EOP Architects | K-12

EOP is an award-winning architecture and interior design firm with offices in both Lexington and Louisville. EOP has completed projects throughout Kentucky, in over 30 states, and China.

EOP Architects has a long and successful history of providing design services for K-12 schools, ranging from renovations and additions to new construction. Our commitment to designing innovative and inspiring educational environments fosters academic growth and nurtures a strong sense of community, making our campus designs powerful recruiting tools that attract and retain students through increased engagement and pride in their learning spaces.

Our architectural approach focuses on dynamic learning environments that stimulate intellectual curiosity, accommodating various teaching and learning styles. By seamlessly

integrating technology such as wireless connectivity, smartboards, and video projection units, we ensure that students and teachers have the essential tools to succeed in an increasingly digital world.

In addition to functional learning spaces, EOP prioritizes energetic social spaces that encourage meaningful student interaction and relationship-building, enriching the overall school experience. Our passion for crafting dynamic learning spaces that promote curiosity, growth, and connection allows us to transform schools into thriving educational environments, ultimately benefiting both students and their communities.

1981

Firm Founded in Lexington

40+ Award Winning Projects

85% Repeat Client Business

K-12

Career and Technical Education School

Fayette County Public School

The future Fayette County Public Schools Career and Technical Education (CTE) facility will be located at the former Lexington Herald-Leader site in downtown Lexington on Midland Avenue. FCPS and the EOP Design Team aimed to preserve the building’s architectural and functional history while creating a unique aesthetic for the CTE program. They expanded upon the existing transparency along Midland Avenue, enabling the public to glimpse the energy and activities of the CTE programs where they once saw the Herald-Leader’s presses.

EOP introduced a more intimate pedestrian connection along Midland Avenue with entry canopies and deep walkways. They also animated the existing Midland and Main Street facades by expanding the floor plates and using glass to highlight the CTE functions. To incorporate the building’s history, the design team explored the origins and purpose of newspapers, learning about the acta diurna, a Roman daily notice displayed in the town square.

This historical concept inspired a 25’ x 15’ CNC-carved solid surface wall at the school’s entrance, featuring illustrations of each program offered at the facility. The design team also incorporated stippling, a technique used in newspaper graphics, as circular perforations throughout the building to form larger motifs and patterns. As the Herald-Leader transitioned to the digital age, the team created a multimedia mural made of small, colored, pixel-like squares, representing Kentucky’s internet deserts and oases.

Aesthetically, the building is primarily industrial, with exposed metals, block, and technical machinery to honor its history and accommodate the CTE programs’ needs. Bright colors like fuchsia, orange, and lime green break up the long exterior façade and interior spaces, creating energy and emphasis. Wayfinding signage, constructed of lit acrylic, mimics newspaper covers, and the landscape design incorporates elements of pixelation and perforation.

4 EOP Architects | K-12

Lexington, KY 172,000 SF Services Provided Architectural Design Interior Architectural Design Team Leadership Status Est. 2025 Client Reference Melinda Joseph-Dezarn, Director, Facilities Design and Construction (859) 381-3826 Project Budget $42,000,000

Brenda Cowan Elementary School

Fayette County Public Schools

The project includes the construction of 80,948 square foot on 15 acres designed for a capacity of 750 students. The program includes 30 classrooms, 2 SBDM classrooms, 1 FMD classroom, 2 preschool classrooms, 7 resource rooms, music classroom, art classroom, nature studies classroom, computer classroom, media center with 21st century makers space, gymnasium, and cafeteria. Through evidence-based design, the school enhances learning by introducing natural light via six clerestories and double-glazed clear solar control acid etch Solarban glass. The sloping site features natural stone serpentine retaining walls and bioswales to create an eco-friendly environment for teaching. The site has a soccer field and playground area for all students

Lexington, KY

80,000 SF Status Completed 2019

Services Provided

Architectural Design

Interior Architectural Design Team Leadership

Client Reference

Lars Finneseth, Project Coordinator, Fayette County Public Schools

(859) 381-3829

Project Budget $15,570,369

6 EOP Architects | K-12

Liberty Elementary School

Fayette County Public Schools

Featuring a modern facade and innovative design, Liberty Elementary will serve Fayette County students, teachers and administrators well for many years to come.

Built to replace the Julia R. Ewan Elementary School, the 72,000 square foot Liberty Elementary School is one of the three Fayette County elementary schools that broke ground in 2007.

A few of the unique factors that went into this facility include the coordination of construction with the expansion of two neighboring roadways, the relocation of a force main sewer line, and the cut and fill of a major mound in the center of the school lot. EOP Architects also worked directly with the Fayette County Public Schools officials on a “direct materials purchase” which allowed the school board to recognize significant tax savings on material costs.

Lexington, KY

72,000 SF Status Completed 2008

Services Provided Architectural Design

Interior Architectural Design Team Leadership

Client Reference Lars Finneseth, Project Coordinator, Fayette County Public Schools (859) 381-3829

Project Budget $12,000,000

8 EOP Architects | K-12

Breckenridge Elementary School

Fayette County Public Schools

Originally constructed in 1962, Breckenridge Elementary experienced a series of additions and renovations from the 1960s through the 1990s. EOP Architects designed a comprehensive renovation and addition to the elementary school, combining upgraded design with utilitarian improvements.

A 50,330 square foot addition complements the original structure with a re-energized and logical flow. The addition includes new classrooms, media center, administration area, preschool classrooms, cafeteria, and kitchen.

The 22,300 SF renovation includes a renovated gymnasium with proscenium, improved security throughout, sustainable design features, MEP upgrades as well as accessibility and site improvements.

Lexington, KY

23,000 SF renovation

50,330 SF addition

Status Completed 2016

Services Provided

Architectural Design

Interior Architectural Design Team Leadership

Client Reference

Lars Finneseth, Project Coordinator, Fayette County Public Schools

(859) 381-3829

Project Budget

$12,145,000

10 EOP Architects | K-12

Deep Springs Elementary School Fayette County Public Schools

The project included renovating the existing pre-K-5 school with new additions totaling 69,636 square feet.

The existing school had approximately 55,745 square feet (4,635 square feet of which was demolished) and the additions have 17,752 square feet in multiple levels with a change in elevation of 8’-0” from the main entry to the existing gymnasium. The scope of work included selective building demolition, removal and replacement of mechanical systems including installation of variable refrigerant volume systems, replacement of existing electrical systems, fire protection, fire alarm systems, interior finishes (walls, ceilings, floors, and base), door hardware, site improvements and paving, and kitchen equipment replacement. The addition includes a new administrative area, new kitchen, new cafeteria with clerestories, new restrooms, new classrooms, and interior ramped corridor connection to renovated gymnasium, classrooms, mechanical room, and secondary entry vestibules with new front entry canopies and parking.

12 EOP Architects | K-12 Lexington, KY 69,396 SF Status Completed 2015 Services Provided Architectural Design Interior Architectural Design Team Leadership Client Reference Lars Finneseth, Project Coordinator, Fayette County Public Schools (859) 381-3829 Project Budget $12,522,314