Category: SCHRADERGROUP
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
Happy Holidays from SCHRADERGROUP!
A WARM SEASON’S GREETINGS TO OUR VALUED CLIENTS, PARTNERS & SUPPORTERS
With 2020 drawing to a close, SCHRADERGROUP sends season’s greetings to all of our valued clients, partners and friends.
As we look back on the challenges of this year, we are reminded of the significance of our mission: Designing FOR the Community, WITH the Community. Our focus is on the buildings that we create for the people that use them. We believe that the challenges of 2020 have emphasized the importance of creating dynamic and functional environments where people can both grow and stay safe.
We are both fortunate and thankful for the client relationships we have formed over the years, and for all of our partners and collaborators that have made our projects so resoundingly successful.
We would also like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to the entire SG team, their families, and all of our friends for their continued support. We look forward to seeing everyone in person again. Until then, we hope your holiday season is filled with as much joy and gratitude as we at SG feel for you.
Best Wishes and Happy New Year,
SCHRADERGROUP Attends the Springfield Area Educational Foundation Annual Charity Golf Outing
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) attended the Springfield Area Educational Foundation (SAEF) Annual Charity Golf Outing hosted at the Rolling Green Golf Course in Springfield, PA on Thursday, October 26, 2020. The event, “Fore Our Students!”, helped raise funds to continue support for Springfield’s student educational programs and activities.
Dan D’Amico and Jeremy Ross represented SG at the outing, which is SAEF’s largest annual fundraising event. SG was proud to sponsor a program that enriches the academic, artistic and athletic experiences of Springfield School District (SSD) students and was thrilled 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 SG’s 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.
Community College of Philadelphia Breaks Ground on New Career and Advanced Technology Center
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) attended the official ceremonial groundbreaking for the Community College of Philadelphia’s new Career and Advanced Technology Center on Wednesday, November 18th. Managing Partner David Schrader represented SG at the event which was also attended by Mayor Jim Kenney and the College’s president, Dr. Donald Generals.
As part of its mission to build a better and brighter future for Philadelphia, the College selected SCHRADERGROUP, in partnership with Lavallee Brensinger Architects, to transform the college’s West Philadelphia Regional Center into a new Career and Advanced Technology Center. The center will provide high-quality academic, career and technical programs for student’s entering the region’s workforce.
The main goal of the project was to create a dynamic, identity-focused center that provides students with programs that concentrate on career readiness and to generate a thriving workforce in Philadelphia’s transportation, manufacturing and healthcare fields.
The new 75,000 SF facility will include state-of-the-art advanced and adaptive technologies for instructional space and study areas as well as laboratory service bays for automobiles, small engine equipment and spaces for diesel technology. Programs offered include transportation and logistics technology training, advanced manufacturing training, entry-level healthcare career training and an innovation hub for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Other notable features of the facility include LEED certification, energy efficient design utilizing copious amounts of natural daylight, green rooftops for students and community members, a second-floor patio and adjoining room for events, and a learning commons and multiple conference rooms for student collaboration.
The facility is scheduled to open in 2022.
SG is honored to work on this exciting project. To learn more, click here.
To learn more about the Community College of Philadelphia, click here.
SCHRADERGROUP Welcomes the Newest Member to our Marketing Team!
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) welcomes a new marketing and proposal coordinator to the team, Denis Brennan.
Denis thrives in a collaborative environment and his fascination with architecture, content creation and writing make him a great fit for the SG team.
Denis brings four years of experience as a marketing coordinator and proposal writer to SG. His experience includes proposal production, creation of marketing materials, customer relationship management, desktop publishing, copywriting and social media marketing.
Denis holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Pennsylvania State University.
Interested in joining the SG team? Check out available opportunities here.
SCHRADERGROUP Attends North Penn School District Educational Foundation’s 19th Annual Golf Classic
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) attended the North Penn School District (NPSD) Educational Foundation’s 19th Annual Golf Classic hosted at the Talamore Country Club in Ambler, PA on Tuesday, October 13, 2020. The outing helped raise charitable funds for the foundation while participants enjoyed a day on the course with snacks and beverages.
The SG team was represented by Devin Bradbury, Eric Weiss and Mark Adamiak. The team was honored to support an organization that’s committed to enriching the education and lives of more than 13,000 students in each of the North Penn School District’s eighteen schools.
As educational planners and architects, SG is committed to providing educational facilities that further enrich the learning experience. The success of these events and the continued work of the foundation provides the opportunity to introduce students to new curriculum and innovations in education that give the buildings we design an exciting purpose.
The SG team would like to thank the dedicated members of the NPSD Educational Foundation for organizing this wonderful event.
To learn more about SCHRADERGROUP’s work with K-12 schools, click here.
To learn more about the North Penn School District Educational Foundation, click here.
School District of Springfield Township’s New Enfield K-2 Early Learning Center Opening this Fall
The School District of Springfield Township’s (SDST) Enfield K-2 Early Learning Center opens this Fall with great enthusiasm. The completion of the school is the culmination of years of planning, community input and teamwork to design a building that fosters early learning for district’s youngest students.
The new 105,000 square foot K-2 Early Learning Center (ELC) will serve as a replacement school for the K-1 Primary Center and will pull one grade out of the 2-5 elementary school to provide additional educational space. The reconfigured K-2/3-5 grade structure provided the district with new opportunities to tailor instruction to targeted age groupings.
The educational vision to enhance the learning experience through a student-centered, project-based learning approach to instruction laid the foundation for planning. As a result of a community workshop process, the hierarchy of space design and site planning spawned from the input of the group. The site access points, vehicular and bus circulation and parking, the adjacencies of the public spaces (multipurpose room/gymnasium and cafeteria) to the instructional areas, and how classroom wings of the building embrace the central outdoor learning courtyard (representative of the building ‘hugging’ the children) are all results of the community input received.
The main building entrance adjacent to the administration area anchors the interior street connection which provides access the gymnasium with stage and cafeteria. The street leads to the central core of the building featuring the learning resource center and STE(A)M programs and the educational focal point of the building, the learning stair. The educational areas can be secured to allow the use of the public spaces for community events after school hours.
Educationally, the space design of the new school supports a variety of instructional and learning opportunities. To create a sense of community for this younger age group within the context of the larger school, smaller learning communities were designed for each grade grouping. Each grade level wing branches out from the central core of the building and is supported by a large group instruction area to support collaborative activities for either single or multiple classroom instruction. Every two general classrooms share a small group instruction room facilitating individualized instruction. Classroom instruction and small and large-group spaces support project-based and personalized learning opportunities, differentiated instruction, the integration of technologies and STE[A]M experiences, and social and emotional learning experiences for all students.
Thank you to all that contributed to the design and construction of the new Enfield K-2 Early Learning Center. SCHRADERGROUP is grateful for this opportunity to create unique learning environments that correlate to SDST’s educational vision.
Learn more about the new Enfield K-2 Early Learning Center project here.
Hatboro-Horsham School District’s New Crooked Billet Elementary School Will Soon be Ready for Students
We are excited to announce that one of our new elementary schools is expected to be completed in early October 2020 and ready for students. Hatboro-Horsham School District’s (HHSD) 110,000 SF Crooked Billet Elementary School is the District’s most recent accomplishment in upgrading its aging facilities and is another symbol of rebirth in the community surrounding it. The new K-5 facility replaced the original 1950s elementary school on the same site and will accommodate a larger population of 600 students.
Important to the district and community was the preservation of the history of the site. The Battle of Crooked Billet landmark proudly displayed in front of the school anchors the primary entrance to the building. Adjacent to the main administration entrance, a two-story rotunda serves as an interactive learning space featuring the history of Crooked Billet. The rotunda is centrally located between the curricular areas for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) program including the STEAM classroom, Media Center, TV Studio and Art classroom. This central core of the building also serves as the transitional area between the public spaces such as the gymnasium and cafeteria, and the academic two-story classroom wing.
The classroom wing showcases an innovative academic layout. Four grade level classrooms are clustered together with each pair of classrooms sharing a small group instruction area. The grade level cluster is directly adjacent to a central large group instruction area where the entire grade level can gather. Each cluster is designed with its own unique color providing grade level identity and wayfinding. Student cubbies are located in the corridors to maximize classroom efficiency.
SCHRADERGROUP is grateful for this opportunity to team with HHSD for the design of Crooked Billet Elementary School. This successful collaborative experience has truly been a team effort resulting in a school that will serve the community for generations.
Learn more about Crooked Billet Elementary School here.
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 Attends the Groundbreaking Ceremony for New PennDOT District 6-0 RTMC and Parking Structure Project
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) attended the Groundbreaking Ceremony marking the beginning of construction for the new Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) District 6-0 Regional Traffic Management Center (RTMC) and Parking Structure on August 20, 2020. SG and Heim Construction Company were selected by The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of General Services and PennDOT to Design-Build these new facilities.
Designed to achieve a LEED Silver rating, the RTMC is a two-story, 44,000 SF building adjoining the existing PennDOT Engineering District 6-0 office in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. This larger facility will expand PennDOT’s capabilities and enhance the operations of the existing center.
The Parking Structure project includes demolishing an existing parking garage to make way for the RTMC and building a new three-story, 87,800 SF parking structure accommodating 250 spaces.
This new facility is a key component toward future PennDOT expansion projects such as the, I-76 Corridor Comprehensive Transportation Management Plan and the Active Management project.
Construction of the RTMC will follow the new Parking Structure, with the entire project scheduled for completion in September 2022. SG is equally grateful and excited for this project’s success and will diligently continue to support its journey.
