Tag: architecture

Keith Valley Middle School Recognized as an Outstanding Project in Learning By Design’s Fall 2023 Awards of Excellence Magazine

SCHRADERGROUP (SG) is proud to announce that our ongoing project, Hatboro-Horsham School District’s Keith Valley Middle School, has been recognized as an Outstanding Project in Learning By Design’s Fall 2023 Awards of Excellence magazine.

Learning By Design is a prestigious publication that recognizes outstanding educational design and construction projects. They evaluate facilities based on innovation, community needs, interior design, sustainability, functional design, and next-generation learning. Published three times a year, the magazine showcases top K-12 and higher education projects and architecture firms.

Keith Valley Middle School is a three-story educational building that accommodates students from grades 6 to 8, featuring flexible learning studios, small group instruction areas, and larger learning commons for student gathering and project-based instruction.

The new facility will prioritize flexibility and connectivity within the school and community, fostering hands-on and multimodal learning approaches to inspire and engage students. A central learning resource area connects the educational areas to the shared public spaces, which include the dining commons, auditorium, and library.

You can view the Fall 2023 issue of Learning By Design here. You can find Keith Valley Middle School on page 94!

To learn more about Keith Valley Middle School, please click here.

SCHRADERGROUP Recognized as an EPiC Firm by AIA Pennsylvania for the Second Year!

SCHRADERGROUP Recognized as an EPiC Firm by AIA Pennsylvania for the Second Year!

SCHRADERGROUP (SG) is proud to announce that the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) has recognized our firm for the second year in a row, as we continue to support the development of emerging professionals in 2023.

The AIA Pennsylvania Emerging Professionals Committee (EPiC) was established to improve the network, role, and impact of Emerging Professionals throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The committee distinguished SG for successfully supporting the emerging professionals on our staff and for demonstrating a commitment to the development of Pennsylvania’s emerging professionals.

We would like to thank the Pennsylvania AIA chapter, and we are honored to be included on this list of esteemed firms.

To learn more about joining SCHRADERGROUP click here.

SCHRADERGROUP is Seeking an Architectural Project Manager for the Pittsburgh Office

Position: Architectural Project Manager

Company Overview:
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) is a full-service firm offering architectural, structural engineering and interior design services for a wide variety of project types, with specific expertise in the areas of academic and public safety facility design. Founded in 2004 and providing services from offices in Philadelphia, Lancaster, Baltimore and Pittsburgh, SG is recognized both locally and nationally for 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.

Job Description:
Architectural Project Manager with ten to fifteen years of experience to work in our Pittsburgh Office– the individual that will fill this role has a broad range of experience in the design and construction of public bid facilities, is able to function in multiple roles, and has a strong willingness and desire to be involved in all aspects of project design and construction. Client and consultant interaction is a key component for the successful candidate. Your day-to-day duties will touch on nearly every aspect of design office operations: project management, oversight of document production, business development, client interaction, and contract administration. You must be knowledgeable, versatile, and willing to participate in the long-term growth, development and success of SCHRADERGROUP.

Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture (preferred)

• 10 years of experience in a field related to the duties listed above.

• Working knowledge of modern production software (REVIT, Word, Excel, Bluebeam, etc.) preferred

• Exceptional communication skills, both oral and written.

• Ability to convey ideas and concepts to those with whom you’ll work.

• Willing to travel. While most of our work is regional, occasional overnight travel may be required.

Benefits:
SG offers a competitive salary and benefit package commensurate with your level of knowledge and experience including health and vision insurance, short- and long-term disability, 401k, and bonus structure.

Contact:
To express interest, please forward a resume to:

Regina Jean-Claude
RJean-Claude@sgarc.com
215 482 7440

SCHRADERGROUP will be Attending the 2023 International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)

From October 14th-17th, taking place in San Diego, CA, is the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Annual Conference.

The IACP Annual Conference stands as the premier law enforcement gathering, attracting over 16,000 public safety professionals each year. It serves as a crucial platform for attendees to acquire new techniques, enhance their knowledge, further their careers, and equip their departments for sustained success. The conference is structured around three essential pillars: training, networking, and exposition hall education. With over 175 workshops covering a wide range of topics pertinent to the profession, it offers an invaluable opportunity for law enforcement professionals to grow and excel in their roles.

SG will be there, October 14th –16th, with Partner Harry Pettoni, Principal Matt Wittemann, and Project Manager Doug Perry at booth #2628. We are genuinely thrilled to have the chance to chat with you about your law enforcement facility projects. So, make sure to swing by our booth, and let’s chat!

Before you join us in San Diego, check out some of SG’s public safety projects here.

SCHRADERGROUP Exhibiting at the PASBO Facilities, Transportation, & Safety Conference

October 9th, SCHRADERGROUP (SG) will be participating in the PASBO Facilities Transportation Safety Conference at The Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center in State College, PA. We are pleased to announce that representing SG will include SG Partner Harry Pettoni, Associate Thomas Wippenbeck, and Principal Matt Wittemann.

Please come visit us at booth #32! We look forward to interacting and meeting everyone there!

PASBO is a Pennsylvania-based, state-wide association with over 3,000 members. They are devoted to providing members with the education, training, professional development and timely access to legislation and policy news needed to run a school district smoothly and successfully. While their membership base varies greatly, the association has a common goal of supporting classroom learning through smart business practices.

To see more of SG’s K-12 Projects, please visit our website here.

SCHRADERGROUP Facilitates North Penn High School’s Additions and Renovation Planning Workshop

The North Penn School District (NPSD) held the first of three Community Workshops on July 17, 2023, for the proposed renovations and additions to the North Penn High School. SCHRADERGROUP facilitated the Workshop attended by over 50 individuals including Board members, District administration, staff, parents, students, community members, and Township officials.

Involving the key stakeholders is an integral part of SG’s collaborative design process. What is unique to this particular planning workshop is it is an important step in developing a design for the referendum for the taxpayers of NPSD to approve electoral debt for the project in January 2024.

The design process to date has included virtual and actual building tours of local, regional and national “Next Generation” schools. David Schrader began the Workshop with an overview of the building tours and program of the spaces. Building blocks representing each of the spaces were provided to each of the 6 teams to begin the conversation of room adjacencies and relationships of the building to the site. This is the first step to begin developing concepts that will continue to be refined over the next several months.

SG’s mission is to design educational facilities that precisely meet clients’ needs, with a strong emphasis on collaborative decision-making involving key stakeholders. Their client-driven approach begins with a thorough assessment of existing conditions and relies on a consensus-based planning process, fostering creative and effective solutions. They prioritize inclusive workshops to ensure input and information sharing from all parties, resulting in designs that exceed user expectations.

Please click the photo above to see the entire process of the workshop, with full commentary and transcripts.

“The main takeaway of this workshop was to get some big picture ideas that we can take away and turn into a facility concept to move towards (North Penn High School’s) referendum concept.” – David Schrader

To see more K-12 projects done by SCHRADERGROUP, please visit our website here.

SCHRADERGROUP attends Franklin County 9-1-1 Ribbon Cutting

SCHRADERGROUP (SG) had the pleasure of attending the Franklin County Ribbon Cutting event in North Carolina on Tuesday, September 12th, 2023, in celebration of opening its new 9-1-1 communication center.

The 911 communication center, recognized as a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP), holds a pivotal role in emergency response and public safety. Its core mission revolves around efficiently and effectively receiving, processing, and dispatching emergency calls and services.

The new 911 communication center also serves as the crucial liaison between the general public and emergency response agencies across Franklin County. The County received approximately $4 million through the NC911 Grant program to develop an advanced emergency communication center covering 5,300 square feet. This cutting-edge facility is located on a 3.90-acre site adjacent to the current public safety and detention center.

SG served as both the architect and structural engineering firm for the new emergency communication center. We are delighted to have engaged the expertise of the SG team, comprised of seasoned professionals, to design this essential infrastructure facility. It is instrumental in managing emergency calls, deploying the requisite resources, and ensuring a well-coordinated response to emergencies. Ultimately, this effort contributes to the preservation of lives and the enhancement of public safety across Franklin County.

Among those present was Kimberly Denton, Franklin County Manager, who welcomed and commenced the ceremony. Speeches were delivered by Michael S. Schriver, Chairman of the Franklin County Commissioners, Pokey Harris, Executive Director of the NC 911 Board, and Kimberly Denton herself. Christy Shearin, FC 911 Director, presided over both the ribbon-cutting ceremony and the closing remarks.

To see more projects we’ve worked on, please visit our website here.

SCHRADERGROUP: Enhancing Your Community with Next Generation Learning Environments

WE BELIEVE ACADEMIC DESIGN TRULY IS THE DESIGN FOR THE FUTURE

Over 19 years as a firm, SCHRADERGROUP (SG) completed over 200 projects in design for education and devoted the majority of its practice to learning environments. We are focused on creating learning environments specific to your vision for developing the leaders and thinkers for tomorrow.
Our Partners and Associates have over three decades of experience in academic facility design and are involved with school associations locally, nationally, and internationally (PASBO, DVASBO, NSBA, PSBA, A4LE, and others.) With this experience, the SG leadership continues to be committed to academic design to ensure the best experience for you.

SG employs 40+ full-time professional staff and is a full-service architecture firm offering planning and design services in the areas of architecture, structural engineering, planning, interior design, and construction administration. SG has the capacity to design over $400 million in construction projects per year.
The SG team works diligently to deliver projects in the most timely and cost effective manner and offers solutions that will satisfy programming standards of facilities nationally. With this effort, the stage is set for a design that will be entirely appropriate to its setting while satisfying the ergonomic needs of the using agencies.

Check out our a few of our K-12 Projects here.
Downloads of our K-12 flyer, brochure, and SOQ are available here.
And downloads of our tour book and brochure on our star project, Upper Merion Area High School, are available here.

THANK YOU TO THE SCHRADERGROUP 2023 SUMMER INTERNS!

SCHRADERGROUP (SG) extends its gratitude to the exceptional summer interns, both new and returning, for their unwavering dedication and hard work during their time at our firm. We would like to express our sincere appreciation and thanks to the architectural internees, Wiley Muck, Isaac Buxton, Allyson Everlof, Josh Pontell, and the interior designer internee, Gianna DeLorenzo! We wish you the best in your future studies and profession!

Before they head back to school, the SG family would like to highlight each of these great interns:

Wiley Muck
Graduate Student
Temple University – Bachelor of Architecture and Master of Architecture

Wiley is an accomplished individual who is set to achieve a significant milestone this year, as he will be completing his Master’s degree in Architecture. Wiley is a returning intern here at SG and throughout his time here, he has actively participated in various projects that have encompassed every phase of the process. This hands-on experience has proven to be invaluable, enabling him to gain extensive knowledge and expertise.

At SG, Wiley worked on facility assessments, primarily focusing on modeling the existing structures of multiple schools within various school districts. In one District’s case, Wiley has modeled the existing conditions of twelve different schools. Wiley is now able to go on facility assessment walkthroughs to see what he has been modeling all summer.

In the future, Wiley aspires to design a house that perfectly captures his vision, creating a space he can proudly call home. Additionally, he is driven by the desire to design environments that will become cherished and significant parts of other people’s lives, making a positive impact on their daily experiences.

“Being able to see something that I worked on get built and then used is something that I think about a lot and what keeps me on this path.” – Wiley

We are excited to report that Wiley has just accepted a full-time offer for employment at SCHRADERGROUP and will continue his professional life with us!

Isaac Buxton
Undergraduate Student
Philadelphia University – Bachelor of Architecture

Isaac is a fourth-year student of a five-year Bachelor of Architecture degree offered through Jefferson University’s College of Architecture & the Built Environment. Looking ahead, his aspiration is to accumulate a wealth of work experience while embracing the opportunity to travel. Currently, Isaac is preparing to embark on a six-month internship with Olson Kundig, which involves relocating to Seattle. This exciting opportunity will not only provide him with valuable professional exposure but also allow him to explore a new city.

Isaac’s passion for architecture blossomed during his formative years. As a creative and imaginative child, he found joy in crafting various creations, whether it was constructing structures out of cardboard and duct tape, piecing together intricate designs with Legos, or expressing his ideas through pencil and paper. This early affinity for hands-on creativity laid the foundation for his enduring love for architecture.

“This creativity eventually turned into the love of designing buildings and the passion of the design process.” – Isaac

While at SG, Isaac actively contributed to several major projects, including some of the largest school districts in the region, various Auditorium projects, and a new state-of-the-art elementary school. Furthermore, Isaac recently concluded conceptualizations for a potential higher education, demonstrating his ability to engage in forward-thinking and innovative design processes.

Allyson Everlof
Undergraduate Student
Pennsylvania State University – Bachelor of Architecture

Allyson will be a fifth year architecture student at Pennsylvania State University and also a returning Intern here at SG. Allyson stands as an accomplished individual, having maintained her esteemed role as the student representative for her class over the span of four years. Her consistent dedication and commitment to serving her peers exemplify her strong leadership skills and unwavering commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive academic environment.

Since Allyson was a child, she dreamed about being a designer and creating spaces for people that not only suit their needs but exceed them in ways that benefit them from within.

“Our environments are extremely involved in our wellbeing, and I am happy to be a part of creating those spaces for people, especially students and educators.” – Allyson

At SG, Allyson engaged in various tasks such as attending job conferences and groundbreaking ceremonies, assisting with building modeling, visiting project sites, and aiding photographers in documenting completed projects.

Upon her graduation in May of 2024, Allyson is eagerly preparing to embark on the initial stages of her journey towards becoming a licensed architect. Her ambitions are set on attaining her professional license within five years of completing her college education. This goal reflects Allyson’s strong determination and dedication to honing her skills, acquiring practical experience, and fulfilling the rigorous requirements to establish herself as a qualified and accomplished architect.

Josh Pontell
Undergraduate Student
Pennsylvania State University – Bachelor of Architecture

After completing his education in a year, Josh is eager to pursue a full-time career as an architect. Simultaneously, he plans to commence studying for the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) to accelerate the process of obtaining his professional license. Josh’s determination to swiftly achieve licensure highlights his commitment to professional growth and demonstrates his dedication to fulfilling the requirements necessary to establish himself as a licensed architect.

At SG, Josh actively contributed to several key areas of architectural work. This included engaging in tasks such as producing existing conditions drawings, developing schematic plans, conducting surveys, and utilizing 360 building imaging techniques. His involvement in these aspects showcased his diverse skill set and proficiency in different facets of architectural design and documentation.

Since he was young, Josh has been inspired by the places we inhabit. When he was a kid, he went to a few schools that were undergoing major renovations and reconstructions and was fascinated by all the structures in progress and how they go together. He specifically was fascinated with school buildings.

“I am so thrilled to be interning at a firm in which educational architecture is a focus!” – Josh

Gianna DeLorenzo
Undergraduate Student
Thomas Jefferson University – Bachelor of Interior Design

Gianna is currently on track to complete her studies in 2024 with the goal of obtaining her professional license as an interior designer upon graduation. Her aspirations highlight her determination to pursue a successful career in the field and her commitment to meeting the necessary requirements to become a licensed professional.

While at SG, Gianna has acquired extensive knowledge and skills in various aspects of interior design. She has gained a deep understanding of different materials and their applications, honed her expertise in casework and proper detailing techniques. Additionally, Gianna has developed strong abilities in comprehending and fulfilling client needs and desires while effectively collaborating with them. She has also gained valuable experience in navigating the project process. Notably, Gianna has contributed to projects such as a major elementary school and an elementary school library, utilizing software tools like Revit and Enscape to enhance her design work.

“While working at SG I was able to see the impact their work has on school districts and it’s really inspiring the difference it makes.” – Gianna

Thank you so much to Wiley, Isaac, Allyson, Josh, and Gianna. We truly appreciate the dedication, determination, and exceptional work ethic you all brought to the firm. As you continue your studies, we wish for nothing but the very best in all of your future endeavors. We eagerly anticipate hearing about your remarkable achievements and successes in the times to come.

Interested in working with us? Visit our Careers page to see what opportunities are available at SG here.

PennDOT Southeastern Regional Traffic Management Center and Parking Garage recognized as Alternative Delivery Project of the Year (2022)

SCHRADERGROUP (SG) is proud to announce that the PennDOT District 6 Regional Traffic Management Center (RTMC), for which we served as the design team with design-builder Heim Construction, was recognized by March of Dimes as the Alternative Delivery Project of the year! The award was received by Louis Belmonte, on behalf of PennDOT District 6.

The Alternative Delivery Project of the Year Award recognizes exceptional projects that have been executed using alternative project delivery methods. In the case of the RTMC project, DGS and PennDOT agreed to use the Design-Build delivery method to economize on schedule, budget, and process. The award acknowledges this and highlights projects that have successfully implemented these alternative delivery methods while achieving outstanding results in terms of design, construction, cost management, and overall project success.

Photography by Todd Mason

The PennDOT District 6 Project is a 24/7 regional traffic management center (RTMC) that uses Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) to help manage and monitor traffic patterns as well as to improve the flow of traffic throughout the Philadelphia region. The new RTMC is an impressive and modern facility designed to prioritize safety and to improve traffic flows by using state-of-the-art technology, including advanced traffic management systems, ITS, and a network of cameras and sensors. The RTMC has been constructed to help leverage these technologies as the region’s roadway network is modified and improved in coming years.

Within the RTMC facility, there are dedicated staff members assigned to monitor live camera feeds as well as electronic traffic sensors, ensuring the accurate and timely reporting of crucial information to emergency services, local transportation agencies, and law enforcement. User amenities abound in the facility as next generation communication and control centers begin to reflect the ergonomic needs of the users who work long hours to protect the region’s drivers.

SCHRADERGROUP is proud to have been part of the Heim design-build team to develop this incredible project for PennDOT, DGS and for the region’s drivers.

To see more of our public safety projects, click here.