Tag: community

SCHRADERGROUP Opens New Pittsburgh Regional Office

We are excited to announce that SCHRADERGROUP (SG) is opening a new regional office in Pittsburgh to replace the office space the team has been using. The change will accommodate the substantial growth we have experienced recently. With the construction of this new office space, SG can better serve the Pittsburgh region while expanding our expertise. Our seasoned professionals are excited to share in the creation and future of architectural projects.

SG has hired Thomas Wippenbeck as Regional Manager to assist and serve clients in western PA. Thomas brings over twenty-six years of experience in his field, overseeing projects in areas from client interviews and presentations to construction administration. Our Pittsburgh office is currently located on the North Shore and, when relocated to the Wexford area, will officially open on November 1st.

SCHRADERGROUP is currently seeking a talented Architectural Project Manager to oversee building design and construction in the Pittsburgh area. If you have a passion for project design, we want to hear from you!

Want to be a part of the SG team? We’re hiring! Learn more about our openings here.

Chatham County Unveils New Emergency Operations Center with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

SCHRADERGROUP (SG) was honored to attend the ribbon-cutting for Chatham County’s new Emergency Operations Center in Pittsboro, North Carolina. SG served as the architect and structural engineering firm for the new facility. The center combines the county’s Emergency Management and Emergency Communications operations and administration sectors, providing a fully functional space to best serve the community’s needs.

The center is instrumental in providing services to those in need. From the moment the team receives the call, having an efficient, high-tech, and spacious workplace is critical to their commitment to safeguarding the community. Training, technology, and common spaces promote efficiency, productivity, and collaboration within the team. The dedicated members of this center play a vital role in keeping the public safe, and SG was proud to construct the new space.

The emergency staff of Chatham County are well-deserving individuals who help foster public safety, and we are delighted to have been a part of this process from the beginning. This project adds to the preservation and protection of the public, and we are proud to have been involved.

To see more Public Safety and Mission Critical projects we have worked on, please visit our website here.

SCHRADERGROUP Welcomes Our Newest Marketing Coordinator to the Team!

SCHRADERGROUP (SG) is delighted to introduce the newest addition to our team! Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Lauren Wilke as she joins our SG family!

Lauren Wilke
Marketing and Proposal Coordinator
Florida Gulf Coast University – Bachelor of Arts in English
Villanova University – Master of Arts in English & Communications

Lauren is a driven individual and recently earned her master’s in English at Villanova University with a concentration in marketing communications. She has over six years of experience in the marketing field and considerable hands-on agency experience. Lauren is passionate about language and the way we relate to and communicate with one another on a human level.

At SG, Lauren creates compelling content and derives much of her inspiration from storytelling. Her contributions revolve around proposals, digital content, and communication. Lauren recognizes the way a company tells its story is crucial to its success, so she draws on creative writing for lasting impact. Whether it’s a technical proposal or a celebratory blog post, Lauren captures the tone and spreads the word to further the SG vision.

Lauren is motivated by creativity, a talented team, and bettering her community. These characteristics align with SG’s people-focused mission, and in turn, help produce high-quality results. She admires SG’s projects from their inception to completion, and she respects the positive and sustainable impact SG has on the community.

“Communication and architecture are not so different; they both require basic building blocks that, when combined in a thoughtful way, create something beautiful.” –Lauren

Welcome, Lauren! We are excited to have you on board the SG team. We are eager to support you in your path to success.

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

SCHRADERGROUP will be at the 2023 PASA PSBA School Leadership Conference

From October 16th-17th, SCHRADERGROUP (SG) will be actively participating in the PASA PSBA School Leadership Conference, which will be held at the Kalahari Resort in Pennsylvania.
SG attendees include Managing Partner David Schrader, Partner Tom Forsberg, Principal Matt Wittemann, Principal Devin Bradbury, Associate Danielle Hoffer, Associate Thomas Wippenbeck, and Associate Charlotte Stoudt.

The Pennsylvania School Boards Association is a non-profit, statewide organization representing public school boards, committed to upholding the highest standards of local community leadership for the public schools throughout the Commonwealth.

Drop by our Booth #719 and say hello! We’re looking forward to meeting you!

To see more related academic SG projects, please visit our website 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.

HHSD Keith Valley Construction Update!

Exciting times are upon us as we witness Hatboro-Horsham School District’s NEW Keith Valley Middle School rise out of the ground. Incredible progress has been made over the first summer of construction and the new state-of-the-art facility beginning to take shape. Ongoing work includes foundations, concrete slabs, concrete retaining walls, and the erection of structural steel.

Photography by D’Huy Engineering, Inc

The NEW Keith Valley Middle School is being constructed in the foreground while the old Keith Valley Middle School remains in operation in the background.

The foundation work for Keith Valley Middle School commenced about three weeks ago. These vital structures are the bedrock of our future, ensuring the stability and longevity of the building. As each day passes, we see the foundations grow stronger, laying the groundwork for a new era in education at Keith Valley Middle School.

The classroom wings are rising from the ground while new underground stormwater basins are excavated.
The site is buzzing with activity on a daily basis with earthwork underway to install stormwater basins and crush the massive field of rock that was unearthed during construction. Foundations and massive retaining walls are nearly complete. Concrete slabs have been poured for the classroom pods and administrative wing. Most impressive is the structural steel that has been erected for the four 3-story classroom pods.

Photography by D’Huy Engineering, Inc

Starting in the Fall of 2025, the impressive 275,000 square foot facility will house up to 1,200 students in grades 6 through 8 with innovative and flexible learning spaces throughout the school. The students and staff of Hatboro-Horsham school district eagerly await the opportunity to utilize their new facility, which will take learning to a new level within the District. Until then, they have the best seat in the house to watch their new home be built one day at a time.

Perhaps the most striking sight on the construction site is the soaring steel framework. With three of the four educational wings already erected, it’s awe-inspiring to witness the structure reaching toward the sky.

Please click the image above to see a drone view of the construction site.
Videography shot by D’huy Engineering, Inc.

The transformation of Keith Valley Middle School’s renovation is a testament to progress, determination, and vision. As we continue this exciting journey, we invite you to stay tuned for more updates.

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: Next-Generation Learning Environments Presented at A4LE NE Region Conference Talk & Tours

The A4LE Northeast Region Conference is an annual event bringing together professionals from the education and design communities to discuss innovative ideas, research, and best practice to create effective learning environments. The conference typically features keynote presentations, workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. This year, SCHRADERGROUP (SG) had the pleasure of attending and presenting our latest project, Upper Merion Area High School. SG also gave tours of UMAHS as well as other projects; Springfield High School, Enfield Elementary School, Phoenixville Area Early Learning Center/Manavon Elementary School.

David Schrader, SG’s managing partner, along with Superintendent of Schools, Dr. John Toleno and Building Principal Johnathan Bauer, presented a session titled “This is so meant for us! Student Focused Design to Inspire Personal Achievement, The Next Generation High School”. This session profiled a very unique learning environment constructed in King of Prussia, PA to support 21st Century learning styles. The building was designed to reflect current business model practices and provides opportunities across multiple grade levels for advanced course offerings and unique learning styles. The presentation also offered a comparison of students’ reflection on their learning experience in traditional post-industrial environments versus the learning spaces designed in the new facility centered around self-directed learning environments.

In addition to the presentation, SG provided tours of 4 of our schools for A4LE attendees. The schools that were toured included: Upper Merion Area High School, Springfield High School, Enfield Elementary School, Phoenixville Area Early Learning Center/Manavon Elementary School. You can read more about each school below.

Photography By Halkin Mason

Upper Merion Area High School offers students dedicated spaces for career exploration and advanced education, promoting 21st-century learning activities such as research, development, and presentation. The school is committed to providing students with state-of-the-art facilities and resources that support their academic and professional growth. These purpose-built spaces are specifically designed to facilitate research, encourage innovation and creativity, and enable students to effectively present their findings and projects. UMAHS recognizes the importance of preparing students for the evolving demands of the modern world, and its design reflects this commitment to fostering a dynamic learning environment.

Check out more information about Upper Merion Area High School here.

Photography By Halkin Mason

Springfield High School is strategically located within proximity to a significant portion of the town, thanks to the dense nature of this community. This intentional placement enables many residents to conveniently walk to the school. Furthermore, the design of the school reflects deep consideration for the community it serves. Every aspect of the school’s architecture and layout has been thoughtfully planned to align with the needs and values of the surrounding community. By keeping the community in mind throughout the design process, Springfield High School aims to foster a strong sense of connection and collaboration between the school and its residents. This facility was designed in partnership with Perkins and Will Architects.

Check out more information about Springfield High School here.

Photography By Halkin Mason

Enfield Elementary School is thoughtfully designed to cater to the needs of young learners, creating a welcoming community atmosphere that focuses on both public and academic spaces. The school’s layout revolves around a serene courtyard, symbolically embracing the children and fostering an optimal outdoor learning environment. Surrounding this peaceful central area, classroom wings are strategically placed to enhance the overall learning experience.

Check out more information about Enfield Elementary School here.

Photography By Matt Wargo

Phoenixville Area Early Learning Center and Manavon Elementary School have been purposefully designed to accommodate two distinct grade structures, following a unique “school within a school” format. The ELC is dedicated to nurturing and educating students in grades K-1, providing them with a specialized learning environment tailored to their early educational needs. On the other hand, the ES focuses on grades 2-5, offering a comprehensive curriculum and resources specifically designed to meet the developmental requirements of older elementary students. This innovative design ensures that each grade structure receives the appropriate educational support and fosters an optimal learning experience for all students.

Check out more information about Phoenixville Area Early Learning Center and Manavon Elementary School here.

If you want to learn more about SG, be sure to follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. To see our latest projects, please visit our website sgarc.com

Congratulations to Upper Merion Area High School for gracing the front cover of Learning By Design’s Spring 2023 issue.

SCHRADERGROUP (SG) is proud to once again announce that our completed project, Upper Merion Area School District’s Upper Merion Area High School, has been recognized as an Outstanding Project in Learning By Design’s Spring 2023 Educational Facilities Design Awards. We are excited to have another SG project recognized as an award-winning facility for its Next Generation Learning space design and planning.

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.

We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to collaborate with Upper Merion Area School District (UMASD) and showcase their exceptional facility in this issue. Our ongoing relationship with this remarkable School District, which prioritizes providing cutting-edge education and facilities to the community’s students, is something we are grateful for.

The purpose of this facility is to offer UMASD students’ career-oriented and higher education-level spaces where they can actively participate in 21st-century learning activities focused on “research, develop, and present!” We extensively researched and incorporated multiple contemporary higher education spaces into the development of this distinctive facility.

The 345,000 SF facility seamlessly integrates with the existing middle school, connecting through athletic and performance arts components. This expanded facility offers enriching opportunities for students spanning from 6th grade to 12th grade.

The facility includes a central “student commons,” serving as a versatile space for various activities throughout the day. It features a two-story open area with learning resources on the second level, alongside dining options.

You can view the Spring 2023 issue of Learning By Design here. You can find the Upper Merion Area High School entry on page 86!
If you’d like to learn even more about the Upper Merion Area High School, click here.