Tag: 2020
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,