He retired on Dec. 31, 2025.

At that time he closed Allers Associates Architects, the firm he founded and was president of for more than 46 years.

In announcing his retirement, Allers said his passion has been helping clients with their design needs and mentoring people entering the profession.

He thanked his clients and team members of his company for their support and encouragement.

-Messenger file photo by Britt Kudla
Terry Allers, of Allers Associates Architects, has spent a lifetime designing buildings. He and his firm have completed roughly 2,000 projects since he first opened for business in 1979.

He came to Fort Dodge in 1970 to work for the Griffith architectural firm, which has since closed.

In 1979, he went into business for himself, working at first from his home on the city’s north side.

That move began the 46 year history of his business, Allers Associates Architects, which was located downtown in the Wells Fargo Building.

The first project he designed after starting his own business was an education wing added to the west side of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on 21st Avenue North.

He and his firm have completed about 2,000 projects since then. The project list includes schools, hospitals, churches, financial institutions, early childhood centers, offices and homes.

“We have a variety of building types we have worked with,” he said.

He is proud of the fact that his business had 107 “repeat clients” that have turned to Allers Associates Architects for more than one building project.

Allers represented seven Midwestern states on the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, which produces standards for architectural training. He was a member of the board for seven years before serving as its president in 2019-2020.

He was also honored by being named to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects.

He received the Catalyst Award from the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance in 2012. In 2025, he was named the alliance’s Ambassador of the Year for consistently attending ribbon-cutting and ground-breaking ceremonies over the course of 23 years.

Away from work, he has been a member of the Sertoma Club for 44 years.

He served on the Fort Dodge Housing Agency Board for 26 years. He has also served on the boards of the Development Corporation of Greater Fort Dodge, Main Street Fort Dodge, YMCA, Trinity Regional Hospital Foundation and Citizens Community Credit Union.