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PennDOT Southeastern Regional Traffic Management Center and Parking Garage recognized as Alternative Delivery Project of the Year (2022)
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) is proud to announce that the PennDOT District 6 Regional Traffic Management Center (RTMC), for which we served as the design team with design-builder Heim Construction, was recognized by March of Dimes as the Alternative Delivery Project of the year! The award was received by Louis Belmonte, on behalf of PennDOT District 6.
The Alternative Delivery Project of the Year Award recognizes exceptional projects that have been executed using alternative project delivery methods. In the case of the RTMC project, DGS and PennDOT agreed to use the Design-Build delivery method to economize on schedule, budget, and process. The award acknowledges this and highlights projects that have successfully implemented these alternative delivery methods while achieving outstanding results in terms of design, construction, cost management, and overall project success.
Photography by Todd Mason
The PennDOT District 6 Project is a 24/7 regional traffic management center (RTMC) that uses Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) to help manage and monitor traffic patterns as well as to improve the flow of traffic throughout the Philadelphia region. The new RTMC is an impressive and modern facility designed to prioritize safety and to improve traffic flows by using state-of-the-art technology, including advanced traffic management systems, ITS, and a network of cameras and sensors. The RTMC has been constructed to help leverage these technologies as the region’s roadway network is modified and improved in coming years.
Within the RTMC facility, there are dedicated staff members assigned to monitor live camera feeds as well as electronic traffic sensors, ensuring the accurate and timely reporting of crucial information to emergency services, local transportation agencies, and law enforcement. User amenities abound in the facility as next generation communication and control centers begin to reflect the ergonomic needs of the users who work long hours to protect the region’s drivers.
SCHRADERGROUP is proud to have been part of the Heim design-build team to develop this incredible project for PennDOT, DGS and for the region’s drivers.
To see more of our public safety projects, click here.
SCHRADERGROUP: Next-Generation Learning Environments Presented at A4LE NE Region Conference Talk & Tours
The A4LE Northeast Region Conference is an annual event bringing together professionals from the education and design communities to discuss innovative ideas, research, and best practice to create effective learning environments. The conference typically features keynote presentations, workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. This year, SCHRADERGROUP (SG) had the pleasure of attending and presenting our latest project, Upper Merion Area High School. SG also gave tours of UMAHS as well as other projects; Springfield High School, Enfield Elementary School, Phoenixville Area Early Learning Center/Manavon Elementary School.
David Schrader, SG’s managing partner, along with Superintendent of Schools, Dr. John Toleno and Building Principal Johnathan Bauer, presented a session titled “This is so meant for us! Student Focused Design to Inspire Personal Achievement, The Next Generation High School”. This session profiled a very unique learning environment constructed in King of Prussia, PA to support 21st Century learning styles. The building was designed to reflect current business model practices and provides opportunities across multiple grade levels for advanced course offerings and unique learning styles. The presentation also offered a comparison of students’ reflection on their learning experience in traditional post-industrial environments versus the learning spaces designed in the new facility centered around self-directed learning environments.
In addition to the presentation, SG provided tours of 4 of our schools for A4LE attendees. The schools that were toured included: Upper Merion Area High School, Springfield High School, Enfield Elementary School, Phoenixville Area Early Learning Center/Manavon Elementary School. You can read more about each school below.
Photography By Halkin Mason
Upper Merion Area High School offers students dedicated spaces for career exploration and advanced education, promoting 21st-century learning activities such as research, development, and presentation. The school is committed to providing students with state-of-the-art facilities and resources that support their academic and professional growth. These purpose-built spaces are specifically designed to facilitate research, encourage innovation and creativity, and enable students to effectively present their findings and projects. UMAHS recognizes the importance of preparing students for the evolving demands of the modern world, and its design reflects this commitment to fostering a dynamic learning environment.
Check out more information about Upper Merion Area High School here.
Photography By Halkin Mason
Springfield High School is strategically located within proximity to a significant portion of the town, thanks to the dense nature of this community. This intentional placement enables many residents to conveniently walk to the school. Furthermore, the design of the school reflects deep consideration for the community it serves. Every aspect of the school’s architecture and layout has been thoughtfully planned to align with the needs and values of the surrounding community. By keeping the community in mind throughout the design process, Springfield High School aims to foster a strong sense of connection and collaboration between the school and its residents. This facility was designed in partnership with Perkins and Will Architects.
Check out more information about Springfield High School here.
Photography By Halkin Mason
Enfield Elementary School is thoughtfully designed to cater to the needs of young learners, creating a welcoming community atmosphere that focuses on both public and academic spaces. The school’s layout revolves around a serene courtyard, symbolically embracing the children and fostering an optimal outdoor learning environment. Surrounding this peaceful central area, classroom wings are strategically placed to enhance the overall learning experience.
Check out more information about Enfield Elementary School here.
Photography By Matt Wargo
Phoenixville Area Early Learning Center and Manavon Elementary School have been purposefully designed to accommodate two distinct grade structures, following a unique “school within a school” format. The ELC is dedicated to nurturing and educating students in grades K-1, providing them with a specialized learning environment tailored to their early educational needs. On the other hand, the ES focuses on grades 2-5, offering a comprehensive curriculum and resources specifically designed to meet the developmental requirements of older elementary students. This innovative design ensures that each grade structure receives the appropriate educational support and fosters an optimal learning experience for all students.
Check out more information about Phoenixville Area Early Learning Center and Manavon Elementary School here.
If you want to learn more about SG, be sure to follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. To see our latest projects, please visit our website sgarc.com
Congratulations to Upper Merion Area High School for gracing the front cover of Learning By Design’s Spring 2023 issue.
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) is proud to once again announce that our completed project, Upper Merion Area School District’s Upper Merion Area High School, has been recognized as an Outstanding Project in Learning By Design’s Spring 2023 Educational Facilities Design Awards. We are excited to have another SG project recognized as an award-winning facility for its Next Generation Learning space design and planning.
Learning By Design is a prestigious publication that recognizes outstanding educational design and construction projects. They evaluate facilities based on innovation, community needs, interior design, sustainability, functional design, and next-generation learning. Published three times a year, the magazine showcases top K-12 and higher education projects and architecture firms.
We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to collaborate with Upper Merion Area School District (UMASD) and showcase their exceptional facility in this issue. Our ongoing relationship with this remarkable School District, which prioritizes providing cutting-edge education and facilities to the community’s students, is something we are grateful for.
The purpose of this facility is to offer UMASD students’ career-oriented and higher education-level spaces where they can actively participate in 21st-century learning activities focused on “research, develop, and present!” We extensively researched and incorporated multiple contemporary higher education spaces into the development of this distinctive facility.
The 345,000 SF facility seamlessly integrates with the existing middle school, connecting through athletic and performance arts components. This expanded facility offers enriching opportunities for students spanning from 6th grade to 12th grade.
The facility includes a central “student commons,” serving as a versatile space for various activities throughout the day. It features a two-story open area with learning resources on the second level, alongside dining options.
You can view the Spring 2023 issue of Learning By Design here. You can find the Upper Merion Area High School entry on page 86!
If you’d like to learn even more about the Upper Merion Area High School, click here.
SCHRADERGROUP Committed to Student Engagement and Mentorship to the Architectural Design Community at PSU
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) has consistently demonstrated its unwavering support and continues to express commitment to both Pennsylvania State University (PSU) and the architectural design community within it. Some of the ways that SG provides opportunities and community engagement with the architectural design students at PSU includes career fairs, internship opportunities, alumni speaking engagements, and more.
Here are some of SG’s most recent experiences:
PSU Spring Career Day
Photography by Natasha Kravchenko
The Stuckeman School had its 37th annual Career Day hosted alongside the University’s “Spring Career Days” at the Bryce Jordan Center. The SG team was represented by Jeremy Ross (PSU Class of 2016), Paige Faria (PSU Class of 2018), and Jillian Kreglow (PSU Class of 2021). The SG team spoke to many curious design students about SG as a firm, our projects, and our internship opportunities.
Photography by Natasha Kravchenko
SG is always thrilled to catch up with familiar faces, meet up-and-coming designers, and network with talented colleagues. The Stuckeman School Career Day is an annual event that allows professional firms to interact directly with PSU’s award-winning students. This year, 90 architectural offices attended and over 230 students attended the fair. This exciting event provides students with an opportunity to network and explore potential career fields in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Graphic Design. SG has a diverse team of talented employees, some of whom are also graduates of the Penn State Stuckeman School.
Another example of SG at PSU recently includes our Architectural Designer Paige Faria speaking about her current experience working at SG.
“10 Things I Wish I Knew or Did Differently”
Photography by Natasha Kravchenko
Paige Faria, PSU alumni of 2018, presented with the PSU Architecture Alumni Group (AAG) their “10 Things I Wish I Knew or Did Differently” at the Stuckeman Family Building Jury Space. The presentation covered lessons learned over many years of combined professional experience in the architecture field by PSU AAG.
The PSU AAG provides a connection with alumni to promote interaction between alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends for the benefit and ongoing improvement of the PSU Architecture department. The PSU AAG board of directors acts as an informal advisory group to the PSU Architecture department. Paige Faria serves on the board as the communications committee chair, keeping alumni updated on current events via social media, newsletters, and more.
The discussion included insights such as ‘putting failure into context’, ‘professional practice is not just a class’, ‘invest in your internship’ and more. Students participated in a discussion afterward and were able to meet up with alumni one-on-one for further insight.
Some of the other speakers include alumni Alex Donahue (B.Arch ’12, M.Arch II ’13), Kyrie Martin (B.Arch ’15), Daniel Lopatka (B.Arch ’22), Matthew Graham (B. Arch ’12), and LewYong Gerbrandt (M.Arch I ’22).
To learn more about the PSU AAG, please visit this site.
Photography by Natasha Kravchenko
SG is always grateful for the opportunity to connect with the future graduates of PSU and the design community. We look forward to continuing to engage with the future architectural designers at PSU!
If you want to learn more, be sure to follow SG on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. To see our latest projects, please visit our website sgarc.com
SCHRADERGROUP is Ranked Nationally in Building Design + Construction Magazine’s 2017 Giant 300 Report Issue!
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) is excited to be ranked #46 in Building Design + Construction Magazine’s Top 90 K-12 Architecture Firms and is also ranked #22 in the Top 25 Data Center Architecture Firms (Nationally) in their 2017 Giants 300 Report issue. Building Design + Construction Magazine is an award winning magazine that provides the daily news, trends and more for Architects, Engineers, and Contractors.
Building Design + Construction’s Top 90 K-12 Architecture Firm article can be found here.
The Top 25 Data Center Architecture Firm ranking can be found here.
The whole magazine issue can be found here.
SCHRADERGROUP Earns an Outstanding Project Award for the Learning by Design 2017 Fall Awards of Excellence Issue
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) is excited to announce that the Upper Merion Area School District School, Gulph Elementary School, was chosen for an Outstanding Project Award in the Fall Awards of Excellence issue of Learning by Design.
SG developed designs for two new elementary schools in the Upper Merion Area School District. The new schools will replace the existing Caley Elementary School and Gulph Elementary School facilities, which were originally constructed in the 1960’s and no longer accommodate the District’s enrollment or educational program.
The proposed school programs encompass 83,279 SF and 95,538 SF respectively, and, in the interest of parity between the two buildings and their respective student populations, each will include a prototypical wing that houses the kindergarten learning node, dining area, gym, stage, music department, support spaces, and administration offices. Due to the complex site boundary and grade conditions present at the Gulph Road location, site specific design responses were developed for the classroom wings.
Classrooms wings are structured as groupings of grade appropriate classrooms with learning support, faculty spaces and team work areas. Each set of grade clusters is then oriented around the two-story open Learning Resource and STEAM Center. The classroom clusters connect to the Learning Resource Center through a grand Learning Stair which doubles as a mini auditorium space for the building.
Following an extensive Master Planning process lead by SG, the design team developed a series of programming and design workshops that included members from the school community, the community at large and current students.
The issue of Learning by Design (linked here) is available October 1, 2017 and check out the article on Gulph Elementary School (linked here) that received the Outstanding Project Award.
Mill Creek ES Selected as Outstanding Design
Mill Creek Elementary School, Levittown, Pennsylvania has been selected to appear as an Outstanding Design in the 2017 American School & University Educational Interiors Showcase, the premier competition honoring education interiors excellence.