Tag: public safety
SCHRADERGROUP Welcomes 2023!
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) welcomes the new year by being grateful and thanking all of our clients, colleagues, community, friends, and family for their ongoing support. We would not be SCHRADERGROUP without all of you. In the spirit of welcoming the new year, we also would like to reflect on some of SG’s highlights in 2022.
- Franklin County, NC broke ground for its new Emergency 9-1-1 Communications Center (click to see the original post.) The new Emergency Communications Center will provide the County with the facility necessary to fulfill its Emergency Communications needs. The facility’s completion is anticipated for March 2023.
- Governor Mifflin School District (GMSD) broke ground for its new Athletic Community Center (click to see the original post.) SG is excited to start the construction of GMSD’s new Athletic Community Center which is slated to be completed in the summer of 2023. The Community Center will provide a central community anchor for the School District’s athletic programs and events while allowing the existing secondary schools more room for their current academic programs and students.
- Great Valley School District’s (GVSD) new 5/6 Center conducted its groundbreaking (click to see the original post.) SG was excited to celebrate the start of construction for GVSD’s newest educational facility which will accommodate 900 students in grades 5-6. The new 5/6 Center is anticipated to open in the fall of 2024.
- The Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) held its new Career and Advanced Technology Center’s ribbon cutting (click to see the original post.) What an impressive facility that will provide automotive technologies, healthcare technical training, and general technologies and building trade opportunities to boost the local community and workforce. You can read more about CCP’s new Career and Technology Center (click here.)
- North Penn School District’s (NPSD) Knapp Elementary school held its ribbon-cutting ceremony. This addition and renovations project transformed the 1950’s facility into a next-generation school. The central core of the school was reconfigured to pull the dining commons directly across from the main entrance lobby and the roof structure was raised to introduce natural light into the space through clerestory windows. The library/resource center was relocated adjacent to the dining commons with a folding partition that can open to a Large Group Instruction (LGI) area. Additions include a new classroom wing. Find out more about Knapp Elementary School (click here.)
- SG partnered with previous clients and consultants to bring a special panel to Pennsylvania’s Association of School Board Officials (PASBO) 67th Annual Conference (click to see the original post.) After the previous year’s virtual conference, the SG team was excited to exhibit and present in person at PASBO’s 67th Annual Conference. The SG team chaired a panel to speak on the topic of future school safety, security, HVAC, and virus mitigation.
- SG and Upper Merion Area School District’s (UMASD) Administration spoke about the new Upper Merion Area High School at the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) Southeastern Region’s Annual Conference (click to see the original post.) SG’s Managing Partner, David Schrader, and UMASD’s Superintendent, Dr. John Toleno, engaged in a session that used the new Upper Merion Area High School as a case study for how; design supports 21st Century Learning, reflects current business models, and provides opportunities throughout secondary grades. The case study also compared traditional post-industrial educational environments to current designs of flexible learning spaces. Check out more about the new high school (click here.)
- SG, Lavallee Brensinger Architects (LBA), and the CCP spoke about the new Career and Advanced Technology Center at SCUP’s Annual Mid-Atlantic Conference (click to see the original post.) SG, LBA, and CCP used the new Career and Advanced Technology Center in West Philadelphia as a case study to provide insight into why and how the investment and design of technical trade schools can transform the local community and environment.
- SG attended the A4LE Northeast Region’s Annual Conference and engaged in a speaking session focused on the School District of Springfield Township’s (SDST) new Enfield Elementary School (click to see the original post.) The session highlighted SDST and the local community in their collaboration to envision a school that is designed to be a community anchor and to promote critical thinking in grades K-2. Find out more about Enfield Elementary School (click here.)
- SG sponsored and attended North Carolina Sheriff’s Association’s (NCSA) Spring Conference (click to see the original post.) SG Principal Harry Pettoni attended and exhibited at NCSA’s Spring Conference in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The Conference brought many state Sheriffs and law enforcement agencies together to help provide them with new information and better services for their departments.
- SG attended the North Carolina Public Safety Communications Conference in Wilmington, North Carolina (click to see the original post.) The event was hosted by the North Carolina Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (NC APCO) and the North Carolina National Emergency Number Association (NC NENA.) SG attended to provide an exhibition of our expertise in Public Safety programming, planning, and design.
- SG attended the Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools (PARRS) Conference in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania (click to see the original post.) SG Associate Devin Bradbury and Project Manager Eric Weiss represented the firm at the Conference which included different opportunities to engage in as well as meeting some familiar and new faces. We look forward to attending more PARRS events in the future.
- SG attended Maryland’s 68th Annual ASBO Spring Conference in Ocean City, Maryland (click to see the original post.) SG Principals Bruce Bachtle, Tom Forsberg, and Harry Pettoni were at the annual conference to exhibit SG’s services and designs.
- SG attended the 2022 PASBO Facilities, Transportation, and Safety Conference in Lancaster. SG was represented at this annual conference by SG team members Danielle Hoffer, Charlotte Stoudt, and Tom Forsberg.
- SG attended the 2022 PASA/PSBA School Leadership Conference in the Poconos. SG was excited to return to this annual conference that included more than 40 educational sessions and learning labs on relevant public-school topics.
- SG attended A4LE LearningSCAPES in San Antonio, Texas (click to see the original post.) It was an exciting event with SG Managing Partner, David Schrader, receiving the A4LE Lifetime Achievement award.
- SG attended the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Annual Conference and Exposition in Dallas, Texas. SG Principals Tom Forsberg and Harry Pettoni represented SG at this bustling conference committed to advancing safer communities through thoughtful, progressive police leadership.
- SG attended the 36th Annual Delaware Valley Association of School Board Officials (DVASBO) Trade Show in Oaks, PA. Managing Partner David Schrader was joined by Principal Harry Pettoni and Associate Danielle Hoffer at the event that assists in DVASBO’s mission of developing and supporting leaders in school business operations for the counties of Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery.
- SG attended the 2022 EDspaces Convention in Portland, Oregon. In addition to attending the convention that explored how innovation transforms learning spaces, the SG team, with UMASD Administration presented a session on “Student-Focused Design to Inspire Personal Achievement” by using the new Upper Merion Area High School as a case study.
- Hatboro-Horsham School District’s (HHSD) new Crooked Billet Elementary School was recognized as an Outstanding Project in Learning by Design’s Spring issue (click to see the original post.) SG is excited to have worked with HHSD on the design of a wonderful learning facility. The new school promotes its community’s and young students’ needs while highlighting the historical heritage of Crooked Billet designed within the center of the school. Learn more about the project (click here.)
- UMASD’s new Upper Merion Area High School received an Outstanding Project award in Learning by Design’s Fall issue (click to see the original post.) The new High School’s design was the result of UMASD’s vision, its community’s collaboration, and SG’s commitment to academic design—a recognition that was appropriately deserved.
- UMASD’s new Upper Merion Area High School also received an Outstanding Project award in American School & University’s Fall 2022 Architectural Portfolio issue. The new facility provides career and higher education level spaces for the students of UMASD to engage in the next-generation learning activities of “research, develop, and present!”
- SG’s ongoing Regional Traffic Management Center (RTMC) project for PennDOT District 6.0 received a transportation industry award during the March of Dimes annual Transportation Luncheon. The RTMC received the “Alternative Delivery Project of the Year” award with Project Manager Courtney Anspach in attendance.
- SCHRADERGROUP Managing Partner David Schrader was awarded the Association for Learning Environments’ (A4LE) Lifetime Achievement Award this year. This award is the most distinguished professional award bestowed to an A4LE member and honors an individual who has distinguished him or herself by making significant lasting contributions to the educational facility planning industry throughout their career. Congratulations David!
- SCHRADERGROUP was selected by the Pennsylvania American Institute of Architects (PA AIA) to receive the 2022 AIA Pennsylvania EPiC Firm Recognition. SG received this recognition for demonstrating a commitment to the development of Pennsylvania’s emerging professionals.
- SG Principal Harry Pettoni was named President of A4LE’s Chesapeake Bay/Delaware Valley Chapter in 2022 (click to see the original post.) As Chapter President, Harry will serve a three-year term to lead the Chapter in its endeavors to create Next Generation Learning Environments.
- Tyler Corbley registered as a new Architect in the state of Pennsylvania (click to see the original post.) SG celebrated Tyler’s accomplishments and growth since his summer internship at SG and now his registration as a Pennsylvanian Architect. We look forward to his continuing future contributions to SG and architecture.
- SG welcomed a new Project Architect, Trevor Mitchell (click to see the original post.) Trevor is Jefferson University graduate with over six years of experience in architecture. He has been contributing support and design detail to SG and its client’s projects. Welcome Trevor to the SG family!
- SG welcomed a new Interior Designer and Project Manager, Derek Perini (click to see the original post.) Derek brings over 24 years of interior design experience in senior living, multifamily residences, hospitality, and higher education design. We are excited to have Derek contribute and expand our interior design studio and market.
- Former Intern Dan Pawluczyk returned to SG as a full-time Architectural Designer (click to see the original post.) Dan was a recent Pennsylvania State University graduate and worked a summer internship at SG in 2021. He returned to continue his commitment to architecture, SCHRADERGROUP, and our projects and clients.
- Bruce Bachtle, SG Partner, announced his retirement in 2022 (click to see the original post.) Bruce has dedicated much to SG and its team since 2005—a mentor and friend to many including clients, industry partners, communities, and families. We all thank you, Bruce!
- SG attended Pennsylvania State University’s (PSU) Annual Stuckeman School Career Day (click to see the original post.) SG team members and PSU Alumni David Schrader, Paige Faria, and Jillian Kreglow attended PSU’s annual Career Day and met with many bright aspiring architecture students.
- SG sponsored and attended the 22nd Annual Montgomery County Intermediate Unit Education Foundation’s (MCIUEF) Golf Outing (click to see the original post.) As a proud sponsor, SG attended this event that raised funds to enhance and support educational opportunities for students in the County. We look forward to next year!
- SG sponsored and attended the Great Valley School District Educational Foundation’s Harlem Wizard Event. SG was proud to be a “Slam Dunk” sponsor at this fun event that raised funds for the schools in the district.
- SG sponsored and attended CCP’s Annual Black and Gold Gala (click to see the original post.) CCP’s Black and Gold Gala is a premier charity event that celebrates and recognizes outstanding individuals and services that encourages community growth. SG is proud to have sponsored and been a part of CCP’s mission to build a better and brighter future for Philadelphia.
- SG Principals and Associates, Bruce Bachtle, Tom Forsberg, Dan D’Amico, and Devin Bradbury attended the Delaware Valley Association of School Business Officials’ (DVASBO) 32nd Annual Golf Outing (click to see the original post.) SG is proud to have attended and helped raise money for scholarships for students in the Delaware Valley area.
- SG sponsored and attended Council Rock Education Foundation’s 3rd Annual Golf Classic outing (click to see the original post.) Project Architects Eric Weiss, Mark Adamiak, and Chris Farmer represented SG and our sponsorship to Council Rock Education Foundation. As always, we look forward to next year’s golf outing.
- SG Managing Partner David Schrader attended and spoke at the GAF Marketing Summit in Philadelphia, PA. David participated in the “Transforming our Future” Panel Discussion which was regarded as a highlight of the summit.
- SG sponsored and attended the North Penn Education Foundation’s 21st Annual Golf Classic. SCHRADERGROUP team members Devin Bradbury and Eric Weiss represented SG and our sponsorship to the Foundation. The outing helped raise charitable funds for the foundation while participants enjoyed a day on the course.
WRAPPING UP 2022 + WELCOMING 2023!
These notes represent only a few of the highlights for SCHRADERGROUP in 2022. Many more are not covered herein. Some of those successes included; the progress of both current and new projects throughout the year, SG’s personal family growth and accomplishments, community involvement, and much more.
Again, SCHRADERGROUP gives thanks for all of the support and the opportunities that were provided to us this past year from all of you—our clients, industry partners, consultants, friends, and family. We look forward to contributing more to all of your communities and ours in the next year.
Happy New Year,
From all of us at SCHRADERGROUP.
SCHRADERGROUP Attends North Carolina Public Safety Communications Conference
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) attended and exhibited at the North Carolina Public Safety Communications Conference from May 1st to the 4th at the Wilmington Convention Center in Wilmington, NC. The conference was hosted by the North Carolina Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (NC APCO) and the North Carolina National Emergency Number Association (NC NENA).
The NC Public Safety Communications Conference is held annually to focus on providing educational, development, and networking opportunities for public safety communications professionals and 9-1-1 Telecommunicators. This is the first time in ten years that the conference was held in Wilmington, North Carolina, and the first time the conference was held in person (instead of virtually) in the last two years.
SG Principal Harry Pettoni joined over 300 attendees at the conference that included educational sessions on the latest public safety topics, technologies, and services as well as certifications and training for professional development. SG was happy to exhibit at this great event that allows attendees to return to their agencies with new ways to inspire and inform their peers and communities.
The North Carolina Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (NC APCO) is a member driven association of communications professionals that provides leadership and opportunities, influences public safety communications decisions for government and industries, promotes professional development, and fosters the development and use of technology for the benefit of the public and responders. NC APCO provides members with training opportunities, access to publications, and advocacy at the state and national level on topics important to the public safety communication professional.
The National Emergency Number Association (NENA) works with 9-1-1 professionals nationwide, public policy leaders, emergency services and telecommunications industry partners, like-minded public safety associations, and other stakeholder groups to develop and carry out critical programs and initiatives, to facilitate the creation of an IP-based Next Generation 9-1-1 system, and to establish industry leading standards, training, and certifications. NENA is on the forefront of all emergency communications issues and the association serves its members and the greater public safety community as the only professional organization solely focused on 9-1-1 policy, technology, operations, and education issues. With more than 16,000 members in 52 chapters across the United States and around the globe, NENA promotes the implementation and awareness of 9-1-1, as well as international three-digit emergency communications systems.
Learn more about the North Carolina Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (NC APCO) here.
Learn more about the North Carolina National Emergency Number Association (NC NENA) here.
Learn more about SCHRADERGROUP’s work in Public Safety here.
Franklin County, NC Breaks Ground on New E911 Communications Center
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) attended the official ceremonial groundbreaking for the new 911 Primary Public Safety Answering Point Facility on Wednesday, April 6th, 2022, in Louisburg, North Carolina. Principal Harry Pettoni represented SG at the event that was attended by the County Commissioners, County Manager, NC911 Board Executive Director, and County 911 Director.
The 911 Primary Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) Facility will consist of a 6,000 SF communications center on a four-acre site adjacent to the existing Franklin County Sheriff’s facility, communication towers, and storage facilities. Sitework will include new stormwater system, sanitary sewer system, water lines, and electrical service to the building. New sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots will also be provided.
The non-hardened portion of the building will be structural steel framed on steel deck while the floor will consist of slab on grade concrete with conventional concrete spread footings. The hardened portion of the building will consist of a reinforced concrete masonry wall system. The roof structure will consist of structural steel framed with concrete slab on composite steel deck with PVC roofing systems. The exterior façade will be a mixture of brick, pre-cast concrete, cementitious panels, aluminum windows, storefront, and curtainwall systems.
This project is funded through a grant funding award from the North Carolina 911 Board. SG provided the programming, schematic design, design development, construction administration, and permitting documents for this new facility.
The facility is scheduled to open in December 2022.
If you would like to learn more about Franklin County, click here.
To learn more about SG’s work in the Public Safety Sector, please click here.
SCHRADERGROUP Welcomes a New Structural Engineer to the Team!
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) is thrilled to announce the newest member to join our team! Please help us welcome Structural Engineer Hugo Li, PE!
Hugo Li, PE
Structural Engineer
Pennsylvania State University – Bachelor of Architectural Engineering + Integrated Master of Architectural Engineering
Hugo is a Pennsylvania State University graduate with an integrated bachelor’s and master’s degree in Architectural Engineering. As a registered engineer with over ten years of experience in structural engineering, Hugo has the ability to lead the design process from start to finish, can handle multiple designs at once, and can set priorities and establish deadlines in order to successfully manage complex projects.
Hugo’s comprehensive code knowledge, expertise in structural forensics, and impressive structural engineering software abilities allow him to develop complex details and drawings. His interpersonal skills working with clients and consultants, combined with his excellent writing and verbal skills, give him the ability to work through all phases of a project while establishing effective working relationships with clients and consultants.
Hugo is passionate about working on interesting projects and looks forward to working with the team using the creative problem solving we at SCHRADERGROUP are known for. Looking to the future, Hugo hopes to grow the engineering sector in our Philadelphia office and hopes to manage a team of engineers one day. In his free time, Hugo enjoys solving puzzles, playing chess, listening to music, and building various things such as furniture and computers.
Welcome Hugo! We are thrilled to have you join the SG team! We look forward to a future of successful projects, and growth both professionally and personally!
Interested in working with us? Visit our Careers page to see what opportunities are available at SG here.
Happy Holidays from SCHRADERGROUP!
Happy Holidays to our Valued Clients, Collaborators, & Friends
The SCHRADERGROUP family would like to extend the warmest season’s greetings to all of our valued clients, collaborators, and friends. As another year draws to a close, we look back and are reminded of the significance of our mission: Inspiring our communities with responsive, innovative, and sustainable architecture created through client-driven, collaborative practice.
We feel both fortunate and thankful for the relationships we have formed over the years with all of our clients, collaborators, and team members. These important relationships are the cornerstone of our work, as it guides our designs toward creating dynamic and functional environments where people can work, grow, and prosper.
As a token of our appreciation for your support, the SG team has developed a recipe book for you to use during the upcoming holiday season and beyond. We hope you share it with your families, friends, and loved ones for years to come.
Please click on the image below to view and download the SG Recipe Book now!
Best wishes and Happy New Year!
Be sure to follow SG on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter for updates on all things SCHRADERGROUP!
SCHRADERGROUP Gives Thanks
As we approach the end of another year, Thanksgiving is the perfect time for the SCHRADERGROUP team to reflect upon the continuous support and opportunities given to us by all of you. We would like to extend our sincerest thanks to our partners, clients, peers, friends, families, and communities for the support. You are the reason we do what we do.
For every chance you have given us, we remember and are committed to bringing the value, quality, and inspiration of which every project is worthy. We thank you for helping us prosper in our mission of inspiring communities with responsive, innovative, and sustainable architecture created through client-driven, collaborative practice. So again, the SG team is grateful and gives our thanks to to you all for our continued success.
Everyone here at SCHRADERGROUP would like to thank you for all of the adventures we have shared this year and we wish you and your family a happy and safe Thanksgiving.
Best wishes from all of us at,
Be sure to follow SG on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter for updates on all things SCHRADERGROUP!
SCHRADERGROUP Attends the North Carolina Sheriff’s Association Spring Meeting
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) recently attended the North Carolina Sheriff’s Association (NCSA) 2021 Spring Meeting from April 23rd to the 26th in New Bern, North Carolina. The NCSA is made up of the state’s 100 sheriffs and the association works to strengthen the professional law enforcement services their offices provide to the people of North Carolina.
SG Principal Harry Pettoni operated the SG booth throughout the event that hosted training sessions, special speakers, and exhibitions that dealt with issues in law enforcement and the community. Events like these help sheriffs across the state figure out how to better serve their communities and to share techniques and strategies with their local counterparts.
SG is proud to attend an event dedicated to the safety of the people of North Carolina. We had the pleasure to meet some new faces, connect with existing clients, and discuss current facility needs for NC Sheriffs.
SG is dedicated to attending as many public safety and law enforcement events as possible, as it provides crucial information and strategies in the design and construction of public safety facilities. Attending these events ensures we maintain our knowledge base in order to continue providing dynamic designs that are survivable and redundant.
Learn more about SCHRADERGROUP’s work in Public Safety here.
Learn more about the North Carolina Sheriff’s Association here.
SCHRADERGROUP Construction Progress – March 2021
2021 has been off to quite a busy start here at SCHRADERGROUP! The team has been working diligently on multiple projects in both the K-12 and Public Safety markets, including Upper Merion Area High School, Chatham County (NC) Emergency Operations Center, Anne Frank Elementary School, Knapp Elementary School, the East Pennsboro Area School District’s Administration Office, and the PennDOT District 6.0 Regional Traffic Management Center and Parking Structure.
With the weather improving recently, construction progress has been speeding up! See below for details on each of these exciting projects.
Upper Merion Area School District – Upper Merion Area High School
This month, the site finally started to dry out. Structural steel is being erected and the site was buzzing with activity!
Chatham County, North Carolina – Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
Early site work has been moving along on this North Carolina EOC project. The pond construction, on-site water, and rough grading over the culvert are all complete while off-site water and road grading remains ongoing.
The School District of Philadelphia – Anne Frank Elementary School
In Philadelphia, construction continues on the Anne Frank Elementary School. The concrete slabs are completed, and the CMU work is coming close behind. Both interior and exterior metal stud work is in progress.
North Penn School District – Knapp Elementary School
Phase 1 of Knapp Elementary School’s renovations and additions is nearly complete! An 8-classroom addition that includes a new bus entry canopy and vestibule will provide the swing space for the remainder of the renovation work. Demolition is set to start for the next phase, which will create a brand new Dining Commons, Large Group Instruction space, and secure entry.
East Pennsboro Area School District (EPASD) – District Administration Office
Up near Harrisburg, the District Administration Office for EPASD is coming along nicely. The exterior steel for the addition is complete and the concrete slab was poured last week. Interior stud work is currently in progress.
Department of General Services – PennDOT District 6.0 Regional Traffic Management Center (RTMC) and Parking Structure
Back in Philly, the PennDOT RTMC building is off and running. The first section of retaining wall footing is being constructed and the grading for the building pad is underway.
The activity at the parking structure is bustling as well. Steel installation at the stair towers is complete and rebar has been installed at the stair landing in preparation for concrete pours. CMU wall installation is underway as well as stud framing, HM door installation, and the sealing of vertical joints.
We are so excited to see these designs finally coming to reality! Thank you to our wonderful consultants and partners, particularly Heim Construction, Bala Consulting Engineers and Alfred Benesch & Company in their great work with PennDOT.
Learn more about these and other exciting SCHRADERGROUP projects here!
SCHRADERGROUP Ranked in Architectural Record’s Top 300 Architecture Firms of 2020
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) is proud to have been ranked #274 in Architectural Record’s Top 300 U.S. Architecture Firms of 2020.
Architectural Record is a monthly publication dedicated to architecture and interior design. Their yearly Top 300 lists are ranked by revenue for architectural services performed in 2019.
This is the first year SG has made this prestigious list, and we look forward to moving up in the rankings in the future!
Learn more about SG’s projects here.
View Architectural Record’s Top 300 U.S. Architecture Firms of 2020 here.
SCHRADERGROUP Ranked in Building Design+Construction Magazine’s 2020 Giants 400 Report
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) is proud to have been ranked in nine categories in Building Design+Construction Magazine’s 2020 Giants 400 Report. Most notably, SG has ranked in the top 100 firms for six categories: Top Architecture/Engineering Firms, Schools, Public Safety, Sports Facilities, University Facilities and Local Government Buildings.
The BD+C 2020 Giants 400 Report ranks the nation’s largest architecture and engineering firms in commercial construction, by revenue and market segment. More than 480 architecture, engineering and construction firms participated in this year’s annual report with 130 rankings across 25 building sectors and specialty categories.
SCHRADERGROUP ranked #85 in the Top Architecture/ Engineering Firms category, #49 in Schools (PK-12, public, private, charter, military), #46 in Public Safety/ Justice Facilities, #89 in Sports Facilities/ Stadiums/ Recreational Facilities, #91 in University/ College Facilities and #89 in Local Government Buildings.
Learn more about SG’s projects here.
View the BD+C 2020 Giants 400 Report here.