North Ridgeville Visual Preference Exercise

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North Ridgeville Visual Preference Exercise
Hosted at the North Ridgeville Academic Center, teachers, students, and community members participated in a Visual Preference Exercise to help determine the design aesthetics for the exterior of the new North Ridgeville High School. The continued participation of local community members is vital to the success of the design process.

North Ridgeville Visual Preference Exercise

The new North Ridgeville High School project took a significant step forward with a dynamic community engagement on April 10. ThenDesign Architecture hosted the pivotal “Meet the Architect” event at the North Ridgeville Academic Center, drawing a crowd of over seventy residents. This event provided a platform for the community to hear an update on the construction project, meet the design team, and ask questions. Importantly, it also allowed residents to voice their preferences for the school’s exterior, underscoring their role in shaping the project.

Central to the evening was the Visual Preference Exercise, a key tool in the decision-making process. This development technique is designed to gather valuable community input on physical design alternatives, ensuring that the preferences of the North Ridgeville community are considered during the design process.

Important Community Feedback

Several boards were staged with options for attendees to choose which aesthetic style best fits North Ridgeville. By placing green stickers to designate their visual preference, participants informed the design team which side-by-side options were most appealing. They could then add details regarding why they chose this option.

TDA Project Architect Claire Bank values this critical feedback from teachers, students, and residents. The information influences the development of architectural decisions. Working closely with Superintendent Roxann Ramsey-Caserio and the school district, TDA designers will continue to advance the look and feel of the new North Ridgeville High School based on the opinions of the local community.

For updated information on the construction progress, visit the North Ridgeville Construction Project website.

Visual Preference Exercise with North Ridgeville City Schools & TDA

Community Feedback Still Needed

For interested North Ridgeville residents who could not participate in the Visual Preference Exercise, there is still time to voice your opinions by visiting this survey link. Your continued involvement is essential for making the new North Ridgeville High School successful.

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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Meet the Designers: Katherine Mitchell

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Meet the Designers: Katherine Mitchell
Registered Architect Katherine Mitchell of ThenDesign Architecture sees the value of environmentally sustainable design in modern educational spaces. Not only are green buildings visually appealing and energy-efficient, but they also help students feel healthier by providing ample natural light and fresh air circulation. Her passion for design and environmental sustainability led her to architecture.

Katherine Mitchell — Registered Architect and LEED Coordinator

Katherine Mitchell is a Registered Architect and LEED Coordinator at ThenDesign Architecture (TDA) who places great importance on creating healthy, environmentally friendly spaces for students and educators to flourish in. A safe and pleasing space fosters educational interest and creativity. Katherine is passionate about the community-oriented nature of educational design.

“If we provide students with safe and enjoyable spaces, they're more likely to keep learning and exploring this wondrous world of ours."
Katherine Mitchell
Registered Architect

Questions for Katherine Mitchell

What sparked your passion for architecture?

When I was a kid, my dad was an electrical engineer. He would spread out all of his drawings in the family room, and I was fascinated by the idea that a huge 3D building could be whittled down into a 2D drawing. Later on, I helped my dad and uncles with small construction projects around the house and found them to be a lot of fun. In high school, I took an architectural engineering drawing class where I honed in on more architectural design rather than engineering.

What is your favorite element of the educational design process?

I find construction documents really interesting. That’s the part of the process where you bring together all the creative concepts you’ve been developing, and now you are figuring out how to actually build it. You’re excited, and the clients are excited. Now, you’re figuring out all the real-world details so that it can be physically developed. Something goes from being an idea on paper and a computer screen to being built on a site. That whole idea is pretty intriguing.

I also love when the community finally gets to see their finished school. There is a lot of excitement about a new building that will make the students and teachers happier and more productive. It is very rewarding to see them using a space that you helped create.

What is one thing you would like to share with those unfamiliar with architecture?

Architecture is about collaboration. People come together to build things for people. Nobody can do it all by themselves, and I encourage everyone to ask questions. So many talented individuals with differing skill sets and disciplines work together to create something complex. Designers, drafters, engineers, construction managers, and interior designers all cooperate with a common goal: to make spaces that are functional, friendly, and secure to help support the next generation of students.

One of the best things about the design process here at TDA is the collaboration.

My name is Katherine Mitchell. I am a registered architect and LEED AP with a BD+C specialty here at TDA. I am an architect working on projects, but I also focus on our LEED Sustainable Design initiative.

Architecture is much more like a puzzle. There are so many different pieces. You’re looking not just at electrical engineering or mechanical engineering but the whole project in one big piece and making sure everything works together.

I’m very passionate about educational design because it’s community oriented. And if we provide them with a space that’s safe, comfortable, and enjoyable to be in, they’re more likely to keep wanting to learn and explore this wondrous world that we have.

Green buildings are really interesting to design and look into. First, because they look cool. You can tell when a building is more sustainable. So we want to build buildings that are safe and healthy for people as well as safe and healthy for the environment.

Recently, I’ve been helping with the punch listing process. A punch list is reviewing the building and verifying that everything is up to contract prior to the completion and turning over the building to the owner. During a punch list we will walk through the building and open up doors, check the flooring, check the ceiling tiles, check pretty much everything that we can, and verify that it is working properly.

Everybody here has so much knowledge in so many different areas of the design and construction process, and everybody is eager and willing to teach you anything that you want to learn. It’s easy to go up to ask people any kind of question, which I think is kind of unique to TDA. It’s not uncommon here to walk around and see groups of people gathered together, solving a problem with a project.

We have so many Emerging Professionals that come through here, more than I’ve seen in previous firms. TDA is one of the best places to ask for help. I always encourage anybody to ask questions and take advantage of all the opportunities that TDA provides because there are a lot.

Let’s work together to make education better. Interested in speaking with us? Get in touch!

Katherine Mitchell

Katherine Mitchell

Registered Architect and LEED Coordinator

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Katherine Mitchell

Katherine Mitchell

Katherine Mitchell is a registered architect, and LEED Accredited Professional with a Building Design and Construction specialty at TDA. She sees the value of environmentally sustainable design in modern educational spaces. Katherine became fascinated with buildings and construction from an early age. Her passion for design and environmental sustainability led her to architecture.

Garfield Heights High School Stadium Groundbreaking

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Garfield Heights High School Stadium Groundbreaking
Hundreds of excited students, staff, and community leaders celebrated the Garfield Heights High School stadium groundbreaking ceremony. They acknowledged the generosity of the Cleveland Browns and the Haslam and Johnson families in partnership with the Browns Give Back philanthropic initiative and the Stay in the Game! Attendance Network for providing a new, high-quality synthetic turf field.

Garfield Heights High School Stadium Groundbreaking

On the chilly morning of March 15, the well-attended groundbreaking ceremony for constructing the new Garfield Heights High School stadium commenced with school-spirited fanfare.

Hundreds of excited students, staff, community leaders, and stakeholders celebrated the momentous occasion. They acknowledged the generosity of the Cleveland Browns and the Haslam and Johnson families in partnership with the Browns Give Back philanthropic initiative and the Stay in the Game! Attendance Network. A new, high-quality synthetic turf field was donated to the Garfield Heights City Schools athletics project.

Haslam Sports Group is “a values-driven organization committed to unifying people through sports and entertainment.” The organization aims to foster innovation and diversity of thought, bringing positive change to local communities. The Garfield Heights High School stadium is the fifteenth project to benefit from the community-supporting mission launched in May 2016. It is part of the Browns’ commitment to improving education and supporting high school athletics.

Superintendent Dr. Richard Reynolds gave comments centered on the “together” philosophy of the Garfield Heights City Schools district and acknowledged the gracious partnership with the city and the Cleveland Browns. “Every child, every day, together. We are going to make sure that our children have the finest facility.”

Garfield Heights City Schools partnered with the Stay in the Game! Attendance Network in 2021 to express its commitment to improving the educational experience through active student engagement.

“With this generosity, we can easily see the power of together. This investment will keep Garfield Heights City Schools a gem of this community.”
Dr. Richard Reynolds
Superintendent

Garfield Heights High School Stadium Groundbreaking

Generosity in Action

Designer and Project Manager Scott Clifford for ThenDesign Architecture noted the project’s significance. “Technically, we’ve been working with the school district on this since 2014. It was a great opportunity for them when the Cleveland Browns got involved to help donate the new sports field. That’s when it really took off.”

The track and civil work for the stadium is supported by the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER), established by Congress in 2020. Since the stadium was condemned, the Garfield Heights High School football team has been without a playfield, making the groundbreaking a welcomed relief to offer hope for future students in the athletics program.

Among those in attendance, Haslam Sports Group President JW Johnson expressed his enthusiasm for the project and saw it as a further commitment to improving school morale. “We know the importance of attendance and athletics for students even after they graduate so that good things will come to them. What you do on and off the field is vital. We are excited to get this project going.”

Garfield Heights Mayor Matt Burke offered appreciation for those who made the new stadium dream a reality. “I love that the Cleveland Browns, Jimmy Haslam, and the Johnson family have stepped up to love this city as much as I do.”

“I love this city. I love Garfield Heights.”
Matt Burke
Mayor of Garfield Heights

Photography Courtesy of Shook Construction

Hope of Future Possibilities

“I’m so excited for you guys,” said Cleveland Browns Head Coach Kevin Stefanski. “I feel your energy this morning. The students, athletes, and members of the band. Something like this takes all of us. I’m so proud to be with you today.”

The planned construction and design of the new stadium leaves room for future amenities such as a concession stand and restrooms. “I hope the community gets excited about the new stadium and continues to develop what is possible in the space,” commented Scott Clifford. “The top-tier synthetic turf field will be a huge initial boost to the high school and the district, but there is an opportunity for Garfield Heights to do much more.”

“Giving back to the community is central to what the Browns are all about.”
Kevin Stefanski
Cleveland Browns Head Coach
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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Educational Visioning for North Ridgeville City Schools’ New High School

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North Ridgeville City Schools Conducted Educational Visioning for Their New High School
On February 20th, students, community members, district administrators, city officials, and teachers attended an all-day Educational Visioning Session hosted by ThenDesign Architecture at North Ridgeville’s Academic Center. This session focused on group collaboration as attendees brainstormed how the district's new high school would improve every student’s educational experience for generations to come.

North Ridgeville City Schools - Educational Visioning for the New High School

On February 20th, students, community members, district administrators, city officials, and teachers attended an all-day Educational Visioning Session hosted by ThenDesign Architecture at North Ridgeville’s Academic Center. This session focused on group collaboration as attendees brainstormed how the district’s new high school would improve every student’s educational experience for generations to come.

As the day commenced, Superintendent Roxann Ramsey-Caserio welcomed everyone, “This is a huge representation of the North Ridgeville community, and I am grateful you took the time to be here today.”

Guests participated in activities designed to garner input on the new school. “You will truly help shape the future of North Ridgeville. We are building a new high school, and the ideas you develop today will be the roadmap to make this a reality.”

With over 80 in attendance, everyone had a say in the activities. The new, +300,000 SF, 9-12 high school includes state-of-the-art academic spaces, an auditorium, and enhanced athletic spaces, replacing the existing 1960s high school. This new building enhances student safety and security while accommodating growth in the community and provides a modern educational environment that fosters student learning and collaboration.

Many current North Ridgeville students attended. One student, Angel, felt the school would make a significant impact on his peers, “Students have a voice, and it’s great that we can provide feedback.” He was glad to provide input. “It’s great to have the administration listen. It shows that we are heard. I’m very happy I got this opportunity and could share it with my teachers and friends.”

Divided into small groups, the attendees developed a vision for the high school. They prioritized goals, analyzed learning environments, and explored options for a building layout.

"Hearing from our students was an incredible experience. Their perspective on the needs for their new school was very powerful. The excitement from our students and staff can energize our community as a whole."
Roxann Ramsey-Caserio
Superintendent of North Ridgeville City Schools

Educational Visioning - Imagining Opportunities for the New School

The session was divided into activities throughout the day. Architects then use this broad feedback during the early phases of design and incorporate feedback between groups to establish common goals and needs.

The major activities included:

Each activity built on one another and formed a complete picture of the building project by the end of the day. 

Educational Visioning with North Ridgeville City Schools
"Our vision is to empower our students with the help of their family, our staff, and the community to design their preferred future. Our mission is to educate the whole person, caring for the social and emotional development of every person. Those are the ideas we are building into this new school."
Joseph Mueller
High School Principal

Where Are We Now?

“Our vision is to empower our students with the help of their family, our staff, and the community to design their preferred future,” commented High School Principal Joseph Mueller. “Our mission is to educate the whole person, caring for the social and emotional development of every single student. Those are the ideas we are building into this new school.”

While teachers and staff carry out this mission daily, the current school faces hardships in meeting these goals.

A few of the biggest challenges he referenced were:

Despite the current environment, Principal Mueller is optimistic about the new building.

“One of my mantras is to ‘Get better every day.’ That’s what we expect from each of us, and this is where the ‘rubber meets the road.’ It’s time to design a physical space to help us further those goals and overcome the challenges we face now.”

Educational Visioning with North Ridgeville City Schools:

School planning is firmly rooted in the academic and curricular goals of the district. Spaces in the new school will reflect current teaching practices but allow for adaptability in the future. 

The district plans to use this new building as a catalyst for new educational opportunities for students. 

“What makes a new high school work? That is an incredibly difficult question to answer. What will education look like next year, or in five years, or ten years, or fifty years from now?” commented Assistant Superintendent David Pritt. “The reality is that if our new high school will last as long as our current school, it needs to be relevant 60 years from now.”

Developing the structure isn’t as easy as it seems.

“So we are brainstorming, incorporating feedback, and designing a building that will last for a long time into the future.”

ThenDesign Architecture Project Manager Claire Bank commented, “What I found really impressive was how forward-thinking this community is. They consider this an opportunity to offer more to their students and educators. That is an awesome  place to be at the beginning of a project.”

The design team highlighted recent case studies of how different districts approached flexible spaces in their buildings. 

The “putting it all together” activity highlights priorities from the community. Claire continues, “During the last activity, we see how people lay out adjacencies, and those are relationships we sometimes haven’t even thought about yet and wouldn’t unless we heard it from them.” 

Case Study Examples of School Arrangements

Wickliffe PreK-12
North Royalton High School
Fremont Ross High School
Cuyahoga Falls High School
"Students have a voice. So I think it's very important that the students who are going to be in the school provide their feedback on what they think and help future generations of students."
Angel
High School Student

Understanding Our Learning Environment

Superintendent Ramsey-Caserio added perspective on the decisions the groups were making. “We need to think about learning differently than we are used to. We need our students to be the source of their own learning. A building can provide space for that, but good teaching is good teaching, and we will keep that in mind for all our students.”

Gathering feedback from the students who use the building most was very important to the district.

“Hearing from our students was an incredible experience. Their perspective on the needs for their new school was very powerful. This excitement from our students and staff can energize our entire community.”

Using both digital and written materials, community members prioritized their wishes for components of the new high school.

The top three priorities for this group included:

    1. More options for flexible learning spaces
    2. Better building organization
    3. Enhanced technology

Each individual recorded their thoughts on the crucial components of the building, which will be examined and incorporated as the design progresses.

When Constructing a New High School What Are Your Prioritized List of Considerations?

Vision and Mission
What Does Excellence Mean?

Putting It All Together

The final activity tasked groups with laying out their preferred site plan for the new school. Incorporating the necessary square footage for different interior academic and support spaces, as well as parking and athletics, the groups grappled with the building’s site entry, access, and traffic flow. They then reported their decisions to the whole group, answered questions, and provided insight into the significant discussion points.

Common themes developed across the groups included: 

    • Many groups preferred organizing the school by department rather than grade level.
    • Acoustic barriers for events and sound separated the auditorium and gymnasium.
    • Administrative offices were near the main entrance, with the entry facing west.
    • There is a separate community entrance for events and a clearly defined primary school entry.
    • Separate parking for performing arts and athletic events.
    • The media center connects to the academic wings to serve as additional collaborative space.
    • The use of courtyards separates academic spaces and provides additional daylighting.
    • Student Dining is centralized and near the entrance to the school.

Group developed site plans (Tables 1-10)

Table 1
Table 2
Table 3
Table 4
Table 5
Table 6
Table 7
Table 8
Table 9
Table 10
"What I found impressive was how forward-thinking this community is. They are really considering it an opportunity to offer more to their students and educators. They're not limited to what they're imagining, which is an awesome place to be at the beginning of a project."
Claire Bank
Project Manager

Next Steps

With Educational Visioning complete, the design team is compiling a summary of the day’s activities with an outcome report to be shared with the community. The conclusions of these activities help inform the new school’s design.

Frank Toth, a former city councilman and longtime resident, looks forward to the project’s impact. “The opportunity to weigh in on how this school will function in the community is a great opportunity.”

He looks forward to how this new building will be used.

“There were some great ideas exchanged. It’s going to be wonderful to see how the community embraces these ideas as we move forward with this project.”

Architects will work through the schematic design phase during the spring and summer. During this phase, initial plans are developed, which will be used for initial cost estimation. Currently, the design team is engaging with district staff to better understand their individual needs for inclusion in the new plans.

This event was also covered by Cleveland.com

To see the latest on this project, visit the district’s construction website.

Ryan Caswell

Ryan Caswell

Communications

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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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Gilmour Academy Student Commons Renovation

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Gilmour Academy Student Commons Renovation
The Gilmour Academy Student Commons renovation project will bring contemporary amenities and delight to future generations of students. Beyond its primary function of providing meal distribution, the modernized Student Commons building will be a hub of student socializing and collaboration. Its inviting aesthetic and state-of-the-art kitchen will create a pleasant environment for students to enjoy healthful meals that can be savored in the 300-seat dining room or outside on the patio area.

Gilmour Academy Student Commons Renovation

The Gilmour Academy’s mission is “To develop the competence to see and the courage to act in creating a more human and just society.” Focusing on academics, arts, faith, and athletics, the campus is an independent, Catholic, coed day and residential school in Gates Mills, Ohio.

Robert Orovets, RA, helped create the 18,000-square-foot Floyd E. Stefanski Ice Center more than twenty years ago and has worked on over a dozen projects for Gilmour Academy since. As a seasoned professional with ThenDesign Architecture, he is the Project Manager for the ongoing renovation of the Student Commons building. His expertise and dedication are instrumental in supporting the close relationship between Gilmour Academy and TDA.

“Gilmour Academy is a great client to work with,” Robert said. “They get it. They understand the process of developing an idea and transforming it into a budget-friendly plan with renderings and sketches. It’s wonderful to work with people who appreciate good design.”

“They have a clear idea of what they want to provide for their students. It is rewarding to help them develop that vision.”
Robert Orovets, RA
ThenDesign Architecture Project Manager

Gilmour Academy Student Commons Renovation Update – March 2024

Preserving a Cherished Past

Beyond its primary function as an area for student dining, the modernized Student Commons building will be a hub of student socializing and collaboration. Its inviting aesthetic and state-of-the-art kitchen will create a pleasant environment for students to enjoy healthful meals that can be savored in the 300-seat dining room or outside on the patio area.

Out of respect for the original 1970s design, the signature half-octagonal space at the center of the room was intentionally preserved and converted into a half wall, making the intimate space ideal for flexible learning and speaking events. The renovation maintains the previous structure but brings a contemporary refresh to all the services and amenities.

Bob commented on the construction progress and how the space was taking shape, “Now that the cabinets are going in, the scale is coming down, and the room feels much more personal,” he continued, “Instead of being a big, empty room, you can start to see that students belong here.”

Gilmour Academy Student Commons Renovation Update – February 2024

Anticipating a Hopeful Future

Students from all over the world attend Gilmour Academy, housed at the campus dormitory. They will enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the updated Student Commons, which will have more seating and menu options available to relax and recharge than ever before. To accommodate this, the hallway connecting to the existing school will have double-wide doors, making traversal for the over four hundred students more comfortable during high-traffic times.

The space was designed for variety to encourage more fun and meaningful mealtimes. There are opportunities for evening events, club meetings, and other extracurricular student engagements. The Student Commons can be a centralized location for activities and enjoyment at Gilmour Academy.

Significant strides have already been achieved, marking the successful completion of various construction milestones. This progress is a testament to the project’s steady advancement and a reassurance to the Gilmour Academy community that the project is on track and promises a bright future for the Student Commons.

“I am very excited to see the students and staff reaction to the new space. I hope it is not just a place for the kids to eat but to hang out creating memories together.”
Robert Orovets, RA
ThenDesign Architecture Project Manager
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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A Comprehensive Update to the Ohio School Design Manual (OSDM)

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A Comprehensive Update to the Ohio School Design Manual (OSDM)
Throughout 2023, the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) planning team and ThenDesign Architecture (TDA) met with school districts, architects, the career technical community, engineers, and construction managers in Ohio to get their feedback and contributions to the comprehensive update to the Ohio School Design Manual. Specifically, during October 2023, the OFCC hosted a series of in-person and virtual meetings to gather feedback from these stakeholders. Known as the "OSDM Roadshow," a group of planners visited North Ridgeville CSD to give local educators and design professionals a preview of the new manual.

A Comprehensive Update to the Ohio School Design Manual (OSDM)

The Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) participates in capital projects undertaken by schools, state agencies, and state-supported higher education institutions. Part of their function is to manage Ohio’s school facility programs, which support the construction and renovation of public K-12 schools, and administer the funding for community-based cultural and sports facilities projects.

Initially created in 1997, the Ohio School Design Manual (OSDM) is a comprehensive set of standard guidelines for the design of school facilities. The OSDM was created to address the need to provide positive learning environments for students, reduce design time, and ensure parity in the design options provided to school districts.

Educational practices and school design have evolved over the past 25 years, requiring a comprehensive update to the OSDM’s content and presentation. The OFCC selected ThenDesign Architecture (TDA) to assist with rebuilding the OSDM to make the technical guidelines for designing new educational facilities easier to use and more accessible for school districts and architects. The process involved rewriting, consolidating, and expanding the material to be converted into a searchable, web-based format alongside refreshed visual materials like 3D renderings, diagrams, and photographs.

Watch the OSDM Roadshow that took place in North Ridgeville, Ohio.

"We are excited. This is the right thing to do."
Bill Prenosil
Former OFCC Senior Planning Manager

A Long-Standing Relationship

Claire Bank, who is a licensed architect (AIA, NCARB), is the TDA Project Manager responsible for coordinating content development for the new manual. She commented, “This was a natural partnership between our firm and the OFCC because we have such a long history of collaborating together.”

TDA is uniquely qualified for the project, having worked on over $3 billion in K-12 projects over the past ten years. Since the vast majority of those projects used the original OSDM as a guide, designers have experienced the benefits and shortcomings of the OSDM. Operating as the largest architectural firm dedicated to K-12 architecture north of Columbus, TDA has worked with over 120 districts in northeast Ohio, and much of that work is done in conjunction with the OFCC.

This long-standing relationship adds to the extensive experience with OFCC programs, such as the Expedited Local Partnership Program (ELPP) and the Classroom Facilities Assistance Program (CFAP). This experience is significant when navigating the design and construction process for school facilities.

The OSDM Roadshow Comes to North Ridgeville

As part of the OSDM unveiling, the OFCC conducted in-person engagements across Ohio to give designers and educators a preview of the changes coming this year. In October 2023, the OSDM Roadshow came to North Ridgeville, Ohio, where the senior planning team presented a preview of the new design manual, answered questions, and solicited input.

Former OFCC Senior Planning Manager Bill Prenosil explained the purpose of the Roadshow, “The OSDM is far enough along that we can provide a preview of what’s in it and how it might be used, but also to get some feedback.” He added, “Some of the content will be a big relief to designers.”

Among the attendees was North Ridgeville City School District Superintendent Roxann Ramsey-Caserio, “The updated OSDM will be a huge benefit to school districts across Ohio. The OFCC has been working hand-in-hand with the school districts and architects to improve the elements contained in the design manual.”

"The OSDM update includes many new tools specifically designed to make it more approachable to school districts."
Claire Bank, AIA
ThenDesign Architecture

An Updated Manual Required an Updated Presentation

OFCC Planning Manager Dean Clouse explained the reason for moving away from a print document format, “The OSDM was previously available only as a PDF document on the OFCC website. We are now moving to a digital format that is itself a website. It will be more interactive, searchable, and accessible. Being web-based allows for future updates to be implemented much easier without the need for continuous addendums.”

Throughout October, the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission participated in several in-person engagements and virtual events, speaking directly with those who would use it. With guidance and support from ThenDesign Architecture staff, the updated Ohio School Design Manual will reflect the changing educational landscape by staying current with standards, practices, and state-of-the-art technologies to further support educational design across Ohio.

To learn more, visit the OFCC website.

"The OSDM update includes many new tools specifically designed to make it more approachable to school districts."
Dean Clouse
OFCC Planning Manager

To learn more about ThenDesign Architecture or our work partnering with the OFCC, feel free to reach out.

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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Geauga County Courthouse Groundbreaking Ceremony

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Geauga County Courthouse Groundbreaking Ceremony
The Groundbreaking Ceremony for the historic Geauga County Courthouse brought together local government officials, members of the Geauga Bar Association, and residents. The current courthouse, built over 150 years ago, is the iconic anchor of downtown Chardon. This crucial update and expansion of the notable landmark will further enhance the presence of Chardon Square.

Geauga County Courthouse Groundbreaking Ceremony

Geauga County celebrated its much-anticipated Groundbreaking Ceremony for the expansion and renovation of the Geauga County Courthouse. On December 12th, local community members and government officials gathered on a brisk afternoon in Chardon Square to recognize this unique occasion.

The three-story, nearly 22,000 sf addition and improvement project will retain the stature and viability of the courthouse to ensure that it continues to provide essential services to the residents of Geauga County.

Those in attendance included Geauga County Commissioner Jim Dvorak, County Administrator Gerry Morgan, Court of Common Pleas Judge Carolyn Paschke, and representatives of ThenDesign Architecture (TDA), NV5, and Infinity Construction.

Opening comments by Commissioner Dvorak set the tone, “I’m from the building trades. After high school, I followed in my dad’s footsteps. I went from building buildings to building relationships.” He added, “This project will incorporate the latest in sustainability, operational excellence, state-of-the-art security, and communication technology. This courthouse will continue to be a lasting treasure.”

A Groundbreaking Ceremony in Chardon Square
“Our courthouse is an icon of Geauga County in the State of Ohio and is devoted to the pursuit of justice.”
Jim Dvorak
Geauga County Commissioner

Gathered In Solidarity

“With this new expansion, Geauga County Common Pleas Courts and associated services will be secure, better serve local citizens, and continue to provide the iconic centerpiece for the county,” remarked Geauga County Administrator Gerry Morgan.

Since becoming incorporated in 1812, Chardon has enjoyed a distinct identity and vibrant history, which is a source of pride for the community. Court of Common Pleas Judge Carolyn Pashcke commented, “I love this beautiful, historic building. It serves as a reminder of our longstanding, rich history of administering justice and legal services here in Geauga County. The project will provide necessary, functional, well-designed space for the courts to continue to serve our community.”

The need to update the courthouse grew as the community expanded and technology evolved. Respect for the traditional was blended with the requirements of advancing modernization.

Geauga County Courthouse Artist Renderings
"The new addition will provide efficient operations and a safe experience that will bring our Geauga County courthouse into the 21st century."
Gerry Morgan
Geauga County Administrator

A Design Respectful of the Local Heritage

Communities can be brought together through good architectural design.

TDA Project Manager Brad Gellert understands that the Geauga County Courthouse is a beloved architectural landmark, and the renovation needed to be approached with a deep respect for its cherished legacy and cultural significance. “Creating a compatible expansion that matched the Italianate Architecture of downtown Chardon was important to the community, and we were determined to honor that.”

He continued, “While meeting the growing operational needs of the courthouse staff, we incorporated more traditional architectural elements into the design to preserve the understanding that this building belongs in Chardon.”

As a helpful communication tool to convey the approved design, a 1/16” = 1’ scale 3D-printed model of the completed building was unveiled at the groundbreaking ceremony. It took TDA Emerging Professional Archie Liptow over 100 hours to print the ten separate building segments and four site pieces.

Geauga County Courthouse 3D-Printed Model

The expanded and renovated Geauga County Courthouse will remain a vital part of Chardon Township’s heritage and will serve the Geauga County community into the next century.

"We look forward to continuing to provide excellent service to the citizens of Geauga County and the legal community and administering justice in this building for years to come."
Judge Carolyn Paschke
Court of Common Pleas
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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The Campus of Wickliffe – Designed for Flexible Learning

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The Campus of Wickliffe – Designed for Flexible Learning
From the ground up, the Campus of Wickliffe was designed for flexible learning. The Wickliffe City School District focused on creating educational spaces that would serve the needs of students today and provide adaptability for generations to come.

The Campus of Wickliffe – Designed for Flexible Learning

As part of the “Catalyst for Change” initiative, the 204,000 SF Wickliffe PreK-12 Campus was designed to create flexible learning spaces for the Wickliffe City School District that would be capable of adapting to future educational needs. The district participated in the Expedited Local Partnership Program (ELPP) through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC), and this $60 million project replaces the aging elementary, middle, and high schools with a single PreK-12 building. In addition, the new facility hosts space for the Family Resource Center, a community center that offers free services to many in need.

The two-story school officially opened at the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year. More than 1,000 community members, state and local government officials, students, educators, and parents came to the Open House and Ribbon Cutting ceremony.

The Campus of Wickliffe was Designed for Flexible Learning

"If a student is ready to excel, our goal has been to ensure we provide them with that opportunity. That all exists under one roof now."
Joseph Spiccia
Superintendent of Wickliffe City Schools

Wickliffe – A District Transforms

Built by Hammond Construction, the Wickliffe PK-12 Campus was designed by ThenDesign Architecture (TDA), with Claire Bank, AIA NCARB, serving as the project manager. She commented on the significance of the campus, “Wickliffe has some unique and powerful ideas for how their district can transform. We were able to design non-traditional spaces that provide more options for the students and educators.”

From the beginning of the design process, a fresh look at learning techniques was necessary. Wickliffe City School Superintendent Joseph Spiccia noted, “The educational program is being retooled to be in line with the flexibility of the future. This building allows us to be dynamic and to change with the needs of our students.”

The Campus of Wickliffe in Action
"A lot of thought was put into how every grade level is customized to the needs of that grade."
Claire Bank, AIA, NCARMB
ThenDesign Architecture

The Community Tours The Wickliffe Campus

Open House attendees were excited to tour the spaces for the first time. Among those there were students who would begin attending the following week. 7th Grade Student Robert commented, “What’s so exciting is that it’s big, and all the classes are new and improved.” Seneca is an 11th-grade cheerleader, “It’s more of a chill place and cool to be in.”

The Wickliffe PK-12 Campus was designed to be forward-thinking, an educational facility designed for flexible learning. The district saw a rare opportunity to incorporate three schools and the Family Resource Center into one building. During the construction phase, they also brought significant change to their classroom educational model by training educators ahead of the building’s completion to facilitate the smoothest transition possible.

The Campus of Wickliffe Open House Event
"They were in three separate buildings. It's a rare opportunity to get to rebuild an entire district all at once."
Claire Bank, AIA, NCARB
ThenDesign Architecture

The re-imagination of education that has taken place at the Wickliffe PK-12 Campus is an example of what is possible with modernized facilities. The district can offer its students the latest technology and present unique educational programming that is only possible by having the entire district together under one roof. Flexible learning opportunities encourage students to diversify their talents and reach their full potential.

The Campus of Wickliffe Ribbon Cutting

"I think the new school will bring everyone together like one big family."
Jules
11th Grade Student
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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