-kind. This philosophy has earned us a reputation for delivering personalized, high-quality solutions that stand the test of time. 

Advancing with Technology: The Transition to Revit

For over 30 years, Structural Buildings relied on DataCAD, a trusted platform for producing precise and reliable drawings. However, as technology advanced, so did our tools. In recent years, we made a significant leap forward by transitioning to Revit, a cutting-edge 3D modeling program. This move has revolutionized the way we approach design, allowing us to create more detailed and interactive models that bring our clients’ visions to life. 

Revit has also enabled greater collaboration and efficiency within our team, streamlining the design process and ensuring seamless integration of every element. This commitment to embracing new technology reflects our dedication to pushing boundaries and remaining at the forefront of innovation. 

Meet Our Team of Experts

Today, our Drafting Department is stronger than ever, thanks to the incredible talent and dedication of our team members. Led by Drafting Manager Mitch Tromberg, the department has grown to include a diverse group of experts:

• Gary Kalla: Senior Drafter and a cornerstone of our drafting team since the early days of CAD.
• Alexa Ranfranz: A skilled drafter bringing fresh ideas and energy to our projects.
• Kris Pederson: Architects who combine creativity with technical expertise to design buildings that are as functional as they are beautiful.

Together, this team ensures that every project is designed with precision, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.

Looking to the Future

As we celebrate 40 years of Structural Buildings, our Drafting Department remains a vital part of our success and growth. By staying true to our roots while embracing new technologies and methodologies, we continue to deliver custom design-build solutions that exceed expectations.

We’re proud of our legacy of innovation and look forward to building the future with the same passion and dedication that have defined our journey. Thank you to our team, past and present, and to our clients who have trusted us to bring their dreams to life. Here’s to many more years of designing and building excellence!