Everyone chooses to make the world better in their own way. Your team does this by passionately educating the next generation of students. At Fanning Howey, we change the world by designing buildings that result in smarter, happier learners, more successful educators and stronger communities.
As an architecture, interiors and engineering firm, we bring you several key benefits for projects such as summer improvements, master planning and facility improvement design:
• We are a unique firm comprised of the region’s most highly-experienced planning and design professionals. We are 100% committed to educational design, and this is evident in our holistic approach to designing learning spaces.
• We are experts in OFCC funding and long-range planning , helping districts make confident decisions at every step.
• We are committed to student success and community pride, designing environments that support well-being, safety, and engagement.
• We are a responsive and collaborative partner, listening first, communicating clearly, and staying invested long after the ribbon cutting.
Fanning Howey is a team you can trust to serve your district. I look forward to the opportunity to help you create smarter places for learning for your students.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Fuller, AIA Project Executive/Owner
614.216.6660
jfuller@fhai.com
PLEASE NOTE: If you are considering any facility work, please know you do not need to go through a formal Request for Qualifications process to hire a design professional for any project with fees under $50,000. You may simply choose from firms who have a Statement of Qualifications on file with your district. If professional fees will be under $25,000, nothing is needed on file.
(ORC Section 153.71 B1&B2)
About Fanning Howey
At Fanning Howey, education isn’t just an area of expertise. It’s a way of life. We promote a culture of constant learning, collaboration and shared exploration. Our interdisciplinary teams continually challenge each other to find new and better ways to serve our clients.
EDUCATION AT THE CORE
Every Fanning Howey team member is all in when it comes to education. We are all aligned behind our mission to design facilities that maximize positive educational outcomes and improve student performance.
We passionately believe that successful design arises from a wellconceived response to the needs of the learning environment. There is no one size fits all way to work; we know how to find the best approach for a community, and how to structure a process around it that will work best for everyone. As a result, our approach is intentionally student-centered. We are committed to using our deep expertise to create future-ready educational communities that thrive in a rapidly-changing world.
COLLABORATIVE DESIGNERS
As a fully integrated team, we are master collaborators internally and externally. Listening, asking the right questions, and developing empathy are key aspects of our process. There is a time to be quiet and listen — to ask the right questions of the experts and community members. We respect and welcome the contributions of the educator, the Board member, the community and the taxpayer.
Our collaborative, deep-listening process helps us uncover opportunities that others have missed. We are unafraid of realworld constraints, and focus on forward-thinking design solutions with provable value.
CORE VALUES
• We strive for excellence
• We connect with people
• We are natural collaborators
• We lead by communicating
• We are passionate about education
ABOVE | We utilize the latest visualization technology to collaborate with each other and our clients.
Firm Overview
Fanning Howey is an integrated architecture, interiors, and engineering firm specializing in learning environments. We use the power of design to create smarter, happier learners, more successful educators and stronger communities. From our offices in Celina and Dublin, OH, we have designed K-12 learning environments throughout the Midwest and across the country. Our team is devoted to finding ways to conceive and build inspirational places for teaching and learning.
950K
students attend Fanning Howeydesigned schools each day
2,850+
K-12 school designs in 37 states since 1961
21
Impact on Learning Awards for school communities (more than any other firm)
110+
professionals focused on improving learning environments
WE ARE LEADERS IN PROVIDING INTEGRATED SERVICES:
• Architecture
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Plumbing Engineering
• Interior Design
• Landscape Architecture
• Site Analysis
• Technology Design
• Construction Administration
• Master Planning
• Educational Visioning
875
Ohio K-12 school projects worth $5.5 Billion
64
years of expertise creating impactful spaces
Ohio History
Fanning Howey has been designing learning environments in Ohio since the firm’s inception in 1961. We have had the pleasure of working in districts across the state, bringing smarter places for learning to every corner of Ohio.
Fanning Howey has successfully completed projects all over the state, and many in your area.
Design Experience
As the region’s most highly experienced team, Fanning Howey brings decades of learning environment expertise in everything from classroom updates to top tier career tech academies.
Our solutions are based on a deep knowledge of the nuances of how teachers teach and how students learn. As a result, our design solutions express the specific needs of the client, the students and the community.
Our highly collaborative design team provides a wide breadth of integrated disciplines and a depth of specialized knowledge to create places that drive performance and achievement – what we call “smarter places for learning”.
Elementary Schools
Our elementary school architects and designers understand the cognitive and emotional needs of each age group. Early learning centers rich with sensory education and higher-level classrooms with video production labs are all part of our passion for personalized learning. We have designed over 120 new and 185+ renovated elementary schools.
RIGHT — The new elementary school provides personalize learning environments in a building that serves as a teaching tool.
TOP RIGHT — Glass walls allow students to study alone and in small groups in an easily-supervised environment.
BOTTOM RIGHT — A gathering stair creates an exciting space for large group instruction.
Middle Schools
Middle school is a time when young adolescents seek independence but still require security and structure. As experienced middle school architects, Fanning Howey designs buildings to help students explore, connect and dream –all within a safe and nurturing environment. We have designed over 50 new and 100+ renovated middle schools.
RIGHT — A dynamic school corridor featuring vibrant wall arts and modern lighting, creating an inspiring and energetic environment for students.
TOP RIGHT — Multipurpose spaces encourage independence and exploration.
BOTTOM RIGHT — Classrooms balance the addition of new technical spaces with familiar furnishings.
High Schools
Fanning Howey designs high schools that bring real world, authentic learning environments to students. Our intensely-curious designers constantly draw from the best ideas in higher education, corporate offices and research labs. Then we turn those concepts into flexible spaces for instruction in STEM, entrepreneurship and the arts. We have designed over 85 new and 250+ renovated high schools.
RIGHT — Flexible space for individual and group study.
TOP RIGHT — Instruction technology such as smart boards utilized by students and teachers.
BOTTOM RIGHT — Technical lab space for advanced curriculum.
Our goal is to leverage every square inch of the built environment as a tool for learning.
Maker Space
Makerspaces are needed to allow students to explore, create, and problem-solve.
A Makerspace is a dedicated area where students can design, create, experiment, and build using a variety of tools and materials. Makerspaces support hands-on learning and encourage creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration.
Students of all ages and all grade levels can benefit from having makerspaces available to them. Whether it’s part of a new building, or a portion of existing building that has been renovated, the space will allow them to grow.
It can include all levels of tech including simple cardboard and crafting supplies, to electric kits and simple machines, to 3D printers and lasers.
Athletics & Site
Athletics is part of a well-rounded education. So at Fanning Howey we design facilities that serve everyone from athletes to mathletes.
Our design thought leaders take an education-first approach to athletic facilities. We collaborate with all stakeholders to think win/win and design for Varsity sports, physical education, academic programs and school and community use.
At the same time, we sweat the details that drive athletic performance. Fanning Howey designers understand the latest developments in track surfaces, artificial turf, stadium seating, lighting and fitness center equipment. We take design to a higher level, so your athletes can perform at a higher level.
UPPER RIGHT — The campus includes cuttingedge sports fields and outdoor learning environments.
LOWER RIGHT — Custom graphics celebrate the district’s brand and increases school spirit.
LOWER FAR RIGHT — Weight room doubles as training space.
TOP — Elevated tracks maximize square footage in gymnasium space.
Indoor Athletics
Fieldhouses come in all shapes and sizes. The important thing is to know what YOUR community needs and is willing to support.
Whether your community is needing another gymnasium, an indoor soccer/football practice facility, and weight/training/fitness areas, or possibly batting cages, walking tracks or golf simulators, it all can be accomplished within the confines of a fieldhouse. Our designers can help you determine what is needed, approximate costs, and can help gauge community support.
Student activity center with full 200-meter track, elevated jogging track and four multipurpose courts.
Our portfolio includes all facets of a modern fieldhouse and wellness program.
FAR LEFT — 152,229 student activity center supporting a variety of athletic uses.
TOP CENTER — Fitness areas can be used by students athletes and the community alike.
LOWER CENTER — Tracks around gymnasium space are loved and used often by community members.multiple uses
TOP RIGHT — Golf simulators can help the golf team stay on top of their game in the off-season and also be open to community members.
BOTTOM RIGHT — Fieldhouses can provide areas for batting cages, pitching mounds, etc.
Pools
You don’t need to be a world-class swimmer to love a pool. That’s why we design pools that work for everyone.
Fanning Howey designs facilities that are more than just sports venues. They are classrooms, community centers and therapy labs. To accomplish this, we collaborate with all stakeholders –from swim coaches to teachers to community leaders.
Fanning Howey designers think big, while our consultant partners get into the details. We use tank and gutter design to maximize swimmer performance. Our designs also use the latest in energy efficient and low-maintenance systems. As a result, both students and facilities staff are able to achieve more.
FAR LEFT — Pool with shallow and deep water for varying recreation needs
TOP CENTER — Designers work with purlins and decking that resist corrosion caused by high humidity and airborne chemicals.
LOWER CENTER — Pool serves the boys and girls swim teams, as well as the community.
TOP — Therapy pool with zero-depth entry
World Record was set during the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup in October 2025.
Our expertise covers every aspect of a modern performing arts curriculum, from the optimal stage proscenium to specialty furniture packages.
Performing Arts
The performing arts play a critical role in developing future-ready skills. That’s why we design environments where every student can find their voice.
Fanning Howey’s thought leaders understand how lighting, acoustics and space combine to create a great performance. However, we take performing arts design a step further. We design for the needs of other academic programs and community groups, as well as the core functions of theater, music and dance.
We partner with specialists in acoustics and theaters to bring the best thinking to every project.
A hybrid auditorium, which partially functions as a cafeteria during the day, has helped districts make the most of their funds.
FAR LEFT — Small Presentation Area
UPPER RIGHT — Multi-Use Performing/ Dining Space
LOWER RIGHT — Performing arts spaces are important at all ages.
College & Career Prep
Every student deserves a path to success. At Fanning Howey, our thought leaders are committed to maximizing student opportunity through the design of real-world learning environments.
Fanning Howey’s designers understand every type of learning environment for college and career preparation. From the broad concepts of collaboration space to the intricate details of welding labs, we deliver solutions that give students critical skills training in any chosen field.
To respond to the rapidly-changing workforce, we collaborate with clients to continually explore new types of spaces. But we also bring fresh ideas to traditional facilities for Project Lead the Way, STEM and vocational and careertechnical education.
LEFT — Interior and exterior glazing offers views into learning environments that bolster this new identity, and spread awareness of the school’s program offerings.
UPPER — The Welding lab incorporates multiple suggestions from Tri Star’s business advisory council, including a central teaching station for large group instruction.
LOWER — Design of the Nursing lab simulates a real-world enviroment, allowing students to move quickl between lecture and hands-on practice.
Summer Capital Improvements
At Fanning Howey, we know how and when to tackle facility upgrades of all sizes. Summer is an ideal time to get a jump on small capital improvement work. When facilities are at low occupancy, construction moves quickly without disturbing student activities. By planning during the fall and winter, our team moves directly into summer work with our dedicated Construction Administrators poised to oversee the successful and timely installations.
TYPES OF SUMMER IMPROVEMENTS
• Interior Lighting Upgrades
• HVAC Upgrades
• Fire Alarm Replacement
• Track Replacement
• Asphalt/Paving Improvements
• Gym Floor Refinishing/Replacement
• Locker Bay Conversion
• Restroom Upgrades
• Interior Finishes Update
• Flooring Replacement
• Security Vestibule Addition/Reconfiguration
• Roof Replacements
Our portfolio includes all facets of interior renovations.
LEFT — Seasonal breaks are great for assessing and updating mechanical systems in your facilities.
TOP CENTER — Reconfigure security vestibules during low visitor months.
LOWER CENTER — Flooring and furnishing updates are quick ways to upgrade your facilities.
TOP RIGHT — Make updates while facilities are at low occupancy.
The visioning process draws on multiple perspectives to create a shared vision for the future.
Fanning Howey has an exclusive partnership with Emmy Beeson and her non-profit organization PALL (Partnerships for Authentic Learning and Leadership). Through this partnership, we offer enhanced visioning, master planning and change management services. Emmy and her team will make sure your teachers are equipped to take advantage of their new environments.
Educational Visioning
Fanning Howey’s Here to There planning process is a smarter way to collaborate with a broad range of stakeholders. We use visioning and hands-on collaboration techniques to uncover solutions with provable value for all users. And we respect and welcome insight from educators, students, parents, Board members and taxpayers. Through careful listening and intense collaboration, we create a school that exceeds the needs of all users.
“Fanning Howey’s people make all the difference. Thanks to them, our campus has unified our community.”
– KYLE NEWTON, SUPERINTENDENT Warren Local School District, Vincent, OH
Master Planning
A facilities master plan measures the future needs of the district, taking into account the current state of facilities and anticipating problems before they actually happen.
A master planning process demonstrates that funds are being spent in a cost-effective way to meet the community’s educational needs, and creates a feeling of transparency with the public.
The most successful master plans are drafted with full input from the community. By engaging stakeholders, it serves as a unifying process that brings the community together and builds support for your goals. We provide a variety of support services, including:
- conducting a full facility capacity analysis,
- identifying all potential funding sources,
- leading educational visioning sessions,
- developing community buy-in through various engagement techniques,
- analyzing community feedback
Fanning Howey has helped our clients with both in-person meetings and virtual meetings - whichever worked best for them. Our online tools for collaboration and consensus building expand your ability to reach stakeholders.
Community Engagement
Community support is the foundation of a successful building project. At Fanning Howey, we help you engage stakeholders in a deep and meaningful conversation regarding the future of your district and your learning environments. Our proven approach keeps the conversation on track, avoids common pitfalls and positions you for success in the Board room or at the ballot box.
