Category: Awards
School District of Springfield Township, Enfield K-2 Early Learning Center Recognized for Outstanding Design by American School & University’s 2021 Educational Interiors Showcase
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) is proud to announce that our recently completed project, the School District of Springfield Township’s Enfield K-2 Early Learning Center, has been recognized by yet another publication for its unique design aspects.
This time, the Enfield K-2 Early Learning Center was recognized by American School & University (AS&U) Magazine’s Educational Interiors Showcase as an “Outstanding Design” in the Cafeteria / Food-Service Areas category.
American School and University (AS&U) is a magazine dedicated to the planning, design, construction, retrofit, operations, maintenance and management of education facilities. It is intended to showcase the latest trends, technologies and strategies that are driving educational facilities and the market.
AS&U honors educational design projects each year through multiple design competitions. One of these competitions is the Education Interiors Showcase, the premier competition honoring education interiors excellence. SG is honored to have the dining space of this unique facility recognized by this year’s showcase.
The Enfield K-2 Early Learning Center’s dining facility has two internal entrances from the main lobby and the learning stairs corridor (which leads to the classroom wings,) as well as an outside entrance directly adjacent to the bus drop off. The cafeteria has a partition separating it from the gymnasium that opens to allow for a larger space for performances, assemblies and after-school community events. This also allows the space to become accessible for public use with entry from the exterior after school hours.
Intentionally located directly adjacent to the outdoor recess area, students rotate from lunch in the dining space to outdoor play. Whether coming in for lunch from their classroom or after recess, handwashing stations allow for multiple students to wash their hands at a time. This has become critically useful during the pandemic to promote healthy hygiene.
The kitchen is also uniquely designed for this age group as an amenity to the dining commons. The serving line is on the same floor level as the cafeteria for the proper height for young students to navigate their trays. On the kitchen side of the serving line, the floor level is dropped in elevation so the adult staff can serve the students at a level of comfort relative to their height. Another attribute to the space is the ability to accommodate social distancing in this large flexible space.
SG is excited to have yet another feature recognized for this exciting project. We have thoroughly enjoyed working with the School District of Springfield Township (SDST) and are honored to have this wonderful facility featured in this issue.
You can view the Education Interiors Showcase issue here.
Learn more about the Enfield K-2 Early Learning Center here.
SG is proud to have partnered with Springfield Township School District. Learn more about this amazing school district here.
SCHRADERGROUP Attends the Enfield Elementary School Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the School District of Springfield Township
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) recently attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Enfield Elementary School for the School District of Springfield Township (SDST) in Erdenheim, PA on May 21st. The event commemorated the completion of the school district’s newest facility. Enfield Elementary School is a state-of-the-art K-2 Early Learning Center designed to support the school’s unique learning curriculum specifically designed for this young age group.
Several design team members represented the SG team at the event, joining SDST staff, faculty, students, local community members, and D’Huy Engineering Construction Managers, all of whom were gathered to celebrate the new facility’s completion.
The morning’s events began with reflections on the project from former Superintendent Dr. Nancy Hacker and former Principal Dr. Catherine Van Vooren, both of whom were instrumental in formulating the vision and in working with the design team from the early project conception and throughout the design. David Schrader presented Dr. Hacker, the School Board, and the School District of Springfield Township with the Spring 2021 Learning by Design Award for Outstanding Project, further recognizing this achievement.
Current Superintendent Dr. MaryJo Yannacone provided comments and then current Principal Dr. Meghan Markle noted that this new facility will help nurture the students to be “creative, caring and curious” young learners. She then proudly introduced a representative from each Enfield Elementary School grade level to say a few words on what they liked about their school. One young man from first grade remarked that the best thing about the school is that his older sister was jealous that he was able to attend the school and that she couldn’t, followed by the second-grade representative who closed her comments noting the school was “Spectacular!”. The ceremony concluded with the ribbon cutting pictured below to officially dedicate the opening of the school.
Following the ceremony, a library dedication and tree dedication were held, both dedicating plaques to community members involved with the District. An outdoor luncheon finished off the festivities for the day.
SG is honored to be a part of such a significant project for the District. We are grateful to have the opportunity to support the School District of Springfield Township and are proud of this new facility dedicated to the District’s youngest learners.
SG would also like to express our gratitude to the entire team for their contributions to the design and construction of this amazing school. Thank you to D’Huy Engineering, Snyder Hoffman Associates, Renew Design Group, Lobar Inc., Boro Construction, Philips Brothers, and Stan-Roch Plumbing.
Learn more about this exciting project here.
Learn more about the School District of Springfield Township here.
School District of Springfield Township, Enfield K-2 Early Learning Center Recognized as Outstanding Project in Learning By Design’s Spring 2021 Issue
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) is proud to announce that our recently completed project, the School District of Springfield Township’s Enfield K-2 Early Learning Center, has been recognized as an Outstanding Project in Learning By Design’s Spring 2021 issue.
Each year, Learning By Design showcases the very best in the educational design and construction market. The award-winning magazine is published three times a year and regularly recognizes the nation’s top K-12 and higher education projects and architecture firms.
SG is excited to have yet another project featured in this prestigious magazine. We have thoroughly enjoyed working with the School District of Springfield Township (SDST) and are honored to have this wonderful facility featured in this issue.
Faced with a growing population and following studies of potential options, SDST elected to create a new Early Learning Center for grades K-2 for their district. SCHRADERGROUP worked with the District and community to create this 105,000 SF facility nestled into a sloping site with a courtyard in the center. The learning resource center and STEAM program is located at the core of the facility and the evening public-use spaces are to the front. The academic clusters radiate from the learning resource center around the courtyard. Creative configuration of the classroom clusters allows the building to climb the hillside of the site while including a quiet contemplative courtyard nestled into the classroom clusters. The courtyard is designed to enhance outdoor learning opportunities.
The exterior material and building masses are residential in character to work with the surrounding neighborhood. Colors, building heights and masses, and rooflines are all carefully calibrated to reduce the scale of the facility from all street views.
You can view the Spring 2021 issue of Learning By Design here.
Learn more about the Enfield K-2 Early Learning Center here. The ribbon cutting ceremony for the new facility will take place later this month!
SG is proud to have partnered with Springfield Township School District. Learn more about this amazing school district here.
SCHRADERGROUP Ranked in Architectural Record’s Top 300 Architecture Firms of 2020
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) is proud to have been ranked #274 in Architectural Record’s Top 300 U.S. Architecture Firms of 2020.
Architectural Record is a monthly publication dedicated to architecture and interior design. Their yearly Top 300 lists are ranked by revenue for architectural services performed in 2019.
This is the first year SG has made this prestigious list, and we look forward to moving up in the rankings in the future!
Learn more about SG’s projects here.
View Architectural Record’s Top 300 U.S. Architecture Firms of 2020 here.
SCHRADERGROUP Ranked in Building Design+Construction Magazine’s 2020 Giants 400 Report
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) is proud to have been ranked in nine categories in Building Design+Construction Magazine’s 2020 Giants 400 Report. Most notably, SG has ranked in the top 100 firms for six categories: Top Architecture/Engineering Firms, Schools, Public Safety, Sports Facilities, University Facilities and Local Government Buildings.
The BD+C 2020 Giants 400 Report ranks the nation’s largest architecture and engineering firms in commercial construction, by revenue and market segment. More than 480 architecture, engineering and construction firms participated in this year’s annual report with 130 rankings across 25 building sectors and specialty categories.
SCHRADERGROUP ranked #85 in the Top Architecture/ Engineering Firms category, #49 in Schools (PK-12, public, private, charter, military), #46 in Public Safety/ Justice Facilities, #89 in Sports Facilities/ Stadiums/ Recreational Facilities, #91 in University/ College Facilities and #89 in Local Government Buildings.
Learn more about SG’s projects here.
View the BD+C 2020 Giants 400 Report here.
Recapping 2020: SCHRADERGROUP’S 16TH Year
2020 was quite a year. A year filled with challenges endured by all. We learned to live with new norms and learned how to adjust to dramatic changes not only in the workplace, but in everyday life as well.
But with these challenging times comes a chance to seize opportunities, continue growth and show our commitment to our clients, partners and the community. The SCHRADERGROUP (SG) team is grateful for all of the opportunities and experiences we have been able to participate in the past year (yes, that includes virtually), and would like to take the time to reflect on all that was accomplished in 2020.
While the SG team had participated in many events for this year, we have responded to all social distancing guidelines and appropriate pandemic responses.
The SCHRADERGROUP Team
2020 marks SCHRADERGROUP’s sixteenth anniversary…
SCHRADERGROUP was established on April 15, 2004. Since then, SG has been recognized both regionally and nationally for functional and dynamic design that offers the highest degree of service to the user, responds to and respects both the built and natural environment, and demonstrates inspired aesthetics.
New location…
SG started off 2020 by opening a new office location in Raleigh, North Carolina. With existing offices in Philadelphia, Lancaster and Baltimore, SG is now more committed than ever to providing dedicated academic and public safety design to all our long-standing clients across the country, as well as welcoming additional opportunities in the North Carolina region.
Keeping our community safe…
As the COVID-19 pandemic initially caused a severe shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) back in April, members of the SG team worked with Cornell University in their “Operation PPE” effort to provide protective gear for medical professionals. Sets of 3D printed face visors were paired with laser-cut shields and shipped to Mercy Catholic Medical Center in West Philadelphia.
Community Engagement
SG celebrated project initiations by attending several groundbreaking ceremonies…
SG marked the beginning of construction of the Upper Merion Area School District’s (UMASD) new High School project with a Groundbreaking Ceremony. The 345,000 SF new facility connects the existing middle school through the athletic facilities creating a full secondary campus. The project was the result of a community-engaged master planning process and two successful UMASD elementary school projects.
In August, SG attended the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) District 6-0 Regional Traffic Management Center (RTMC) and Parking Structure project. Designed to achieve a LEED Silver rating, the 2-story, 44,000 SF facility will expand PennDOT’s capabilities and enhance operations. The project is scheduled for completion in September 2022.
Managing Partner David Schrader joined Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney and Philadelphia Community College president Dr. Donald Generals in the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the College’s new Career and Advanced Technology Center. The center will provide high-quality academic, career and technical programs to generate a thriving work force for the city’s transportation, manufacturing and healthcare fields. The facility is scheduled to open in 2022.
East Pennsboro Area School District – West Creek Hills Elementary School & East Pennsboro Elementary School – Renovations
Hazelton Area School District – Eight Elementary/Middle Schools – Media Center/Classroom RenovationsIn tune with our mission of community involvement, SG participated in the following events…
Following the district-wide facility assessment of Great Valley School District’s facilities, and just prior to the pandemic, SG supported a community workshop where participants commented on what they considered the main priorities for the district. The results of the workshop process were instrumental in developing a district plan for the next five to ten years.
Managing Partner David Schrader (PSU Class of 1991) and SG team members Eric Weiss (PSU Class of 2013) and Paige Geldrich (PSU Class of 2018) attended Pennsylvania State University’s 34th annual Stuckeman School Career Day in February, just prior to the pandemic. This day allows students a chance to network and explore careers in the fields of architecture, landscape architecture and graphic design. The SG team has participated in PSU’s Opportunities Week for years now, and always welcomes the opportunity to connect with future PSU graduates, other university graduates, and future architects.
The SCHRADERGROUP team attended two charity golf outings this year, the North Penn School District Educational Foundation’s 19th Annual Golf Classic and the Springfield Area Educational Foundation Annual Charity Golf Outing. SG is always looking for opportunities to assist in raising charitable funds for local school districts and is proud to support organizations that are committed to enriching the education and lives of students.Presenting to the community…
In November, SCHRADERGROUP participated in two virtual presentations for local school district classes informing students of the architectural processes involved in our projects.
SG Project Manager Dan D’Amico presented to Upper Merion Area School District’s School Board and community a video update on the High School construction project. He then went on to show the presentation to a tech class at the High School, providing students a chance to see the site plan, floor plan and renderings. You can view this presentation here.
Managing Partner David Schrader co-hosted a presentation to a class in Council Rock School District’s High School North in November as well. The presentation focused on green building and was hosted with CRSD Director of Operations Doug Taylor.
SG’s commitment to design and sustainability for the next generation will not cease because of the current pandemic. We plan to continue our dedication to educational facilities and the community that use them into the new year, whether those activities can be done safely in person or virtually.
Conferences + Events
The SG team made exciting new connections at various conferences and events this year…
SCHRADERGROUP attended various virtual conferences this year in lieu of the usual in-person events.
The SG team attended the PASBO Facilities, Transportation & Safety conference this year. This conference looks into three critical areas in school business: Facility Management, Student Transportation and School Safety.
Managing Partner David Schrader and Senior Project Manager Danielle Hoffer, along with Upper Merion Area School District Administrative Team Dr. John Toleno and Jonathan Bauer, hosted a virtual presentation at the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) Annual Conference in November.
Additionally, SG Principal Harry Pettoni attended the North Carolina Sheriff’s Association Fall meeting in Carteret County, NC in November. The NCSA conference allows sheriffs and deputies to come together to talk about key issues facing law enforcement agencies across the state. The conference followed all CDC guidelines.
Awards + Recognition
SCHRADERGROUP is proud to announce the following awards we have received in 2020…
SG is honored to earn a ranking once again in the Engineering News-Record (ENR) Mid-Atlantic’s Top Design Firms list for 2020. We share this honor with all of our dedicated clients and partners whose continued commitment made this #96 ranking possible. You can view the full list here.
We are also proud to announce that SG has ranked in 9 categories in Building Design+Construction Magazine’s 2020 Giants 400 Report. SCHRADERGROUP ranked #85 in the Top Architecture/Engineering Firms category, #49 in Schools, #46 in Public Safety Facilities, #89 in Sports Facilities, #91 in University/College Facilities and #89 in Local Government Buildings. You can view the full list here.
SG is equally proud of the recognition for the following projects this year…
SG celebrated with the Council Rock School District (CRSD), D’Huy Engineering and Breslin Ridyard Fadero Architects at the official presentation of LEED Gold Plaques for CRSD’s Holland Middle School and Newtown Middle School projects. SG designed Holland Middle School while Breslin Ridyard Fadero Architects designed Newtown Middle School. The two teams worked in tandem to design these facilities at the same time in order to create a level of educational parity and similar aesthetics within the two facilities. CRSD, with D’Huy Engineering’s guidance, was able to secure an ACE grant for both projects.
CRSD’s Holland Middle School was also recognized as an Outstanding Project by Spring issue of Learning by Design. The issue shows what can be achieved with a complete addition and renovation to transform a 1970’s middle school into a 21st century learning environment. You can view this issue here.See SG in the news as well!
Looking to 2021 + Beyond
We thank you for all of the experiences we have had during 2020 and are excited for more opportunities in the new year!
Wishing you, your families and loved ones a Happy, Healthy New Year!
From all of us at
SCHRADERGROUP Ranks #96 on ENR Mid-Atlantic’s Top Design Firms 2020 List
SCHRADERGROUP ranks #96 on Engineering News-Record (ENR) Mid-Atlantic’s Top Design Firms list of 2020. This list ranks the largest Mid-Atlantic-based design firms, both publicly and privately held, based on design revenue. SCHRADERGROUP is proud to note that the firm’s ranking moved from #100 in 2019 to #96 for this year.
The SCHRADERGROUP team recognizes that we share this tremendous success with our clients and our partners. The team is humbled by the continued dedication of those same clients to their projects even during these challenging times. We thank our clients and look forward to a bright future filled with creating improved environments for living, learning, working and recreating.
View ENR Mid-Atlantic’s Top Design Firms 2020 List here.
Holland Middle School Recognized for Outstanding Project Category in Learning by Design’s Spring 2020 Issue
Learning by Design’s Spring 2020 Issue recognizes Council Rock School District’s Holland Middle School project as an Outstanding Project. The Spring 2020 issue, released on April 1, features 67 recently completed educational facility design and construction projects.
Learning by Design is, “…the premier source for education design and innovation excellence. Published three times each year in April, June and October, this prestigious magazine recognizes the nation’s preeminent architectural firms by publishing outstanding pre-K to 12 and college/university projects.”
The issue shows the transformed exterior and interior indicating, “what can be achieved with a complete addition and renovation to transform a 1970s middle school into a 21st-century learning environment.” The project added approximately 44,000 SF to the current building footprint for a total of 184,000 SF. The existing building was gutted and completely renovated.
The Holland Middle School Project has achieved LEED Gold certification and it received a Pennsylvania ACE (Alternative and Clean Energy) program grant.
View Learning by Design’s Spring 2020 Digital Issue here.
Learn more about CRSD’s Holland Middle School here.
SCHRADERGROUP Ranked in Building Design + Construction’s 2019 Giants 300 Report
SCHRADERGROUP is proud to have been ranked #50 on the Nation’s Top 140 K-12 School Sector Architect in the Building Design and Construction (BD+C) 2019 Giants 300 Report. In that same magazine, SCHRADERGROUP was ranked #96 overall of the Top 150 Architecture Engineering firms.
The BD+C 2019 Giants 300 Report ranks the nation’s largest architecture and engineering firms in commercial construction, by revenue and market segment. More than 485 architecture, engineering and construction firms participated in this year’s annual ranking of Architecture and Engineering firms.
View the Top 140 K-12 School Sector Architecture rankings here.
View the rankings of the overall Top 150 Architecture Engineering firms in the nation here.
Holland Middle School Receives Outstanding Project Recognition in Learning by Design Fall 2019 Issue
Council Rock School District (CRSD)’s Holland Middle School renovation project has been featured in Learning by Design’s Fall 2019 Issue, receiving recognition as an Outstanding Project.
Learning by Design is, “…the premier source for education design and innovation excellence. Published three times each year in April, June and October, this prestigious magazine recognizes the nation’s preeminent architectural firms by publishing outstanding pre-K to 12 and college/university projects.”
The Issue highlights the Holland Middle School project’s renovation and features images of the transformed exterior and interior. Images display it’s dynamic, sustainable features designed to reflect 21st-century learning styles. The renovation project added approximately 44,000 SF to the current building footprint for a total of 184,000 SF.
The Holland Middle School Project has achieved LEED Gold certification.
Learn more about CRSD’s sustainable facility here.