Category: News
SCHRADERGROUP Welcomes New Project Manager and Project Architect
SGA welcomes Mark Hitchcock, AIA and Devin Bradbury, AIA, LEED AP
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) proudly announces the addition of two talented professionals to our team.
SG is pleased to welcome Mark Hitchcock, AIA, to the firm as Project Manager. Mark joins SG with over 25 years of experience in all facets of professional architectural practice gained from his tenure with a number of architectural firms as well as with a development company. Skilled at working through all phases of services from programming and needs assessments to project completion, Mark’s experience encompasses small- and large-scale projects in a variety of markets, including educational, institutional and public work. Mark, a registered architect in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and New York, contributes a strong attention to detail as well as the ability to provide practical and economical design solutions for his clients. We look forward to the seasoned project leadership Mark will bring to the firm.
We also extend a warm welcome to Devin Bradbury, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, who joins the team as Project Architect. Devin comes to SG with professional experience that spans a variety of markets and covers all phases of design from schematic design and site planning to construction documentation and construction administration. A problem solver and critical thinker, Devin is interested in finding unique solutions that will improve design solutions. He thrives in a collaborative environment and enjoys working with clients as well as the project team. Also interested in contributing to the community through design, Devin is an active volunteer for the Community Design Collaborative in Philadelphia, and has completed two successful projects with the CDC over the past few years with sights set on contributing to more in the future.
Excited to have both Mark and Devin as part of SG, we look forward to the contributions they will make to the team, our projects, and our clients.
Early Learning Center and Elementary School Project Receives Honorable Mention from Learning by Design
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) is pleased to announce that our Early Learning Center and Elementary School new facility design for Phoenixville Area School District, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, is the recipient of an Honorable Mention by Learning by Design magazine.
The Honorable Mention was awarded to the project by an American Institute of Architects Committee on Architecture for Education nationally appointed jury of architects and educational facility specialists.
The new 152,000 SF Early Learning Center and Elementary School, anticipated to be complete in April of 2017, is designed to support two specific grade structures in a “school within a school” format: K-1 in an Early Learning Center, and 2-5 as an Elementary School. A primary goal for the facility is to create a focus on literacy and learning in a non-standard learning environment. In response, the design places the media and technology center at the core of the facility with all other functions radiating from it.
Early Learning Center and Elementary School Media Center
To learn more about our Early Learning Center and Elementary School project, check out the Fall edition of Learning by Design or visit our website.
Higher Education Renovation Project Awarded Silver Citation in the 2015 American School & University Educational Interiors Showcase
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) is pleased to announce that the renovation of the Rollins Advising and Transfer Center at Bucks County Community College in Newtown, Pennsylvania, was awarded a Silver Citation in the 2015 American School & University Educational Interiors Showcase, the premier competition honoring education interiors excellence.
Commenting that a “Clean, simple, modern color palette heightens the redesign of previously dark and underutilized spaces,” the jury selected the renovation as one of the 77 projects to be featured in the Educational Interior Showcase.
For the project, design services were provided for the renovation and conversion of approximately 4,300 SF of undefined space lacking in program within Rollins Hall into an Advising and Transfer Center. The space primarily is dedicated to student counseling and includes a suite consisting of small, flexible office spaces for advising functions.
The design features movable acoustical partitions as well as sliding and folding glass partitions to allow for flexibility and adaptability. Additionally, movable furniture fosters side-by-side collaboration by student and counselor. Other spaces included as part of the program include Director and Assistant Director offices, a Conference Room, and a larger Computer Room or training center for approximately 20 students. The space also integrates an existing fireside lounge feature along with small tables and comfortable seating scattered throughout to provide multi-function breakout spaces.
The design for the Center serves an important role in promoting a sense of identity for the College and is responsible for creating a welcoming first impression for visiting potential students. Mechanical, electrical, technology, and security system upgrades were also included as part of the project scope.
To see more images of the Rollins Advising and Transfer Center project, please visit American School & University Educational Interiors Showcase or our website.
SCHRADERGROUP Welcomes New Project Manager
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) is pleased to welcome Courtney Anspach, RA, to the team as Project Manager. Courtney joins SG with over seventeen years of professional architectural design and project management experience gained during her tenure at VSBA (previously Venturi, Scott Brown and Associates). Versed in a wide array of project types, Courtney contributes specific expertise in the design and management of higher education projects. Known for her attention to detail and ability to tie client goals into the design and detail of a well-crafted building, Courtney has worked with institutions that include the University of Pennsylvania, Case Western Reserve University, and Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection (administered by the Trustees for Harvard University).
Delighted to have Courtney as part of SG, we look forward to the contributions that she will make to the team, our projects, and our clients.
SCHRADERGROUP Co-sponsors CEFPI School of the Future Competition, Managing Principal Chairs Jury
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) was proud to be one of the sponsors of the CEFPI School of the Future Design Competition, an annual event open to middle school students that challenges student teams to design learning environments to enhance learning, conserve resources, be environmentally responsive and engage the surrounding community. The multi-disciplinary solution developed requires students to follow a planning process from the concept phase to completion of the project, with thorough documentation.
Over 3,000 students representing nearly 100 school districts in North America and the United Kingdom took part in the 2014 program, whose main sponsor is the Council of Educational Planners International (CEFPI).
Students present their project at the CEFPI School of the Future Design Competition
SG Managing Partner, David Schrader, served as jury chair at this year’s event. “Chairing the jury affords me one of the best days of the year,” commented David. “Creating schools that inspire changes in education, empower students and engage the community, these young designers demonstrated great passion, enthusiasm, remarkable research and exceptional teamwork. Our future looks much brighter with them at the helm.”
A long-standing member of CEFPI, David presently serves as Chair-elect of the International Board of Directors for the organization. Former CEFPI posts include Chair of the International Membership Committee, Chair of the School of the Future Design Competition, and President of the Northeast Region.
To learn more about CEFPI and the School of the Future Design Competition, please visit www.cefpi.org.
Early Learning Center and Elementary School Project Receives Citation from American School & University Architectural Portfolio
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) is pleased to announce that our Early Learning Center and Elementary School new facility design for Phoenixville Area School District, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, is the recipient of a Citation for Work in Progress by American School & University Architectural Portfolio, the premier showcase celebrating the best in education design.
One of 127 projects selected to be featured in the Architectural Portfolio issue, the Early Learning Center and Elementary School project was recognized by the jury for its “excellent expression of small learning communities balanced with heart of school,” as well as the “unique focus on food and nutrition as part of learning experience.”
Main entry.
The new 152,000 SF Early Learning Center and Elementary School is designed to support two specific grade structures in a “school within a school” format: K-1 in an Early Learning Center, and 2-5 as an Elementary School. The building design promotes essentially every space in the facility as learning space.
Small group area outside of learning studios.
A primary goal for the facility is to create a focus on literacy and learning in a non-standard learning environment. In response, the design places the media and technology center at the core of the facility with all other functions radiating from it.
View of the Learning Resource Center from the second floor.
To learn more about our Early Learning Center and Elementary School project, please visit our website.
SCHRADERGROUP Principal Published in School Planning & Management
An article authored by SCHRADERGROUP (SG) managing principal David Schrader was featured in the August 2014 issues of School Planning & Management magazine. The article, entitled “The Real Question,” brings to light the question of what 21st century learning environments will encompass. David, both locally- and nationally-recognized for his contributions to planning and design for education, and a leader in the Council of Educational Facility Planners International (CEFPI), discusses the differences between the educational models developed at the beginning of the 20th century and those required for today’s learner.
21st Century Learning Environments: (left) Team project spaces following the lead of high-tech firms; (right) a learning studio cluster with integral project, maker and presentation spaces. [Renderings by SG]
SCHRADERGROUP Exhibits at APCO 2014
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) is pleased to be exhibiting at APCO 2014, the 80th Annual Conference and Expo for the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials, August 3-6 in New Orleans, Louisiana. APCO is an international organization committed to providing complete public safety communications expertise, professional development, technical assistance, advocacy, and outreach to benefit their members and the public.
SCHRADERGROUP proudly exhibits at APCO 2014
Firm principal Harry Pettoni noted that the conference is well-attended and includes public safety professionals from all around the world. SG, exhibiting for the fifth time at APCO, brings over two decades of public safety programming, planning and design experience, and is excited to have the opportunity to share our expertise with the public safety professional community.
At SG, the familiarity of process and the knowledge base that comes from having designed numerous facilities throughout the United States provides us with an excellent starting point for public safety projects and allows us to devote more time to developing a creative design solution that not only guarantees a secure facility, but also provides an efficient and pleasing environment for employees, visitors, and the community as a whole. Firm principal David Schrader is nationally-recognized for the planning and design of public safety and mission critical facilities, and is a frequent presenter and speaker on topics relevant to this particular project type. For additional information about public safety and mission critical projects completed by SG, please visit our website.
SCHRADERGROUP Project to be Featured in 2014 Justice Facilities Review
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) is pleased to announce that one of the firm’s recent projects, the new Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) State Emergency Operations Center, will be featured in the 2014 Justice Facilities Review (JFR), published each fall by the AIA Academy of Architecture for Justice. The new facility, designed by SG in a joint venture with AECOM, was chosen as an example of best practices in planning and design in Emergency Management and Operations Facilities.
New State Emergency Operations Center – Public Entry
The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC), located in Susquehanna Township, Pennsylvania, provides dedicated emergency services and disaster assistance for the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, with the ability to sustain uninterrupted operations during activations. The 145,000 SF facility additionally houses the administrative functions for the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) as well as partner organizations and integrated functions such as the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Traffic Management, a Tier 3 data center, media briefing, training facilities, and protected storage for PEMA operations vehicles.
State Emergency Operations Center Interior
Firm managing partner and lead designer for the project, David Schrader, commented, “Designing a building that meets all security and survivability requirements for a facility of this type, while at the same time providing sufficient space and functionality for all users along with an attractive interior and exterior, undeniably was a challenge. We are pleased with the outcome and extremely proud of the recognition by the AIA Academy of Architecture for Justice.”
Recently featured on a local news station, the new facility presently is under construction, with completion slated for spring of 2015.
SCHRADERGROUP Principal Presents at NENA Conference
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) firm principal, David Schrader, presented at NENA (National Emergency Number Association) 2014 Conference and Expo in Nashville, TN, along with Brian Bark from Mission Critical Partners, on “Planning and Designing Your New PSAP or EOC Facility and Technology Integration.” David, nationally-recognized for the planning and design of public safety and mission critical facilities, is a frequent presenter and speaker on topics relevant to this particular project type. For additional information about public safety and mission critical projects completed by SG, please visit our website.
David Schrader of SG co-presents with Brian Bark of Mission Critical Partners at NENA 2014