Category: Public Safety
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.
SCHRADERGROUP Opens A New Regional Office!
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) is expanding! The team is proud to announce that we have opened a new office location in Raleigh, North Carolina which benefits both existing and future SG projects. We are thrilled to situate ourselves in a region that we have been committed to.
Since the founding of the firm in 2004, SG remains dedicated to public safety and academic facility design. With existing offices in Philadelphia, Lancaster and Baltimore, the SG team looks forward to continuing our long-standing relationships and welcoming new opportunities in North Carolina.
2019 IACP Recap: SCHRADERGROUP Attends World’s Largest Law Enforcement Event
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) attended the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) 2019 Annual Conference and Exposition on October 26-29. The event was held in Chicago, Illinois.
The IACP conference is the world’s largest law enforcement event to take place each year. SG is an active member of IACP and regularly attends the annual conference. This year, SG team members Harry Pettoni and Larry Bickford exhibited at the Expo. They met new clients, connected with existing clients and interacted with many Chiefs of Police. The SG team discussed current facility needs with clients and arranged follow-up meetings.
The SG team attended educational sessions supporting the planning, design and construction process of police facilities. Speakers presented information about the impact of technology on law enforcement agencies as wells as the future challenges police & law enforcement agencies may encounter. The SG team discovered new techniques of leveraging technology to enhance public safety in neighborhoods and schools.
The IACP has issued an updated 2019 Police Facilities Planning Guidelines Book that defines current strategies in the design and construction process of public safety facilities. By attending the conference, SG maintains our knowledge base to aid clients for ongoing success.
Be sure to visit SG at the IACP 2020 Annual conference, to be held on October 18-20, 2020 in New Orleans, LA. For more information about IACP 2020, click here.
Learn more about SG’s public safety facilities, planning and design services here.
See IACP’s “Wrap-Up” of the 2019 conference here.
SCHRADERGROUP will be at the IACP Annual Conference and Expo in Chicago!
The SCHRADERGROUP team will be exhibiting at the IACP Annual Conference and Expo in Chicago this month.
The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) is the world’s largest and most influential professional association for police leaders. IACP is committed to advancing the safety of communities worldwide, with more than 30,000 members in 16- countries. (as stated from the IACP website here.)
Please stop by booth #1413 to discuss how SCHRADERGROUP can help you design dynamic and dependable facilities to advance the safety of your community.
Find out more about the conference here.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Officially Opens Martin County’s New Regional 9-1-1 Communication Center
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) celebrated with Martin County and their regional partners; Bertie County and Pasquotank County, at the ribbon-cutting ceremony that initiated the official opening of its new 9-1-1 Regional Communication Center.
The SG team joined County and State officials, First Responders, E9-1-1 staff and the community for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the new 9-1-1 Regional Communication Center. The highly anticipated facility, designed by SG, will now become Martin County’s primary dispatch center. The facility operates 24/7 and is equipped with upgraded technology consistent with state-of-the-art 9-1-1 center standards assuring citizens’ needs are met quickly and efficiently.
Martin County Manager and member of the North Carolina (NC) State 9-1-1 Board (former Vice Chairman), David Bone, states, “This project establishes the highest standard of a cost effective PSAP with state-of-the-art design and technology for small to medium size counties throughout North Carolina,” Bone also indicated that this facility will serve as a model for other NC Counties challenged with providing affordable and modern critical facilities to serve rural communities.
SG is proud to have been part of the team responsible for providing the space necessary to support public safety services to the citizens of Martin County and its adjacent counties. The SG team is appreciative of Martin County and their regional partners for this opportunity and as great people delivering a tremendous service to their Counties.
Learn more about SG’s Public Safety facilities, planning and design services here.
SCHRADERGROUP Welcomes Our New Senior Designer!
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) extends a warm welcome to our new Senior Designer, William (Bill) S. Cox, CDT.
Bill joins the SG team with extensive knowledge in various sectors of design as he has years of experience as a Senior Building Designer with other architecture firms. He is well-versed in the design, coordination, and production of multi-discipline contract documents for educational, municipal, public safety, recreational/sports facilities and more.
Bill holds a CSI Construction Documents Technology (CDT) certification, providing SG with credible construction document management knowledge and excels in total CADD design environments utilizing AutoCAD and Revit software.
Bill’s background and expertise in new construction and renovations for K-12, Public Safety and Judicial/Municipal facilities make him a valuable asset to SG’s projects.
Interested in joining the SG team?
Check out what opportunities are available at SG for you here.
Visit SCHRADERGROUP at the Annual NENA Conference in Orlando, Florida this Year!
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) will be exhibiting at the 2019 NENA Conference from June 14-19 in Orlando, Florida!
NENA is the National Emergency Number Association that focuses on serving its members and the public safety community by providing a means to “Learn, Grow, Connect & Discover…!”
The SG Public Safety team looks forward to another year of networking with many of the NENA members and public safety professionals. Stop by our booth (#307) to discuss how we can assist you in supporting your public safety communication facility programming, planning and architectural needs!
You can register for the conference here.
Or visit our Public Safety experience here.
SCHRADERGROUP’s partnership with Martin County, NC to develop a new 9-1-1 Communication Center Makes Local News
SCHRADERGROUP (SG)’s partnership with Martin County, North Carolina to develop the new 9-1-1 communication center makes the local news on WNCT 9.
This highly anticipated facility was developed by SG to accommodate the Emergency 9-1-1 needs of Martin County, NC as well as backup 9-1-1 services for Bertie and Pasquotank Counties.
The SG team developed a new one-story 5,000 SF solution that provides; front-of-house administrative functions and support in a non-hardened structure accessible to the staff and public, and a back-of-house fully redundant hardened communications center and all of its support functions. The facility operates 24/7 as a primary communication center for Martin County with four positions and occasionally as a back-up with five additional positions for when adjacent counties require backup 9-1-1 services.
Systems in the facility are fully redundant, consistent with state-of-the-art 9-1-1 center standards. The site design provides appropriate setbacks from the main access road and public parking areas to buffer the facility. A secure gated area is also provided for staff parking and access.
SG is honored to have had the opportunity to design and build a new facility for Martin County’s Emergency 9-1-1 Communication Agency. We are eager to be able to provide the space and functionality required to provide for public safety for the citizens of Martin County and its adjacent counties.
You can find more of our public safety projects here.
State Emergency Operation Center Makes Local News!
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) was pleased to see the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) in action in this featured report on the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) by local FOX 43 news (you can watch it here.) With winter in full swing in the mid-Atlantic area, storms make State EOC’s like PEMA critical to managing state-wide emergencies.
PEMA is a brand new State Emergency Operation Center, that SG in a joint venture with AECOM Technology Corporation (AECOM), completed to serve as a home for many of the State’s emergency response functions. The new facility provides dedicated emergency services and disaster assistance for the state, with the ability to sustain uninterrupted operations during activations.
The AIA AAJ Justice Facilities Review award winning (2014 and 2018) design for this facility is also a US Green Building Council LEED certified project.
You can find more information about the PEMA project here.