Design and Construction Plans Unveiled for North Ridgeville City School’s New High School

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Design and Construction Plans Unveiled for North Ridgeville City School’s New High School
In the early autumn, plans were unveiled for the design and construction of North Ridgeville City School's new high school and maintenance transportation facility. The new 340,000 SF 9-12 high school is more than double the size of the existing school and signals a bold new chapter for the district's educational future.

Design and Construction Plans Unveiled for North Ridgeville City School’s New High School

In the early autumn, team members from ThenDesign Architecture, the North Ridgeville City School District, and Hammond Construction unveiled the design and construction plans for the district’s new high school and maintenance transportation facility. The new 340,000 SF 9-12 high school is more than double the size of the existing school and signals a bold new chapter for the district’s educational future.

The new school includes a performing arts center, competition gymnasium, natatorium, and flexible, modern educational spaces for students.

Community Members Attended the Update Meeting in North Ridgeville

Gathering Feedback from Stakeholders

The project incorporates feedback from various groups involved early in the design process. It includes ideas gathered from an educational visioning session, a visual preference community survey, and regular staff engagement meetings. The more than 75 academic spaces will have a collegiate feel by incorporating collaborative and flexible spaces that give students more autonomy. They are designed to foster relationships between students, their peers, and district staff.

Based on feedback the district gathered, they are prioritizing four key aspects of the new school:

    • “Collegiate Environment” – Developing spaces that promote student autonomy, preparing them for life after high school.
    • “Future Thinking” – Develop spaces that are adaptable for future learning opportunities and will still be relevant 20 years from now.
    • “Collaborative” – School designs that encourage student interaction and collaboration.
    • “Relationships” – A school that fosters partnerships with business and community initiatives.

Community Members Attended the Update Meeting in North Ridgeville

Features of the New North Ridgeville High School

In addition to providing a modern educational environment that incorporates daylighting into classrooms and offices, the school also prioritizes sustainability features and environmental controls to regulate temperatures in the building and promote a healthy indoor environment.

Two main entrances separate the functions of the school. One is dedicated to academic entry, while the other event entry provides access to athletic and art spaces.

There is one clear main entrance for visitors throughout the school day. This entry will also serve as the athletic entry after hours for the main gymnasium. A separate, dedicated entrance is designed for the performing arts center. The large spaces that can be open for events after hours are easily separated from the rest of the school.

Just inside the academic entrance is a central dining hub connecting the school’s various areas and creating a large common space for students.

Other notable spaces include a performing arts center that provides the necessary space to support the district’s growing arts program and a competition gymnasium to host large athletic events. Also included is a state-of-the-art natatorium to support the district’s swim team. The inclusion of the swimming pool is a significant feature of the school. It provides training and competition space along with a potential revenue stream for the district through rental opportunities for other swim teams in the area.

Various student groups have also been involved in the new school's design

Timing and Schedule Explained in the Design and Construction Plans

Hammond Construction also provided a timeline for the project, laying out the key construction phases. The project is aligned with current budget and schedule estimates and is planned to be completed by the 2028-2029 school year. Once the new building is complete, the current high school will be demolished, and the area will be transformed into new practice fields.

Community members who attended were very supportive of the plans for the new school. The designs result from hundreds of hours of input from the school district, community, students, and design professionals. The school plans reflect the educational priorities for the district by solving the challenges of overcrowding at the existing school and creating spaces for new educational opportunities for future generations of North Ridgeville students.

View the Presentation from the Design and Construction Meeting for North Ridgeville City School’s New High School

Ryan Caswell

Ryan Caswell

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Ryan is a communications specialist who is passionate about using digital media to further the goals of organizations and communities in Northeast Ohio. With a background in construction and a degree in architecture, he spent over a decade in corporate video production and brings this mindset to videography, editing, photography and content marketing. He is passionate about supporting the arts, and can be found hiking in the parks system.
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Claire Bank Selected as 40 Under 40 Honoree

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Claire Bank Selected as 40 Under 40 Honoree
ThenDesign Architecture's Educational Design Lead, Claire Bank, has been selected by Crain's Cleveland Business, as a 40 Under 40 honoree. This recognition honors the achievements of professionals and showcases their efforts to improve and shape their communities.

Claire Bank Selected as 40 Under 40 Honoree

ThenDesign Architecture’s Educational Design Lead, Claire Bank, has been selected by Crain’s Cleveland Business, as a 40 Under 40 honoree. This recognition honors the achievements of professionals and showcases their efforts to improve and shape their communities.

Claire’s impact is evident in the projects she leads and the professional initiatives she is involved in. Aside from being an architect, active member of A4LE, an organization dedicated to designing educational environments, and the ACE Mentor Program of Cleveland, Claire led a comprehensive update of the Ohio School Design Manual (OSDM), which is a set of standard guidelines for designing educational facilities across Ohio.

Her dedication and skills make her an invaluable team member on any project.

40 Under 40 Award

The Crain’s Cleveland Business 40 Under 40 is a program geared to honor the exceptional achievements of young professionals in various industries. It serves to highlight their accomplishments and provide an inspiration for future leaders.

For more than three decades in cities across the United States, this program has highlighted CEOs, founders, innovators, and community champions under 40 who are making significant impacts. Each honoree is selected through a peer nomination and editorial review process, and are celebrated for their contributions to their professions and communities.

“I’ve always admired the variety of roles and initiatives that the Crain’s 40 Under 40 Program recognizes,” notes Claire. It is inspiring to see all of the ways people are at work contributing to and shaping our communities, and it is an honor to be recognized as one of those people.”

Scenes from TDA
"I enjoy helping people learn to navigate architecture, providing opportunities for them to gain confidence in different parts of our projects while having the support of our team to help explain the " how and why" of what we do."
Claire Bank
Educational Design Lead

Claire's Work at TDA

At TDA, Claire serves as a project manager and the firm’s Educational Design Lead, helping school districts merge their educational priorities with their facilities projects to maximize each student’s experience. This focuses on engaging with school district administrators, staff, and students to best understand their needs and incorporate their feedback. In addition to those responsibilities, she leads large-scale design projects such as North Ridgeville City School’s new 9-12 high school, Wickliffe City Schools’ PreK-12, and North Royalton’s Elementary School.

Claire also focuses on teaching and mentoring Emerging Professionals in TDA’s design studio. “I’ve always loved teaching and mentoring. Architecture can be an intimidating profession to enter.” Claire is determined to help young professionals in the industry and realize their impact in the field. “I enjoy helping people learn to navigate architecture, providing opportunities for them to gain confidence in different parts of our projects while having the support of our team to help explain the ” how and why” of what we do.”

While at TDA, emerging professionals are embedded with project teams to get hands on experience with architectural design professionals at the firm.

The 2024 40 Under 40 Award

About Us

ThenDesign Architecture (TDA) prioritizes building relationships within internal team members and the clients we serve. TDA operates as a “teaching and learning firm,” meaning that we focus on honing the skills of our staff while also finding opportunities for emerging professionals and students to learn more about architectural design and its real-world application.

We are proud of developing a collaborative culture where architects, planners, interior designers, construction administrators, and communications specialists work to improve public architecture in Ohio. TDA has been repeatedly recognized for having a strong culture by the Weatherhead School of Business, The Cleveland Plain Dealer as a Top Workplace, and as a 14-year consecutive winner of the NorthCoast99 award. We are proud of our collective achievement and the accomplishments of individual team members as they give back to their communities.

Jeff Henderson, a senior architect with ThenDesign Architecture and mentor of Claire’s has worked hard to support the learning culture at TDA. He commented, “Claire brings a high level of technical skill to her work and combines it with a strong focus on community engagement.” “Design is obviously what we do but the most critical thing is to build and maintain relationships, Claire is exceptional at both.”

ThenDesign Architecture

TDA is composed of passionate individuals who impact their communities. This extends to both personal and professional pursuits. We support the development and advancement of all team members and celebrate their accomplishments.

This award recognizes the work that Claire does for her community and district clients she works with.

If you are interested in seeing our open positions, reach out!

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Ryan Caswell

Ryan Caswell

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Ryan is a communications specialist who is passionate about using digital media to further the goals of organizations and communities in Northeast Ohio. With a background in construction and a degree in architecture, he spent over a decade in corporate video production and brings this mindset to videography, editing, photography and content marketing. He is passionate about supporting the arts, and can be found hiking in the parks system.
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Richmond Heights Invites the Natural World In

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Richmond Heights Invites the Natural World In
Richmond Heights invites the natural world in by opening a new Innovation Station and renovated courtyard at its elementary school. A special Back-to-School event hosted by the school district invited community members, students, and parents to experience learning spaces that feature colorful, organic design elements, including stones, trees, and gardens. Incorporating modern technology with a nature theme promotes student curiosity about the world around them.

Richmond Heights Invites the Natural World In

At a Back-to-School event on August 8, Richmond Heights Local Schools officially opened their new Innovation Station and courtyard renovation at the district’s elementary school. The $1.4 million project features a 2,320 SF renovation that reclaims an unused courtyard, storage room, and underused library, transforming them into an innovative makerspace, meeting area, and outdoor learning courtyard. Phase Two of this project is scheduled to be opened in the Fall of 2024 and includes a new PreK-K Playground, Safety Town, playground for grades 1-6 with a half-size basketball court and butterfly garden.

Drawing on the symbolism of houses, trees, and gardens, the Innovation Station features natural colors, a free-standing custom-built tree, cabinetry that mimics a community of homes, glass with organic plant-shaped screening, and a garden courtyard. Natural light floods interior spaces through glass walls, promoting views of the courtyard.

The natural world is blended with technology and encourages students to explore both worlds in a hands-on way.

"Now we have an area that enables our students to imagine, learn, grow, and explore. I love how this space does just that."
Dr. Marnisha Brown
Superintendent

Richmond Heights Invites the Natural World In

Back-to-School Extravaganza

The Back-to-School event was attended by hundreds of community members, including students, parents, and district staff, along with Superintendent Dr. Marnisha Brown, members of the Board of Education, and city officials. They officially cut the project’s ribbon, opened the community’s new spaces, and encouraged participants to plant vegetables and herbs in the courtyard and visit the Innovation Station and makerspace.

At the ribbon cutting, Dr. Brown reflected on the opportunities for students in the new Innovation Station and courtyard. “I am very excited about the possibilities for our younger students. Our elementary school staff has been working very hard to find innovative ways to engage students. These new spaces do just that.”

The previous courtyard in the elementary school was mostly unused but has now been transformed into an environment that can be used all year. Students can explore gardening, composting, and tending a butterfly garden. These unique spaces are activated by students who can connect with nature in a community located near the city of Cleveland.

"The district didn't want another traditional library full of books. They wanted an innovative space that encouraged creativity. We wanted to bring the outdoors in."
Zora Pavlovic
ThenDesign Architecture

Outdoor Spaces for Outdoor Learning

One Vision. One Mission. One Richmond.

Project Manager Zora Pavlovic used nature as a theme to connect the Innovation Station with the courtyard. “We designed this custom tree element to create a sense of protection, peace, happiness, and friendship. We also created a movable glass wall that allows students to access the courtyard directly from the Innovation Station.”

3D printers, Cricut machines, advanced computers, and a Lego wall are located in the makerspace, while creative and flexible furniture in the Innovation Station simultaneously accommodates up to two classes. “It’s not just about learning through lectures. It’s about creating with your hands, whether with nature or technology,” commented Zora.

For Dr. Brown, this newly renovated space will foster a love of learning and encourage continued community support for the district.

“Our mantra is ‘One Vision. One Mission. One Richmond.’ Richmond Heights is a small community, and we have no choice but to be united. By opening this new space today, it allows for students, parents, and everyone to be a part of it. The community understands that investing in our students and education will only benefit the community in the future—it’s one Richmond Heights.”

Richmond Heights Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Marc Cebrian

Marc Cebrian

Communications

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Marc has over thirty years of media production experience with a wide variety of storytelling projects that include commercials, documentaries, and live events. He began his career in the feature film and television industry in Los Angeles, California. Naturally driven by a passion for the creative and analytical, he believes that people should be kind to one another, and strives to live by example.
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Brunswick City Schools New High School Design Reveal

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New High School Design Reveal Community Meeting
ThenDesign Architecture, Brunswick City Schools, and Hammond Construction held a community focused "Design Reveal" Meeting to provide a vision for the district's new 9-12 high school.

New High School Design Reveal Community Meeting

In early autumn, ThenDesign Architecture, Brunswick City Schools, and Hammond Construction held a “Design Reveal” Community Meeting to lay out the vision for the district’s new 302,000 SF high school and provide an update on progress for the overall project. With many different components as part of the total project, it was an opportunity to present a holistic view of all the accomplished milestones.

Brunswick CSD's Design Reveal Animation

Design Reveal Animation

Additionally, an animated walkthrough of the new school was revealed to provide community members with an inside view of the various planned spaces for the new high school. Narrated by Brunswick High School students Anderson and Addison, they brought the vision to life by providing context for how the new spaces could be used in the school. These students are two of the many voices who have helped shape this project from the start.

Since September 2023, the construction team (Brunswick City School District, the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission, ThenDesign Architecture, and Hammond Construction) has transformed ideas and concepts from district staff, administrators, and the community into an extraordinary learning environment that will inspire generations of Brunswick students. The Ohio Facilities Construction Commission is partnering with BCSD, funding 39% of the new high school construction.

Community Members Participate in the Meeting

The overall construction project includes:

      • A new two-story 302,000 SF high school with a performing arts center, competition gymnasium, and state-of-the-art classrooms and learning spaces
      • A multipurpose athletic field with synthetic turf, tennis courts, and a full-sized baseball practice field
      • A new maintenance facility and board of education office at the site of the current Willetts Middle School
      • Additional classrooms and site improvements at Applewood and Kidder Elementary schools
      • Demolition of the current Willetts Middle School, Towslee Elementary School, and ultimately, the existing Brunswick High School

Early site work is currently underway on the location of the new high school, and the project is on schedule and within budget. Additionally, new classrooms and site improvements are taking place at the Applewood and Kidder elementary schools while the new maintenance facility and board of education office are progressing.

Site work at Applewood Elementary wraps up this month, and the new maintenance facility breaks ground in the winter.

View the Full Presentation Below

Next Steps in the Process

The input process from district staff, students, and the community helps inform the new school’s overall design. It is reflected in the exterior design, color palette, interior arrangement of space, and the building’s features. These early crucial steps allow for the delivery of a better school that is completed on schedule and within budget and maximizes the learning opportunities for future generations of Brunswick City School students.

This New High School Design Reveal Community Meeting was also covered by Cleveland.com.

Ryan Caswell

Ryan Caswell

Communications

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Ryan is a communications specialist who is passionate about using digital media to further the goals of organizations and communities in Northeast Ohio. With a background in construction and a degree in architecture, he spent over a decade in corporate video production and brings this mindset to videography, editing, photography and content marketing. He is passionate about supporting the arts, and can be found hiking in the parks system.
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Perry LSD Hosts Opening Ceremonies for Three Elementary Schools

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Perry LSD Hosts Opening Ceremonies for Three Elementary Schools
The community in Perry Township and surrounding areas enjoyed a celebratory milestone as the Perry Local School District officially opened its new elementary schools with three ribbon cutting ceremonies and three open houses on the same day. Watson Elementary, Southway Elementary, and Lohr Elementary students toured the completed educational facilities with their families and local community members. The opening ceremonies for three elementary schools had attendance in the hundreds at each event. Guests were invited to walk the hallways just before the opening of the 2024-2025 school year.

Perry Local School District Hosts Opening Ceremonies for Three Elementary Schools

The Perry Local School District enjoyed a unique occasion as they hosted ribbon cutting ceremonies and open houses for their three new elementary schools on the same day. Construction and the final touches were completed at Watson Elementary, Southway Elementary, and Lohr Elementary to kick off the 2024-2025 school year.

Braving the summer heat, attendance at each event was in the hundreds as parents, students, and community members celebrated the conclusion of the monumental project. After Superintendent Nate Stutz and Board of Education President Doug Brown gave thankful remarks, the traditional ribbon was cut, and the doors were officially opened for the community to tour the schools.

"Beyond the schools being new academic spaces, they represent moving forward as a community and a district."
Nate Stutz
Superintendent

Perry Local Schools Opening Ceremonies for Three Elementary Schools

Respect for the Local Culture

The Perry community approved a bond levy in early 2020 to secure funds to update its educational facilities. This allowed the district to secure additional funds from the state through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC), which agreed to provide additional funding for the project.

To best serve the members of their district, the most feasible plan was to fund and build the three schools simultaneously. Though each school is reminiscent of the other, they all have distinct personalities and themes to emulate the local culture. While Southway Elementary features an industry and railroad motif, Watson Elementary has a design concept of the arts, and Lohr Elementary highlights agriculture.

Katherine Mitchell, RA of ThenDesign Architecture, worked on the project and noted how consistent elements throughout each school supported their unique character, “Each theme informed every aspect of the design, from the exterior façade to color palettes and patterns on the floors. We wanted the space to be exciting and inspiring for the students.”

Superintendent Nate Stutz commented on the attention to detail that went into each school, “I was very impressed with the thought that went into the detailed work associated with the theme concepts.”

"Seeing everyone's enjoyment coming to life reminds me why I became an architect: to give back to the community."
Katherine Mitchell, RA
ThenDesign Architecture

Three Open Ceremonies in the Same Day

A Thankful District and an Excited Community

The crowded hallways of each school indicated the community’s passion for their schools. The buildings were filled with smiling faces, warm hugs, and happy children as excited students got to preview their new classrooms. Parents chatted with teachers despite the loud, celebratory atmosphere. By all standards, the three opening ceremonies were a resounding success.

“Our pledge to the community,” noted Superintendent Stutz, “is to continue to provide the absolute best education that we can for the children of this district.”

School Board President Doug Brown is a Perry High School graduate and lifetime resident. He expressed gratitude to the Perry community, “Today doesn’t happen without all of you. On behalf of your school board, thank you for your continued support of our district and our kids. We are and always will be Perry.”

Watson, Southway, and Lohr Elementary students are experiencing new academic opportunities due to the tireless efforts and unwavering support of many in the school district and community. These three new educational facilities will serve the next generations of Perry students.

"Today doesn't happen without the vision to move our district forward."
Doug Brown
President, Board of Education

Three Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies

The day before the open houses inaugurated the three new elementary schools, the Perry Local School District commissioned a special walkthrough granting four students a sneak-peek tour of one of the new state-of-the-art facilities.

Read this article and watch the video to learn what they had to say.

Marc Cebrian

Marc Cebrian

Communications

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Marc Cebrian

Marc has over thirty years of media production experience with a wide variety of storytelling projects that include commercials, documentaries, and live events. He began his career in the feature film and television industry in Los Angeles, California. Naturally driven by a passion for the creative and analytical, he believes that people should be kind to one another, and strives to live by example.
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Gilmour Academy Howley Commons Grand Opening

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Gilmour Academy Howley Commons Grand Opening
Four years ago, a "think big" conversation with founding members of the Howley Foundation led to the renovation and expansion of the Student Commons at Gilmour Academy. As attendance continued to increase, the school had to host eight lunch periods in two separate campus areas. The new, approximately 16,000 SF Howley Commons now serves the same student body in three lunch periods and provides an inviting, flexible space for food service and social gatherings. The Gilmour Academy Howley Commons Grand Opening and ribbon cutting ceremony officially welcomed the 2024-2025 school year.

Gilmour Academy Howley Commons Grand Opening

Hosting coed and international students from 18 months to 18 years, Gilmour Academy is an accredited independent Catholic school in Gates Mills, Ohio. Founded in 1946 by the Brothers of Holy Cross, “Gilmour empowers students of all faiths to ask tough questions, think critically, and grow spiritually.”

The school’s attendance continued to increase, expanding beyond the capacity of the existing Student Commons to comfortably serve the academy’s population. The growth necessitated eight lunch periods in two different places on campus where students could no longer intermingle or eat alongside their teachers.

The altruistic efforts of the Howley family changed that. The existing building gained an additional 8,800 SF of new space, making the state-of-the-art Howley Commons approximately 16,000 SF.

“Gilmour Academy has a fierce and zealous dedication to educate the minds and hearts of its kids."
Kathleen Kenny
Head of School

Gilmour Academy Howley Commons Grand Opening

Mindful Generosity for Education

Howley Foundation Founder Nick Howley attended the grand opening with his family. “We run a foundation that primarily focuses on giving high-quality educational opportunities to those who can’t afford it,” Nick said, “We look for schools that have very strong credentials and an element of character development. Gilmour is unique in that.”

After already contributing to a student scholarship program, the generosity of the Howley Foundation enabled the building of the Howley Commons at Gilmour Academy. After a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Trustees and the entire Middle and Upper School student body, the Howley Commons officially opened on the first day of the 2024-2025 school year.

“The Commons is at the heart of the hustle and bustle of everyday life at Gilmour,” said Head of School Kathleen Kenny. “It was designed to be multipurpose. We’ll be able to do all kinds of student programming in this space because it is so flexible. We will be able to do Socratic seminars, exhibitions, student presentations, alumni events, and cultural celebrations.”

“We feel very strongly that many younger people who need it the most are the least able to afford it. And that's why we decided to focus on education"
Nick Howley
The Howley Foundation Founder & Chairman

The Completed Gilmour Academy Howley Commons

A Celebration with Food and Excitement

The Howley Commons was buzzing with excitement as students discovered the inviting, flexible space for the first time. The building became a place for social interactions, as students from multiple grades sat with each other and embraced the spirit of community while enjoying a variety of food from stations throughout the building.

Teachers and students shared conversations and laughs in the boisterous first-day environment.

Howley Foundation Founder Lorie Howley noted the significance of a comfortable area to share meals and memories, “We like to get students to sit down to eat and to talk. Food is a common denominator that always gets people together. The Commons is a great hangout space.”

Mike Howley ’01 agreed with his mother’s sentiments. “You’re a Lancer for life. Through this project, I can’t tell you how many Lancer alums have reached out and said how excited they are to see the new Commons. The fact that we’re able to do this is awesome.”

“The new Howley Commons goes beyond being a dining hall. It is a gathering place where students and visitors connect and collaborate. This enhanced space is reminiscent of a small college, giving students a taste of that college feel."
Robert Fiala '71, AIA
ThenDesign Architecture Founding Partner

A Lively First Day at the Howley Commons

The Legacy Lives On

ThenDesign Architecture founding partner Robert Fiala, AIA, is a Gilmour Academy graduate from the class of 1971. “The relationships that you build here last a lifetime. I still regularly see friends that I met 50 years ago.” He noted significant changes to the campus since he was a student.

“When I attended here, the performing arts center used to be in the basement of the old gym. It is good to see the many improvements and expansions Gilmour has done over the years for the benefit of the students,” he said. “Having TDA be a part of this project is especially meaningful for me. It has been a wonderful experience to be working with the school I graduated from.”

Gilmour Academy Chairman of the Board Fred Botek ’85 gave inspirational comments during the ribbon cutting ceremony, “This is a place that brings us together. You can work here, chat here, and break bread here all together. This place is very important for Gilmour as a community, as family, as home.”

With the expanded capacity and programming opportunities Howley Commons affords, generations of students will gain a unique education while forming cherished memories at the social center of Gilmour Academy.

“The mingling of identities, respect, and good citizenship here will foster a greater sense of community."
Kathleen Kenny
Head of School

Howley Commons Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Marc Cebrian

Marc Cebrian

Communications

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Marc Cebrian

Marc Cebrian

Marc has over thirty years of media production experience with a wide variety of storytelling projects that include commercials, documentaries, and live events. He began his career in the feature film and television industry in Los Angeles, California. Naturally driven by a passion for the creative and analytical, he believes that people should be kind to one another, and strives to live by example.
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Perry LSD’s Southway Elementary Student Walkthrough

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Perry LSD's Southway Elementary Student Walkthrough
Four elementary school students in the Perry Local School District toured the newly completed Southway Elementary School shortly before it opened for the 2024-2025 school year. While staff and teachers were still wrapping up their final preparations for the grand opening, during the Southway Elementary Student Walkthrough, the students visited numerous areas to give their initial impressions of the finished building.

Perry Local School District's Southway Elementary Student Walkthrough

Southway Elementary is one of three new schools opening this year in the Perry Local School District. Sixth graders Cami and Veda, fifth grader Ryder, and third grader Elley were invited to explore the building and react to discovering the new spaces while having fun along the way. As staff and teachers put the final touches on their areas before the grand opening, the students visited areas that included student dining, the media center, the music room, the gymnasium, an art room, and the playground.

"For people who like a lot of colors, it will be good for them."
Elley
Third Grade Student

Perry Local School District's Southway Elementary Student Walkthrough

A School With A Theme

Veda and Elley appreciated the vibrant colors throughout the building and recognized the consistent theme of industry and railroads. Train railroad track patterns line the hallway floors of the interior. Outside, patterns of cross bracings commonly found on bridges and large buildings adorn the red brick walls near the main entrance.

Access to sunlight increases student well-being and is found throughout the school, including the gymnasium. Abundant wood and natural light appealed to Ryder, “A bunch of windows in this school will help kids focus,” he said.

Southway Elementary Design Details

A School With A Theme

The Perry Community approved a bond levy in early 2020 to secure funds to update its educational facilities. This allowed the district to secure additional funds from the state through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC), which agreed to provide additional funding for the project.

Cami, Veda, Ryder, and Elley were the first students to traverse Southway Elementary before it opened. They spent the morning walking the hallways, visiting the classrooms, sitting in chairs, and enjoying the playground. Elley summed up the day, “It was a really good experience.”

While Southway Elementary featured an industry and railroad motif, Watson Elementary had a design concept of the arts, and Lohr Elementary focused on the theme of agriculture. All three elementary schools completed construction and opened for the 2024-2025 school year.

"I think they'll like the school because it's super big, and open, and different than other elementaries."
Cami
Sixth Grade Student

Students Tour Southway Elementary
Marc Cebrian

Marc Cebrian

Communications

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Marc Cebrian

Marc has over thirty years of media production experience with a wide variety of storytelling projects that include commercials, documentaries, and live events. He began his career in the feature film and television industry in Los Angeles, California. Naturally driven by a passion for the creative and analytical, he believes that people should be kind to one another, and strives to live by example.
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3D Printing in Architecture

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3D Printing in Architecture
3D printing is a technology with growing benefits and expanding applications in architectural design. Clients can more easily understand spatial relations when seeing a physical miniature. Moving furniture around or changing the angle of elements can be quickly communicated with printed models. 3D printing in architecture is a versatile tool in the design process.

3D Printing in Architecture

“Some architectural drawings can be difficult to read and understand,” commented Archie Liptow, an emerging professional at TDA, “3D printing takes architectural visualization one step further, bridging the gap between designers and clients.”

Embracing the use of flourishing technologies in the design process, TDA explores ways that new tools can be used alongside traditional sketching methods and computer-aided design (CAD) in architecture. One newer tool, 3D printing, has become an essential asset for many challenging visualization problems.

Archie has been experimenting with large and small-scale models. “This opens the door to a higher level of design experimentation. With this new tool, designers can quickly visualize their ideas and iterations before finalizing the design. 3D printing is also a powerful part of the communication process.”

Knowing how important communication is throughout the design phase, this is one more way that concepts can be explored and quickly adjusted based on tactile, real-world feedback.

Archie continued, “Scale models of furniture and building segments are being used with our clients to tie them into the design process by determining their needs early on. When a design is in progress, physical models are the most effective way to visualize and understand a building before construction.”

While not everyone can understand architectural drawings, models are permanent objects that can be easily understood, arranged, and displayed. It is one way our design teams find new solutions to spatial challenges.

3D Printing in Architecture
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Let’s work together to make education better. If you would like more information on our open positions or internship programs, please visit our Careers page.

Ryan Caswell

Ryan Caswell

Communications

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Ryan Caswell

Ryan Caswell

Ryan is a communications specialist who is passionate about using digital media to further the goals of organizations and communities in Northeast Ohio. With a background in construction and a degree in architecture, he spent over a decade in corporate video production and brings this mindset to videography, editing, photography and content marketing. He is passionate about supporting the arts, and can be found hiking in the parks system.
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