BRW ARCHITECTS | EDUCATION
Contents 01 BRW 02 Campus Planning 03 Learning Environments 04 Early Childhood 05 STEM 06 Visual & Performing Arts 07 Athletics 08 Career Technology 09 Library | Media Centers 1 0 Community 1 1 Security & Safety 12 Adaptive Reuse & Historic Preservation
01 BRW Architects is focused on creating environments that cultivate potential. We design spaces that nurture our children as they learn and grow and support our teachers as they shape the future of our communities. We’ve been FOCUSED ON WHAT MATTERS in education for over 37 years.
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Our Vision BRW believes that personal relationships and collaboration are vital to the design of exceptional spaces for learning. They are essential to understanding your vision, incorporating the needs of the campus and successfully working with the team of people involved in each unique project. At the center of who we are lies the belief that building a successful team yields creative and innovative solutions. Our work is a reflection of the value we place on people, including the community, the district leadership, the students, or the design and construction team. It is with this in mind that we strive to create architecture that impacts both people and the environment in a positive way.
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WE DESIGN FOR YOU Brown Reynolds Watford Architects is a creative architecture and planning firm that devises innovative solutions by emphasizing communication and collaboration throughout the design process. With offices in Dallas, College Station, Houston, and San Francisco, BRW’s powerful portfolio demonstrates our commitment to exceeding client expectations through quality design.
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Campus Planning
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Campus Planning Addressing the whole student and providing a framework that supports success across the board leads to a more satisfying and complete educational experience at every grade level. School districts and campuses are adapting specific aims, missions, and objectives to address this goal. The built environment is an integral component of the student support infrastructure. Learning environments provide for student well-being and personal development while creating an atmosphere of community inclusion that increases the odds of a successful transition from K12 to the rest of their life. Whether working with an established budget or cooperatively planning for a Bond Election, operational needs assessments and the strategic planning of educational facilities provide realistic projections and shape future design decisions. Intermediate and long-term decisionmaking depends on an informed, flexible plan. Recognizing the strategic plan as a living document, allowing it to evolve in sync with changing needs and conditions, is the key to success. BRW is FOCUSED ON… • Guiding future growth and development of learning spaces. • Supporting district goals and visions for their future. • Charting a course for the success of school districts and the students they serve. • Synchronizing needs and expectations with an executable strategy. • Uniting administration, educators, students and communities. …WHAT MATTERS in the classrooms of today and of the future.
They had the insight to think beyond the project scope and collaborate with district staff to develop a masterplan for the campus with a long-range vision for future needs. We now have a campus with a new welcoming identity that functions with improved efficiency, safety, and security for younger students. Wm. Kelly Horn Executive Director of Plant Services Arlington Independent School District
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Learning Environments
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Learning Environments Static, structured classrooms are part of a bygone era. Technology, blended learning, and evolving pedagogy are changing the look, feel, and performance of the educational landscape. Flexible spaces that adapt to the unique demands of differential learning and respond to rapidly evolving teaching and learning models are the new standard. Learning environments are now tech-integrated, conducive to interdisciplinary instruction, foster collaborative learning, and optimize the experience for both students and teachers. BRW is FOCUSED ON… • Flexible spaces that respond to a variety of teaching methods and learning styles. • Tech-smart environments and furnishings that support the increasing role personal technology plays in education. • Informal gathering spaces that provide for collaboration and social interaction. • Durable environments that address student demands and respect district budgets. • Facilities that attract and retain students and faculty. …WHAT MATTERS in the classrooms of today and of the future.
Throughout the project, BRW remained steadfast and committed to top quality design. Their ability to grasp big picture goals while staying within budget constraints and successfully integrating program requirements will undoubtedly serve the district immensely for many years to come. David Downing Director of Planning & Design Dallas Independent School District
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Early Childhood
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Early Childhood Studies have shown that the earlier children learn, the more likely they are to succeed later in life. With the majority of brain development occurring before age five, waiting until Kindergarten to start the learning process is too late. Public Early Childhood Centers give under-served students the opportunity for free public education as early as three years of age. These specialized learning environments make use of indoor and outdoor play, flexible spaces, distributed dining, and visual connection to the outside to provide a positive early learning experience. They facilitate family engagement, which research shows diminishes inequality caused by word gap, enhances social-emotional development, and strengthens critical early brain development. The benefits of early childhood education are many and include a significant decrease in disciplinary referrals during elementary school, increased reading and math scores, better self-control, and attention span. Longer-term student outcome results reveal clear improvement in reading scores for students that attend PreK and indicate that these children are more likely to stay in school and eventually attend college. BRW is FOCUSED ON… • A community identity where parents feel welcomed and empowered. • Flexible spaces that adapt to multiple programs and a variety of needs throughout the school day, from serving the community to providing space for indoor play on a rainy day. • Nurturing learning environments where kids feel safe. • Healthy environments that promote active learning and positive interaction through the use of color, natural light and views, and exceptional acoustics. • Allowing exploration and play to happen everywhere - both indoors and outdoors. • Accommodating multiple dining experiences from family-style in-class dining to more formal, centrally located dining. …WHAT MATTERS in impacting the early learner’s future education.
I was extremely impressed with the team at BRW for their collaborative approach during the design phase of the Anne Frank Early Childhood Center. The design team was enthusiastic and understood how important this school would be to the community and brought creative, well-conceived ideas to the table, while keeping within established budget constraints. Rick Martin Former District Program Administrator Dallas Independent School District
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PROJECT Anne Frank Early Childhood Center CLIENT Dallas ISD LOCATION Dallas, Texas SIZE 16,000 SF | New Addition
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STEM
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STEM Responding to ever-changing technology and the push to be at the forefront of discovery, schools are more focused on science, technology, engineering, and math than ever. The core classroom learning environment cannot respond to the demands of technology-driven educational activities. STEM programs require specialized spaces that accommodate handson learning and foster collaboration. In addition to instructional areas, programs such as robotics require workspace and support areas. Computer-based programs, such as coding and animation, have increased power demands. Most importantly, STEM spaces must be flexible and able to adapt to rapidly evolving curricula and learning activities. Engaging district stakeholders and instructional staff to understand their unique program reduces the risk of premature facility obsolescence. BRW is FOCUSED ON… • Flexible spaces that foster student success by responding to diverse learning needs. • Support spaces that are easily accessible provide adequate resources for tools and equipment. • Workspaces that provide for real-world simulation and scenario testing. • Tech-smart environments and movable equipment that supplies ample power and connectivity. …WHAT MATTERS in supporting academic success.
BRW went to great lengths on every project to meet our programmatic needs and consistently found creative ways to do the impossible. Tim Strucely NCARB Former Executive Director Dallas Independent School District
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Visual & Performing Arts
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Visual & Performing Arts Fine Arts programs play a role that stretches beyond their instructional purpose. Visual and Performing Arts education is elemental to society, and the unique learning environments that support the arts promote both academic and creative opportunities. These highly specialized, experiential learning spaces have technical requirements that are fundamental to their design and have the potential to consume a significant portion of the project budget. Comprehensive space planning is critical, particularly for facilities supporting the performing arts, due to the size and variety of spaces involved and adjacency requirements. An early and thorough plan ensures that classrooms are appropriately scaled and well-equipped, small group and practice spaces are flexible and have the necessary acoustic properties, and adequate ancillary storage is provided. Addressing these elements and incorporating them early in the programming process is essential to designing spaces that meet program needs within financial parameters. BRW is FOCUSED ON… • Finely tuned spaces where students can hone their craft in group and individual settings. • Hearing health and the importance of responsible acoustical design. • Flexible and appropriately scaled rehearsal and performance spaces. • Environments that encourage creativity and enhance critical thinking through exposure to the arts. …WHAT MATTERS in district visual and performing arts programs.
Their comprehensive understanding of the practical operations of a music education and performance facility anticipated every need in programming, room adjacencies, and the flow of traffic and equipment. Dr. Chris White Music Department Head Texas A&M University-Commerce
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PROJECT Woodrow Wilson High School CLIENT Dallas ISD LOCATION Dallas, Texas SIZE 80,000 SF | Addition
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Athletics
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Athletics School sports and athletics programs are about more than competition and physical feats of strength and endurance. They serve to create school spirit, foster common connections between disparate groups, and promote community support and involvement. Athletics facilities need to be excellent venues for the athletes, allowing them to compete at their best. However, the perspectives of spectators, parents, and community members supporting the events are also important considerations. School districts also need their athletics support structures to serve multiple purposes and be available for non-school-sanctioned events and community use. K12 athletics facilities blend academics, entrepreneurship, health sciences, and care delivery into one dynamic facility that serves multiple purposes for athletes, coaches, the campus, and the community. BRW is FOCUSED ON… • Training and competition venues that promote peak performance through equipment and playing surface selections. • Spaces that address the needs of the whole athlete. • Creative built solutions that advance a holistic approach to wellness and human performance. • Comfortable and inviting facilities that provide a catalyst for school pride, contribute to the campus ‘brand’, and reflect district identity. • Venues that are designed to be accessible and available for community events and sponsorships beyond school programs. …WHAT MATTERS in excellence in athletics facilities.
It’s a marathon not a sprint. BRW is definitely leading the pack out of the gate. Javier Fernandez RTSBA Director, Facility Planning & Construction Garland Independent School District
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PROJECT Woodrow Willson High School CLIENT Dallas ISD LOCATION Dallas, Texas SIZE 1,500 Seat Arena | Addition
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Career Technology
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Career Technology The rise of emerging technologies is transforming America’s job market and raising concerns over an insufficiently trained labor force. School districts are responding accordingly, expanding their offerings to address the growing demand for shorter-term and certified skills development programs. Many of these curricula require highly specialized learning environments that accommodate the latest technology found in industry. The most successful community-based practicums address the needs of local employers and create potential partnering opportunities within those sectors – creating a win-win for both the school district and the overall community. The technology industry, in particular, is faced with significant training challenges due to the continuous and rapid change that is the very nature of their business. Demand for a continuously evolving workforce and ever-changing technology is shaping both curricula and learning environments. These spaces must be state-of-the-art and replicate a variety of realistic scenarios, flexible and responsive to rapid technological advances, and the evolving demands of the industries they support. BRW is FOCUSED ON… • Student-centered environments that address the needs of a diverse array of students. • Modern facilities with state-of-the-art technology and current real-world environments. • Built environments that promote collaboration and partnership with local industries. • Tech-smart environments and furnishings that supply ample power and connectivity. • Spatial and environmental accommodations for isolated networks that facilitate active learning and experimentation without risk of impact to other campus services. • Flexible spaces that make use of movable partitions, modular furnishings that allow for easy reconfiguration to accommodate a variety of group learning sizes. • Facilities that have a distributed, robust, and flexible IT infrastructure that allows technological access in all spaces. …WHAT MATTERS in successful Career Technology development.
BRW’s team-player attitude, coupled with its professionalism and desire to provide the very best in service and client satisfaction, has made me an eternal advocate of you and the BRW staff…I’ll always seek out the opportunity to work alongside you and your staff at BRW. You always demonstrate the highest of integrity, and your roots are deeper than architecture itself. Chris Fields, CCM Managing Director CBRE | Heery International, Inc.
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Library | Media Centers
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Library | Media Centers Today’s libraries are not just about books - they are about people. The modernization of the traditional K12 library allows for more collaborative spaces, cocooned digital zoning and innovative technology through media creation studios. These multifunction learning commons offer creative ways to share a variety of spaces and are designed to address the diverse needs of the students they serve. The use of flexible and space-efficient furniture reinforces both independent self-discovery and interactive, hands-on group learning. The need for concentration and uninterrupted study remain essential elements, but functionality and technology are transforming the way we think of libraries. BRW is FOCUSED ON… • Flexible spaces that respond to both large and small group learning. • Environments that offer quiet, reflective study. • Spaces for interaction and project-based Learning. • The integration of innovative technology in our life spaces. …WHAT MATTERS in today’s media centers.
Ultimately, your team creates an environment conducive to learning…Your providing onsite teacher training sessions for the technology you designed in the building was a first to the district. Tobi Jackson, M.S. Board Member Fort Worth Independent School District
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BRW Architects is dedicated to innovation in architecture. We believe in constantly evaluating, questioning and discovering to achieve superior, on-target solutions.
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Community
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Community Schools are beacons in their neighborhoods, reflecting the unique character and culture of their communities. A safe haven for students, they provide a supportive environment where children thrive and are inspired to learn. While serving children is their primary function, school facilities also respond to a variety of community needs by providing space for events and programs in the greater community. Creating campuses that support the shared use of space maximizes facility usefulness and allows members of the greater community to remain engaged stakeholders long after project completion. Developing a plan that includes early stakeholder and user engagement is a vital step in determining the goals and vision for a project and provides a roadmap for the design team. Including community partners in the discovery process creates a cooperative spirit and project buy-in that results in widespread community pride. This connection also extends the reach of K12 education, creating awareness among students of the world beyond classmates and school hours. BRW is FOCUSED ON… • Creating connections between schools and the greater community. • Clean and bright spaces that encourage students and the community to take pride and invest in their school. • Engaging stakeholders and users early in the design process to generate excitement and project buy-in. • Expanding the usefulness of school facilities. • Extending the reach of educational resources. …WHAT MATTERS in creating a community beacon filled with pride.
The partnership with BRW is a fine example of how a design team can work hand in hand with a school district to create a lasting impact on something much larger than the scope of an individual project. Scott Layne Former Deputy Superintendent of Operations & COO Dallas Independent School District
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Security & Safety
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Security & Safety Schools serve as a symbol of pride in their community and a place where kids feel welcomed and inspired to learn. Beyond learning, schools are also concerned with the wellbeing of the students and teachers that engage within them. School is a place where kids need to feel safe and secure, and facility design plays a vital role in that. Exterior and interior elements such as entrance vestibules, lighting, strategically placed windows, durable materials, and landscaping present a sense of transparency to the community and address privacy and security concerns. Designed as hardened facilities, they also provide shelter from weather threats such as hurricanes and tornadoes. Today’s schools reflect an open and cooperative relationship with the community while ensuring the safety of their occupants. BRW is FOCUSED ON… • Storm shelters that are multi-functional and serve in times of an emergency. • Supporting district safety protocols through a collaborative approach during design. • Access control strategies that create clarity and ease by directing people to move in intentional ways. • Clear lines of vision to all areas of the building and site. • Secure areas for retreat and shelter in place when needed. …WHAT MATTERS in providing a learning environment where students and teachers feel safe.
BRW Architects has been an excellent resource as an education-based Architect to provide guidance in building safer and more secure schools. Thomas Haggerty Director of Capital Projects Klein Independent School District
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PROJECT Workman Junior High School CLIENT Arlington ISD LOCATION Arlington, Texas SIZE 35,000 SF | Addition 180,000 SF | Renovation
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Adaptive Reuse & Historic Preservation
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Adaptive Reuse & Historic Preservation Over time, building systems fail, materials become worn and ways of use become outdated. Many districts have buildings that were constructed decades ago and are now in significant need of repair. While some buildings reach the end of their useful life and must be replaced, renovating existing facilities is often more financially feasible and potentially more sensitive to the surrounding community. Building reuse can be an efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible way of breathing new life into older resources and recovering under-programmed space. Often, reclaimed areas become destinations, creating centers of activity and synergy between the old and the new, bringing renewed vibrancy to the neighborhood. BRW is FOCUSED ON… • The importance of architectural heritage and the role it plays in school identity. • Modern learning environments that respect, celebrate, and maintain campus traditions. • Transforming existing building structures into innovative spaces and giving new life to antiquated architecture. • Updated facilities that are environmentally friendly, energy efficient, and cost-effective. …WHAT MATTERS in revitalizing campus resources.
Woodrow stood out as notable in 1928 and obviously remains an illustrious institution today. We thank ... BRW Architects for working so hard to ensure this landmark school stays at the forefront and on the map! Susan Schuerger Founding Board Member Woodrow Wilson High School Community Foundation Dallas Independent School District
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Services Provided • Bond Planning • Needs Assessment • Feasibility Study • Existing Conditions Assessment • Comprehensive Facility Study • Site Master Planning | Analysis • Space Programming • Cost Evaluation
• Architecture • Building Design • Code Analysis • Interior Design • Furniture Planning • Furnishing Selection & Procurement • Lighting Design
• Landscape Architecture • Construction Documentation • Construction Administration • Building Information Modeling (BIM) • Sustainable Design (CHPS and LEED) • Historic Preservation • Accessibility (ADA) Study
BRW has received more than 45 awards over the past three decades including these recent awards: 2020 TASA/TASB Exhibit of School Architecture Stars of Distinction | Community Award Woodrow Wilson High School, Phase II 2020 TASA/TASB Exhibit of School Architecture Stars of Distinction Award | Planning Award Woodrow Wilson High School, Phase II 2020 TASA/TASB Exhibit of School Architecture Stars of Distinction Award | School Transformation Award Woodrow Wilson High School, Phase II 2020 Learning By Design Outstanding Project Award Anne Frank Early Childhood Center 2019 TASA/TASB Exhibit of School Architecture Stars of Distinction | Design Award Lone Star College Westway Park Technology Center
2018 Topping Out Top Ten Award Coppell Life Safety Park & EOC 2017 TASA/TASB Exhibit of School Architecture Stars of Distinction Award | Planning Award Workman Junior High School 2017 TASA/TASB Exhibit of School Architecture Stars of Distinction | Design Award Coppell Life Safety Park & EOC 2017 TASA/TASB Exhibit of School Architecture Stars of Distinction | Community Award Coppell Life Safety Park & EOC 2016 AGC Houston Apex Gold Award Texas A&M University Francis Hall
2015 Houston Business Journal Landmark Award: Historic Renovation Houston Community College 2019 Learning By Design Outstanding Project Award San Jacinto Memorial High School Coppell Life Safety Park & EOC
To learn more about our K12 education projects, clients, and awards, please visit:
www.brwarch.com/K12
2015 TASA/TASB Exhibit of School Architecture Stars of Distinction | Value Award Houston Community College San Jacinto Memorial High School 2015 TASA/TASB Exhibit of School Architecture Stars of Distinction | Sustainability Award Houston Community College San Jacinto Memorial High School 2015 AGC Texas Building Branch Best Interior Finish Project Over $5 Million Award Texas A&M University Francis Hall 2015 Associated Builders & Contractors Renovation – $4 to $10 Million Award Texas A&M University Francis Hall 2015 Preservation Houston Award Good Brick Award Houston Community College San Jacinto Memorial High School
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