Category: News
SCHRADERGROUP Welcomes a New Structural Engineer to the Team!
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) is thrilled to announce the newest member to join our team! Please help us welcome Structural Engineer Hugo Li, PE!
Hugo Li, PE
Structural Engineer
Pennsylvania State University – Bachelor of Architectural Engineering + Integrated Master of Architectural Engineering
Hugo is a Pennsylvania State University graduate with an integrated bachelor’s and master’s degree in Architectural Engineering. As a registered engineer with over ten years of experience in structural engineering, Hugo has the ability to lead the design process from start to finish, can handle multiple designs at once, and can set priorities and establish deadlines in order to successfully manage complex projects.
Hugo’s comprehensive code knowledge, expertise in structural forensics, and impressive structural engineering software abilities allow him to develop complex details and drawings. His interpersonal skills working with clients and consultants, combined with his excellent writing and verbal skills, give him the ability to work through all phases of a project while establishing effective working relationships with clients and consultants.
Hugo is passionate about working on interesting projects and looks forward to working with the team using the creative problem solving we at SCHRADERGROUP are known for. Looking to the future, Hugo hopes to grow the engineering sector in our Philadelphia office and hopes to manage a team of engineers one day. In his free time, Hugo enjoys solving puzzles, playing chess, listening to music, and building various things such as furniture and computers.
Welcome Hugo! We are thrilled to have you join the SG team! We look forward to a future of successful projects, and growth both professionally and personally!
Interested in working with us? Visit our Careers page to see what opportunities are available at SG here.
Happy Holidays from SCHRADERGROUP!
Happy Holidays to our Valued Clients, Collaborators, & Friends
The SCHRADERGROUP family would like to extend the warmest season’s greetings to all of our valued clients, collaborators, and friends. As another year draws to a close, we look back and are reminded of the significance of our mission: Inspiring our communities with responsive, innovative, and sustainable architecture created through client-driven, collaborative practice.
We feel both fortunate and thankful for the relationships we have formed over the years with all of our clients, collaborators, and team members. These important relationships are the cornerstone of our work, as it guides our designs toward creating dynamic and functional environments where people can work, grow, and prosper.
As a token of our appreciation for your support, the SG team has developed a recipe book for you to use during the upcoming holiday season and beyond. We hope you share it with your families, friends, and loved ones for years to come.
Please click on the image below to view and download the SG Recipe Book now!
Best wishes and Happy New Year!
Be sure to follow SG on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter for updates on all things SCHRADERGROUP!
SCHRADERGROUP Gives Thanks
As we approach the end of another year, Thanksgiving is the perfect time for the SCHRADERGROUP team to reflect upon the continuous support and opportunities given to us by all of you. We would like to extend our sincerest thanks to our partners, clients, peers, friends, families, and communities for the support. You are the reason we do what we do.
For every chance you have given us, we remember and are committed to bringing the value, quality, and inspiration of which every project is worthy. We thank you for helping us prosper in our mission of inspiring communities with responsive, innovative, and sustainable architecture created through client-driven, collaborative practice. So again, the SG team is grateful and gives our thanks to to you all for our continued success.
Everyone here at SCHRADERGROUP would like to thank you for all of the adventures we have shared this year and we wish you and your family a happy and safe Thanksgiving.
Best wishes from all of us at,
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School District of Springfield Township’s Enfield K-2 Early Learning Center Recognized as an Outstanding Project in Learning By Design’s Fall 2021 Issue
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) is happy to announce that our School District of Springfield Township’s Enfield K-2 Early Learning Center project has received an Outstanding Project Award from Learning By Design Magazine for their Fall 2021 Architectural and Interior Design Awards of Excellence Showcase.
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.
“This early elementary school is warm and welcoming, with a great exterior design to draw children in. Transparency to the outdoors as well as between spaces adds more life and interaction. The overall vibe of the interiors is one of cool and clean simplicity with subtlety rich detailing of naturally hued materials,” said one of the jurors for the panel about Enfield K-2 Early Learning Center.
SG is proud to have another project featured in this prestigious magazine. We would like to thank the School District of Springfield Township (SDST) and all our collaborators and consultants for their help in making this project a reality. We are thrilled to have this great facility featured in this showcase.
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 the 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 Fall 2021 Architectural and Interior Design Awards of Excellence issue of Learning By Design here.
Learn more about the Enfield K-2 Early Learning Center here.
SG is proud to have partnered with Springfield Township School District on this and other great projects. Learn more about this wonderful school district here.
SCHRADERGROUP Attends the A4LE LearningSCAPES 2021 Conference in Denver, Colorado
Members of the SCHRADERGROUP (SG) team recently traveled to Denver, Colorado to attend the annual Association for Leaning Environments (A4LE) LearningSCAPES Conference from October 14th to the 17th at the Colorado Convention Center.
For decades, the LearningSCAPES conference has allowed educators, policymakers, planners, and design professionals from across the globe to experience the cutting edge of new educational design. The conference offers world-class educational sessions and inspiring keynote speakers who dive into best practices for creating effective learning environments for future generations.
Themes explored during the conference included the recent disruptive forces surrounding the global pandemic, social injustice, and economic stresses that have made the need for holistic and radical change more visible.
This year’s conference explored the idea of “Disruptive Optimism” and delved into the disruptive forces at play around the world, the positive opportunities they represent, and the actions we must take to create an optimistic and more effective future. The conference allowed members from around the world to converse about educational visions, connect through experiences and discoveries, and exchange expertise about next generation learning environments and their evolving needs.
The first day of the conference included six tours of various Pre-K to Higher Education schools and facilities in the areas surrounding Denver. Each facility offered attendees the chance to experience the latest and greatest in educational facility design. We would like to thank Boulder Valley School District, the University of Colorado Boulder, the University of Denver, Cherry Creek School District, Douglas County School District, and Littleton Public Schools for welcoming us into their wonderful schools and facilities!
Information sessions included presentations such as “Social/Emotional Learning through Curriculum and School Design,” “Designing Schools for Parental Engagement,” and “Engineering the Future Leaders of Our Community,” just to name a few.
Established in 1921, A4LE is a non-profit association whose sole mission is improving the places where children learn. They believe that facilities impact the learning, development, and behavior of the user, the planning process is essential for quality facilities, sharing and networking improves the planning process, and that there is a standard by which to measure this success.
SCHRADERGROUP exhibited the new Upper Merion Area High School project in the exhibition hall during the conference. The team is proud to have had this opportunity to showcase this project amongst the other incredible work on display.
SCHRADERGROUP was also proud to be a Pewter Sponsor for the conference and is always happy to support a great organization like A4LE. We are, and have been, proud sponsors of A4LE’s great annual expositions. To learn more about A4LE, click here. To learn more about the LearningSCAPES Conference, click here.
To learn more about SCHRADERGROUP’s commitment to creating 21st Century learning environments, click here.
SCHRADERGROUP Celebrates Associates!
The SCHRADERGROUP (SG) team recently held a strategy planning retreat at the Hotel Palomar in Center City Philadelphia. The entire SG team from each office met in person for the first time together since the start of the pandemic for a firm development event with the goal of planning for the future success of the company.
A highlight of the day was the announcement of new company leadership (which actually took effect in 2020, but could not be publicly recognized due to the pandemic). The Associate role recognizes individuals who have exhibited leadership and who have made significant contributions to the growth of the firm.
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- Office Manager Regina Jean-Claude
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- Project Manager Dan D’Amico
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- Project Manager Devin Bradbury
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- Senior Project Manger Danielle Hoffer
Four SG employees were elevated to the position of Associate at the retreat: Office Manager Regina Jean-Claude, Senior Project Manager Danielle Hoffer, and Project Managers Dan D’Amico and Devin Bradbury. Please join us in recognizing the accomplishments of these individuals next time you see them!
To learn more about SG, our team, and the work that we do, please click here.
SCHRADERGROUP Construction Progress – Summer 2021, Part 2
Now that summer has come to an end, a few SG projects are wrapping up while construction continues on many others. A few of the construction projects currently underway include the additions and renovations to Knapp Elementary School for the North Penn School District, the demolition of the existing Springfield High School and construction of new athletic facilities for the new high school, the new PennDOT District 6.0 Regional Traffic Management Center, the new Upper Merion Area High School, additions and renovations to two School District of Philadelphia Schools, Anne Frank Elementary School and Benjamin Franklin Middle School, the new Career and Advanced Technology Center for the Community College of Philadelphia, and additions and renovations to two Council Rock School District Schools, Hilcrest Elementary School and Sol Feinstone Elementary School, among others.
North Penn School District – Knapp Elementary School, Additions and Renovations
In Lansdale, PA, a phased plan for additions and renovations to Knapp Elementary School is underway. This project has a complex phasing schedule in place so that classes can remain uninterrupted as the school year begins.
The first phases of the project included classroom renovations, many of which are complete. The remaining classroom renovations are underway at various stages.
The renovations to the core of the building, including the new entry, cafeteria, and LGI are ongoing. Steel and glulam beams are fully installed in all of these spaces. An important milestone, the completion of the main entrance, is fast approaching. This addition will act as the connector for the two parts of the school while the renovations to the core are underway. The students will be using the gymnasium as a temporary cafeteria this fall.
Springfield School District – Springfield High School, Existing High School Demolition, Visitor Side Bleacher, and Athletic Fields
In Springfield, PA, demolition work is speeding up. The existing Springfield High School is substantially demolished, the stone retaining wall construction is ongoing, and lot paving has begun for parking. After the completion of the existing high school’s demolition, work will begin on new athletic fields, turf fields, and tennis courts where the original school stood.
The visitor side bleacher construction is progressing and is expected to be completed in time for the first home football game at the new high school and stadium.
Department of General Services – PennDOT District 6.0 Regional Traffic Management Center (RTMC)
In King of Prussia, PA, concrete slab placement at the new Regional Traffic Management Center has been completed on each floor. Waterproofing of the concrete footings is complete, the underground plumbing has been installed, and the steel column baseplates are in place.
The site retaining wall is complete, as is the majority of steel and decking. CMU installation in ongoing and interior metal stud framing has begun.
Upper Merion Area School District – New Upper Merion Area High School
Moving on down the road in King of Prussia, construction of the new Upper Merion Area High School continues. Structural steel framing for the major spaces is ongoing while the exterior envelope starts to give the building its form. Masons have been busy with brick work and CMU walls.
As concrete slabs are completed throughout the facility, MEP rough-in work continues closely behind. Activity on site recently picked up as carpenters started on the interior partitions.
Now that the underground tunnel is complete, the gym and pool areas are getting footings and foundations started.
School District of Philadelphia – Anne Frank Elementary School, Additions and Renovation
In Philadelphia, construction has moved quickly at Anne Frank Elementary School, with the addition complete in time for the new school year.
Community College of Philadelphia – New Career and Advanced Technology Center
Staying with construction projects in Philadelphia, the new Career and Advanced Technology Center (CATC) for the Community College of Philadelphia is progressing nicely. All building trades have been working diligently on both the exterior and interior of the building, with the next major milestone being the completion of the building enclosure in the next few weeks.
The new CATC will offer excellent views of the Philadelphia Skyline. The project is on track for a February 2022 completion.
Bristol Township School District – Benjamin Franklin Middle School, Additions and Renovations
North of Philadelphia, demolition work at Benjamin Franklin Middle School is complete and interior framing and stud work has started.
Additionally, site work for the new addition is in progress, with concrete footings now installed.
Council Rock School District – Hillcrest Elementary Schools, Additions and Renovations
Heading north towards Council Rock School District, SG has wrapped up interior demolition at the Hillcrest Elementary School, with the kitchen, administration, toilets and library areas completely demolished. Rough in has started throughout for all trades.
During construction, Hillcrest Elementary School students will be temporarily moved to a vacant CRSD school for the upcoming school year. The project is moving ahead quickly with E&S controls and fencing already in place.
Council Rock School District – Sol Feinstone Elementary Schools, Additions and Renovations
Staying in Council Rock School District, SG is working on phased renovations for another elementary school, Sol Feinstone Elementary School. Unlike Hillcrest, which will have students attending classes at a nearby vacant elementary school, Sol Feinstone will be 100% occupied throughout construction. This will result in the construction of temporary classrooms and a temporary egress stair that contains a pathway for students to safely traverse while the addition is underway.
The summer phases for this project are currently under construction, and interior and exterior demolition has recently started. E&S controls are in place and excavation for the new addition is currently underway. Pier footings and foundations at the new classroom addition are ongoing as well.
It is always exciting to watch our design work become reality! We would like to thank our clients, consultants, contractors, and all other team members for your dedication and support of the on-going efforts for these projects!
Learn more about these and other exciting SCHRADERGROUP projects here!
SCHRADERGROUP Attends the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for East Pennsboro Area School District’s District Administration Center
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) recently attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the District Administration Center for the East Pennsboro Area School District (EPASD) in Enola, PA on last month. The event celebrated the opening of the renovated and newly expanded district administration building that was completed this summer.
The ceremony almost went down without a hitch, but was slightly interrupted by a storm front that required the attendees to move the podium and tent inside for the ribbon cutting.
This project completes a three-year long construction plan to upgrade all of East Pennsboro Area School District facilities, including additions to the two elementary schools and renovations to the middle school and high school. With the mantra “warm, safe and dry“, this achievement well positions the district to serve the community for the next several decades, providing the required capacity for the projected enrollments, and healthy and safe environments for the students for many years to come.
SCHRADERGROUP is honored to be working with a great school district like EPASD. SG would also like to express our gratitude to the entire team, including SitelogIQ, for their contributions to the design and construction of this project.
Learn more about the East Pennsboro Area School District here.
SCHRADERGROUP Sponsors and Attends the 21st Annual MCIUEF Golf Classic
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) recently attended the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit Education Foundation (MCIUEF)’s twenty-first annual Golf Classic hosted at the Brookside Country Club in Pottstown, PA on July 26th. The event raised funds to enhance and support educational opportunities for students of Montgomery County, PA.
SG was proud to be a Hole Patron Sponsor for this event. The team was happy to attend the event with some well-known faces of the Intermediate Unit. In addition to a great day of golf, the event included breakfast, lunch, skills contests, and prizes, with a reception following a beautiful day out on the course.
This year, the MCIUEF celebrates its 21st year of providing camp and post-secondary scholarships for students with special needs, enriching classroom programs with technology support, and enabling student programs beyond school district budget capabilities. This includes more than $500,000 in grants and scholarships awarded over the last 20 years.
Events like these are important to the success of a community and its students, as it allows the MCIUEF to support programs that continue to attract nearly 7,000 students each year. SG would like to thank the dedicated members of the foundation for organizing this fun event.
Learn more about SCHRADERGROUP’s work with Montgomery County Intermediate Unit and other School Districts in the region here.
Learn more about the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit Education Foundation here.
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.
