Category: News
SCHRADERGROUP’S Commitment to Mentoring the Next Generation
At SCHRADERGROUP (SG), we are dedicated to learning. This is evidenced by the numerous educational facilities and associated projects we have completed over our 17-year history. In addition to the work we do designing educational facilities throughout the Mid-Atlantic, SG employees go above and beyond to help the next generation of professionals excel in every way possible. One such method is mentoring.
The SG team is involved in a variety of mentoring programs at the University and K-12 level, including the Pennsylvania State University Stuckeman School of Architecture Alumni Mentoring Program, the ACE Mentor Program of America, and other collegiate and private mentoring opportunities.
Managing Partner David Schrader is a board member of the Penn State Architecture Alumni Group (AAG). President of the group from July 2018 until July 2020, David is now the official Stuckeman School AAG representative to the Arts and Architecture Alumni Society. He has dedicated much of his time to ensuring the success of PSU students by guiding them through the hurdles of the industry and helping forge new relationships with key connections after graduation.
Following in David’s footsteps, multiple SG team members have joined the mentoring program at the Stuckeman School as well. Project Architects Eric Weiss and Paige Geldrich have been involved for three years while Project Architect Jeremy Ross and Architectural Designers Selby Niumataiwalu and Tyler Corbley are currently participating in their first year of the program.
Project Architect Chris Farmer is also active in guiding students to a brighter future. Chris is an active participant in Jefferson University’s Career Services Department, meeting one-on-one with Jefferson students interested in Architecture.
Recently, the office opened its doors to several area high school students interested in the profession by providing them with a day in the office and then a tour of the New Upper Merion Area High School construction site. Recent graduate and rising architect Jillian Kreglow supported the in-office experience and Associate Dan D’Amico provided the on-site construction tour along with Chris Gehm of W. H. Lane. We hope that this experience inspires those students to start on the path of architecture as a possible future career!
In addition to the programs SG employees participate in, mentoring is also a key aspect of our daily life here at SG. Each year, we welcome summer interns to the company in order to promote and nurture emerging talent. At SG, we recognize the importance of an internship in this industry and have found that offering a mentorship component can lead to our interns gaining the skills and experience necessary to succeed in the future.
Learn more about the PSU Architecture Alumni Group here.
Interesting in working at SG? Visit our Careers page here.
SCHRADERGROUP Team Participates in PSU’s Architectural Alumni Group’s Summer Seminar Series Panel
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) recently participated in a virtual seminar panel for Pennsylvania State University’s College of Arts and Architecture’s Architectural Alumni Group (AAG) and the Stuckeman School of Architecture. The School sponsors several summer seminars each year in order to help architecture students and recent alumni understand all aspects of the business of architecture and profession.
The second installment of this year’s summer seminar series was focused on “The Practice of Architecture.” Managing Partner David Schrader was a panelist for the event, joined by other notable fellow PSU Architecture Alumni. Attendees included our summer interns Dan Pawluczyk and Leah Balderson.
The seminar dealt with topics such as licensure, maintaining a practice, non-traditional career paths, and handling a work/life balance. SG is proud to continue supporting the schools and organizations that helped us become who we are. We are thrilled to have participated in this discussion for rising architects, and we look forward to the next seminar series event.
To learn more about Penn State’s College of Arts and Architecture’s Stuckeman School, please click here.
To learn more about SCHRADERGROUP, please click here.
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Springfield School District’s New Springfield High School is Complete!
The SCHRADERGROUP (SG) team, in association with our design partner Perkins&Will of Chicago, is happy to announce that Springfield School District’s new Springfield High School is now complete!
Photo courtesy of Todd Mason from Halkin | Mason Photography.
Constructed on the southeast corner of the existing high school’s campus, the goal of the new facility is to provide the school district with a complex that will serve the community for the next 50 years. Perkins&Will and SG provided programming, planning and design services for the new high school complex that encompasses 230,000 SF on a 25-acre campus. The school will immediately serve over 1,450 students.
Photo courtesy of Todd Mason from Halkin | Mason Photography.
Consistent with the SG mission of creating next generation learning environments, the new high school employs an Academy Model that provides offerings in Art, Business, STE(A)M (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), Humanities and Liberal Arts. The new facility includes an interior courtyard for outdoor learning as well as for gathering and common space. Unique to the facility is its inclusion of the District Administration within the structure of the facility.
Photo courtesy of Todd Mason from Halkin | Mason Photography.
Beyond the high school and District Administration, the project includes the design and construction of new site amenities, including the athletic fields, parking, and a stadium complex. Next up, SG will be engaged in the demolition of the existing high school, which will then lead to the construction of additional playing fields.
Photo courtesy of Todd Mason from Halkin | Mason Photography.
The SG team is pleased to partner with Springfield School District on this wonderful project. To learn more about Springfield School District, click here.
Photo courtesy of Todd Mason from Halkin | Mason Photography.
This project was completed in association with design architects Perkins&Will of Chicago, IL and the owner project representative CID Group of Berwick, PA. To learn more about Perkins&Will, click here.
Photo courtesy of Todd Mason from Halkin | Mason Photography.
To learn more about the New Springfield High School project, and view more photos, please click here.
Photo courtesy of Todd Mason from Halkin | Mason Photography.
Thank you to Halkin | Mason Photography for the beautiful images captured of this great project. To learn more about Halkin | Mason Photography, please click here.
Photo courtesy of Todd Mason from Halkin | Mason Photography.
SCHRADERGROUP Attends Delaware Valley Association of School Business Officials’ Annual Golf Outing!
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) recently attended the DVASBO Golf Outing at the Gilbertsville Golf Course on Friday, June 18th in Gilbertsville, PA. The Delaware Valley Association of School Business Officials (DVASBO) has held this outing for 31 consecutive years to help raise money for scholarships for Delaware Valley students.
DVASBO is the regional chapter of the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials (PASBO). For nearly five decades, DVASBO has been supporting school professionals in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties. The organization currently has over 1,000 members and they are devoted to providing members with education, training, professional development and timely access to legislative and policy news.
SG Principal Tom Forsberg attended the event with the next generation of SCHRADERGROUP golfers, Project Managers and Associates Devin Bradbury and Dan D’Amico and Project Architect Jeremy Ross. It was a beautiful day for golf and the course was filled with great friends and colleagues!
SCHRADERGROUP was proud to be a tee sponsor for this long running event whose mission is to help develop and support school business operation leaders. The SG team would like to extend our sincere thanks to the dedicated members of DVASBO for organizing this event held for a great cause. We look forward to future events involving these great organizations!
To learn more about SCHRADERGRPOUP’s commitment to educational facilities, click here.
To learn more about the Delaware Valley Association of School Business Officials, click here.
SCHRADERGROUP Construction Progress – Summer 2021
As we move into the middle of summer, many of our construction projects are now really starting to take shape. A few of the construction projects underway include the new Upper Merion Area High School, additions and renovations to Anne Frank Elementary School for the School District of Philadelphia, the new Career and Advanced Technology Center for the Community College of Philadelphia, the masonry restoration of the Paul L. Dunbar School in Philadelphia, the demolition of the existing Springfield High School, and the PennDOT District 6.0 Regional Traffic Management Center, among others.
Upper Merion Area School District – Upper Merion Area High School, New Facility
Construction on the new Upper Merion Area High School continues into the heat of the summer. Infrastructure is being installed and is on pace for a September 2022 completion, just in time for Upper Merion Area School District high school students to start their new school year. Upon completion of and move into the new facility, demolition of the existing facility will begin. Once that demolition is complete, new playing fields will be constructed in its place.
This month, large Glulam Beams continue to be erected in the common areas. In the theater wing, the steel is in place for the stage as the auditorium takes shape.
School District of Philadelphia – Anne Frank Elementary School, Additions and Renovations
Work on the Anne Frank Elementary School continues in Northeast Philadelphia. Metal panels have been installed on 75% of the new construction areas while the glass and glazing installation is 50% complete.
Acoustic ceiling tile and vinyl composite tile installation continues while the walls are being painted. Ceramic tile flooring has started in the toilet rooms as well. A new feature this month are the railings being installed in the new stairways.
Community College of Philadelphia – Career and Advanced Technology Center, New Facility
The Community College of Philadelphia’s new Career and Advanced Technology Center (CATC) is progressing in West Philadelphia. Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing rough-ins continue at the interior wall and ceiling level and fire protection systems will follow.
Masonry work continues as well as exterior and interior metal framing. The building enclosure systems are expected to be completed by end of summer or early fall.
Recently, the on-grade concrete slabs were completed on the first floor. This project is scheduled for a February 2022 completion.
School District of Philadelphia – Paul L. Dunbar School, Restoration
Another School District of Philadelphia school project that is wrapping up is the restoration to the Paul L. Dunbar School. The outdated building exterior was in poor shape, with deteriorated masonry around the parapet of the building.
The restoration includes the installation of galvanized steel inlets to replace the rusted ungalvanized ones, the rebuilding of masonry, and the repointing of mortar joints. The project is a restoration of a beautiful WPA funded school. Substantial completion is expected by end of summer.
Springfield School District – Springfield High School, Existing High School Demolition and Visitor Side Bleacher Construction
In Springfield, PA, the new Springfield High School has just been completed. Demolition of the existing High School has begun and is on schedule for completion at the end of the summer.
The Visitor Side Bleacher building footing and foundations have recently been completed. Next up are the masonry walls and door frames as well as site work grading for the athletic fields and tennis courts.
Department of General Services – PennDOT District 6.0 Regional Traffic Management Center (RTMC) and Parking Structure, New Facilities
The new PennDOT Regional Traffic Management Center in King of Prussia is progressing nicely, with the continued forming of concrete footings and foundation walls. SG serves as the design component of the Heim Construction Design-Build team for this project. At the accompanying parking garage, work has been completed.
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 Welcomes the Newest Members to the SG Team!
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) is thrilled to announce the newest members to join our team! Please help us welcome Architectural Designer Jillian Kreglow, Associate AIA and Office Administrator and Bookkeeper Brianna Smith!
Jillian Kreglow, Associate AIA
Architectural Designer
Pennsylvania State University – Bachelor of Architecture
Jillian is a recent Pennsylvania State University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in architecture. She continues her journey with the SG team after completing a summer internship with the firm in 2019. During that time, she assisted principals and project managers in multiple feasibility studies, schematic designs, and construction documents.
Jillian is skilled in building information modeling software and brings proficiency in current technology to the team. She is an excellent communicator who will provide fresh perspectives and solutions to our projects and clients.
Jillian is passionate about helping people. She was heavily involved with Penn State’s THON, the largest student-run philanthropic organization in the world, serving as the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) primary THON chair for the years 2020-2021. She was also involved in multiple mentorships while in school, including being nominated by faculty as an appointed studio mentor and for her participation in the College of Arts and Architecture’s Buddy System Mentor program.
Looking to the future, Jillian’s first goal is to become a licensed architect. She believes that continuing her time here at SG will give her the knowledge and experience necessary to succeed in this industry. She also looks forward to being a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) after registration.
“The SG team is filled with a talented group of designers and I am excited to work alongside and learn from them. I want to make a positive impact both in the firm and in the design world.”
Brianna Smith
Office Administrator / Bookkeeper
Millersville University – Bachelor of Science, Business Administration (Concentration in Management)
Brianna joins our team with six years of experience in administration and team management. She has served a variety of roles in the past, including serving as a Learning Ambassador for Amazon and a Team Leader and Program Coordinator for AmeriCorps Next Steps. Brianna is a graduate of Millersville University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a concentration in management. During her time in school, Brianna was an active volunteer in multiple programs including the Student Business Association, the Next Steps AmeriCorps Program, and the Millersville University Student Senate and Student Union.
Brianna is an expert communicator who is self-motivated and eager to learn. She is skilled in writing, event planning, campaign development, and is well versed in a variety of writing programs. Her attention to detail and communication skills will help streamline the flow of information both internally between coworkers and externally to our clients, consultants, and contractors.
Brianna’s goal is to absorb everything she can and understand the inner workings of an architecture firm. She is interested in all aspects of the administrative and accounting side of the business and in the future plans to get her master’s degree in business.
“Architecture has always been something I was extremely curious about growing up. As I got older my curiosity grew to a strong interest, and I could only hope that I would come across an opportunity such as the one I have today, to learn more about how buildings are put together and about those who create the idea.”
Welcome Jillian and Brianna! We are happy to have you join the SG family and are excited to see what the future holds for you both! The SG team looks forward to sharing our company culture and practice with our new team members and is excited to follow their journey of future success. Learn more about SG and our team here.
Interested in working with us? Visit our Careers page to see what opportunities are available at SG here.
SCHRADERGROUP Hosts Planning Workshop for Rose Tree Media School District’s New Elementary School
At SCHRADERGROUP, we believe academic design truly is the design for the future, as it provides the environment in which today’s students develop into tomorrow’s thinkers and leaders. In order to keep that goal in focus, we strive to develop designs for facilities created by the community, for the community.
Our community-based workshop process for planning and design inspires innovative design solutions that nest serve our client’s needs. Collaboration is key to supporting our client’s dreams and our team’s capabilities assist with getting to the end result. Educational facility design that is initiated by the client results in a project that will serve the community and is grounded in the district’s culture and educational philosophy. As 2021 continues, more projects are becoming realties for SG and our clients. One of these exciting projects is a new elementary school for Rose Tree Media School District (RTMSD) in Media, PA.
SG recently partnered with RTMSD and ICS to host a planning workshop for faculty and administration of RTMSD to learn what priorities the District has for the new facility. SCHRADERGROUP team members led the process geared towards discovering different options for the new school.
The workshop began with a presentation about next generation learning and gave attendees virtual tours of state-of-the-art facilities in the country that exemplify these ideas. Next, the group broke into smaller teams and held individual visioning and building workshops with feedback loops in order to come up with and vote on the best options for the District.
The SG team came away from this workshop event with multiple site concepts and building plans that were reported back to the larger group. From here, designs will continue with refinement workshops until a final design has been reached.
SG is proud to work with Rose Tree Media School District and is looking forward to completing a state-of-the-art facility for the residents of the district’s municipalities.
To learn more about Rose Tree Media School District, click here.
To learn more about the new elementary school for Rose Tree Media School District, click here.
To learn more about ICS, click here.
To learn more about SCHRADERGROUP’s devotion to creating next generation learning environments, click here.
SCHRADERGROUP Welcomes 2021 Summer Architectural Interns!
This year, SCHRADERGROUP (SG) is pleased to welcome two summer architectural interns, Leah Balderson and Dan Pawluczyk. We are very excited to have these enthusiastic young professionals join the SG family!
Leah Balderson
Undergraduate Student
Pennsylvania State University – Bachelor of Architecture
Leah will be a 5th year student at Pennsylvania State University and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in architecture. She is an active member of AIAS (American Institute of Architecture Students) and is an architecture mentor for incoming first year architecture students. Leah is also on the Rules and Regulations Committee for THON.
Leah is very passionate about art and design. She has always had a love of drawing and painting, and in recent years has become very interested in graphic design. In her free time, she loves to snowboard and is a member of the PSU Snowboarding Club.
Looking to the future, Leah’s first goal is to become a licensed architect. She strives to design buildings that positively affect people’s daily lives. Leah’s thesis is focused on environmental psychology, the study of transactions between people and their physical settings, and she hopes to continue studying that over the course of her career.
“I hope for people to walk into a space that I designed and feel as though they are benefiting from the atmosphere I created.”
Dan Pawluczyk
Undergraduate Student
Pennsylvania State University – Bachelor of Architecture
Dan will be a 5th year architecture student at Pennsylvania State University. He is an active participant in THON, spending his first two years volunteering on hospitality committees. This past year, he danced virtually at THON with his fraternity, the top fundraising general organization for the fifth year in a row.
Dan’s favorite activities are those that he can do with family and friends. He enjoys golfing, snowboarding, basketball and hiking. Dan is looking forward to hitting the golf course with his SG coworkers this summer!
After spending multiple summers working at a construction company, Dan was propelled into the world of design production. His favorite part of architecture is the challenge of marrying the freedom of design with the practical realities of how something is built.
Looking to the future, Dan sees an open world of possibilities. He takes inspiration from documentaries and magazines dealing with design and architecture. His goal is to one day work on projects featured in Dezeen and ArchDaily.
“I think having the ability to shape your own career path and follow your interests is one of the most valuable aspects of architecture and design.”
As architects, we realize that the heart of our practice is its people, and we are always looking for ways to promote and foster emerging talent. At SG, we recognize the importance of an internship in the field of architecture and design and we offer hands-on experience as well as a mentorship component in order to create an environment that leads to understanding and success for all. The SG team looks forward to sharing our company culture and practice with our architectural interns and is excited to follow their journey this summer as they gain the experience necessary for future success.
Interested in working with us? Visit our Careers page to see what opportunities are available at SG here.
SCHRADERGROUP Attends Springfield Area Educational Foundation’s Annual Golf Tournament!
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) recently attended the Springfield Area Educational Foundation’s (SAEF) 13th Annual Golf Tournament hosted at the Rolling Green Golf Course in Springfield, PA on Monday, June 7th. The event, “Fore Our Students!” helped raise funds to continue support for Springfield students’ educational programs and activities. SG was proud to be a silver sponsor for the event, supporting an organization whose mission is to enrich the 3 A’s (academic, artistic, and athletic experiences) for all Springfield School District Students.
Bruce Bachtle and Dan D’Amico represented SG at the outing, which is SAEF’s largest annual fundraising event. SG was delighted to be a part of an event that will benefit the many meaningful and critical educational programs available for all SSD students.
As educational planners and architects, SG is honored to sponsor events that align with our mission of providing educational facilities that further enrich the learning experience. The success of these events and the continued support of the foundation provides the opportunity to introduce students to new sponsorships, programs, and innovations in education, furthering the purpose of the buildings we design.
The SG team would like to extend our sincere thanks to the dedicated members of SAEF for organizing this event held for a great cause.
To learn more about SCHRADERGROUP’s work with the Springfield School District, click here.
To learn more about the Springfield Area Educational Foundation, click here.
SCHRADERGROUP Announces Newly Registered Architects
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) is pleased to announce that two of our Designers have successfully passed the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) and are now Registered Architects in Pennsylvania.
We would like to congratulate Paige Geldrich, AIA, LEED Green Associate and Jeremy Ross, AIA on becoming the latest registered architects at SG. Both Paige and Jeremy are Pennsylvania State University graduates who have made significant contributions to the firm since joining. They are both experts in Revit Documentation and have proven themselves invaluable to the firm for their expertise in the rendering and visualization of projects. Both Paige and Jeremy are located in the Philadelphia office.
“Our firm takes pride in supporting the evolution of our newly registered architects. Both Paige and Jeremy were summer interns who later became full time members of the team upon graduation. We are pleased to watch their growth and look forward to their continued success and contributions to the firm and to the profession!” said David Schrader, FAIA, LEED AP, Managing Partner of SCHRADERGROUP.
You can view the AIA Philadelphia Chapter’s Member News article here.
Interested in joining the SG team? Check out what opportunities are available for you here.