Terry Allers has spent over four decades shaping the architectural landscape of Fort Dodge, Iowa, through his firm Allers Associates Architects. Since establishing his business in 1979, Allers and his team have completed approximately 2,000 projects, ranging from residential homes to churches and commercial buildings throughout the region.
As Allers travels around Fort Dodge today, he frequently encounters buildings that bear his architectural signature. His professional journey began in 1970 when he joined the Griffith architectural firm, which has since closed. Nine years later, he took the entrepreneurial leap to start his own practice, initially operating from his home on the city's north side before eventually relocating to downtown Fort Dodge in the Wells Fargo Building.
Allers' passion for building and design traces back to his childhood in Keystone, Iowa. His mother, Ruth Allers, encouraged his early interest by allowing him and his brother Ben to build with blocks in the family living room. As he grew older, Allers constructed a clubhouse and later moved it using a wagon, which he humorously describes as his "first experience with modular housing." A family trip to Disneyland further inspired his creativity, leading him to build replicas of key Disney features in his backyard.
His natural aptitude for drawing and mathematics led Allers to pursue architecture at Iowa State University in Ames. His very first professional design project held special personal significance – an addition to his home church, St. John Lutheran Church in Keystone. After starting his own firm, his inaugural independent project was designing an education wing for the west side of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on 21st Avenue North in Fort Dodge.
The success and quality of Allers' work is evidenced by his impressive client retention rate. His firm boasts 107 repeat clients who have returned to Allers Associates Architects for multiple building projects over the years. "We have a variety of building types we have worked with," Allers noted, highlighting the diverse portfolio his firm has developed across different sectors and architectural styles.
Beyond his architectural practice, Allers has made significant contributions to the profession at a national level. He served as a representative for seven Midwestern states on the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, the organization responsible for establishing standards for architectural training and licensing. During his seven-year tenure on the board, he ultimately served as its president from 2019 to 2020. His professional achievements were further recognized when he was honored with induction into the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects.
Allers' commitment to community service extends far beyond his professional architectural work. Following the example set by his father, Dale Allers, he has dedicated countless hours to supporting Fort Dodge through various volunteer roles and board positions. His extensive community involvement includes serving on the boards of the Development Corporation of Greater Fort Dodge, Main Street Fort Dodge, the YMCA, Trinity Regional Hospital Foundation, and Citizens Community Credit Union.
The Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance has recognized Allers' exceptional community contributions with multiple awards. In 2012, he received the prestigious Catalyst Award for his impact on local development. This year, he was honored as the Alliance's Ambassador of the Year, recognizing his consistent attendance at ribbon-cutting ceremonies and groundbreaking events over a remarkable 23-year period. "I just enjoy seeing the new businesses and the businesses that are achieving a milestone," Allers explained about his dedication to celebrating community growth.
Allers has also demonstrated long-term commitment to community organizations through sustained service. He has been a member of the Sertoma Club for 44 years and served on the Fort Dodge Housing Agency Board for 26 years, showing his dedication to both civic engagement and affordable housing initiatives in the region.
Reflecting on his career and community involvement, Allers maintains a spiritual perspective on his work. "I really believe the Lord is guiding us all through this adventure of being an architect," he said, expressing how his faith influences his approach to both his professional practice and his extensive volunteer commitments that continue to benefit the Fort Dodge community.
