Charting the Course
The Robert Smalls Leadership Academy (RSLA) in Beaufort, SC, stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful design and community collaboration. The transformation of this school was guided by the insights and expertise of project leads Kameron Quick and Nikos Katsibas, who worked tirelessly to create a space that honors the legacy of Robert Smalls while providing a modern, functional environment for students and the community.
rendering of the atrium
Rooted in Legacy, Designed for Greatness
The vision for Robert Smalls Leadership Academy was inspired by the extraordinary legacy of Robert Smalls—an African American hero whose courage during the Civil War and service in the U.S. Congress continue to ignite hope and pride. From the very beginning, the community’s passion to honor Smalls’ legacy was unmistakable—and the design team embraced that mission with heart, purpose, and unwavering commitment.
illustration of Robert Smalls' journey to freedom aboard The Planter
Born into bondage, Robert Smalls served as a deckhand on a Confederate supply ship called the Planter, ferrying goods between forts in Charleston Harbor. But Robert Smalls was not destined to remain a prisoner of circumstance.
In the quiet hours before dawn, while the Confederate crew was ashore, Smalls seized a moment that would echo through history. With courage in his heart and a small crew of fellow enslaved men, he commandeered The Planter, gathered his loved ones, and navigated the treacherous waters of Charleston Harbor—passing five Confederate checkpoints by posing as the ship’s captain.
As they approached the Union blockade, Smalls lowered the Confederate flag and raised a white bed sheet in its place—a symbol of hope, defiance, and freedom. He didn’t just deliver himself and his companions—eight men, five women, and three children—to liberty. He also handed over critical intelligence: maps of mine locations, shipping routes, and Confederate schedules.
Robert Smalls turned a vessel of oppression into a beacon of liberation. His bravery reminds us that even in the darkest of times, the light of determination and leadership can chart a course to freedom.
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1 1839 Robert Smalls is born in Beaufort, SC
2 1851 Robert Smalls is sent to work in Charleston, SC
1863 Piloting the CSS Planter, Robert Smalls navigates the Confederate-backed Charleston Harbor and sails to freedom
2023 Location of Robert Smalls Leadership Academy
4 1925 The first school named in Robert Smalls' honor opens in Beaufort, SC as the only public high school for Black students in the county
One of the most striking features of RSLA is the entry tower. Inspired by Robert Smalls' heroic journey to freedom and his legacy in the Lowcountry, the design honors his nautical voyage. This tower serves as a physical celebration of Smalls' bravery and leadership. The design incorporates a compass rose inlaid in oyster shell tabby, a wood-look metal panel ceiling mimicking the hull of a ship, and a steel structure with tensile cables to signify the main entry. The entry tower is visible from the far northern end of the site, creating a grand and welcoming entrance.
sail-inspired steel entry
oyster shell tabby with compass inlay
Lighting the Way
Navigating RSLA is an intuitive experience, thanks to the strategic use of daylight and color. Natural light floods the corridors through large windows to create a bright and welcoming environment. Colorful floor patterns—like the triangular motifs near the art wing—act as visual cues that break up long corridors and help students orient themselves. These design choices are not only playful but also purposeful, supporting both wayfinding and a sense of discovery throughout the school.
A Harbor of Imagination
The Media Center stands as a luminous heart of the Robert Smalls Leadership Academy—a space where learning, creativity, and community converge. Designed with intention and care, it serves not only as a vibrant hub for students during the day but also as a welcoming gathering place for families and neighbors after hours. The building's nautical theme flows gracefully throughout, with circular ceiling clouds evoking the sky above, porthole windows splashed with cheerful orange, and seaweed-inspired shutters that dance with light. A wave-shaped circulation desk and cozy reading nooks invite students to explore, dream, and discover. Every detail is layered with meaning, creating an environment that celebrates both the spirit of the sea and the strength of community.
reading nooks
wave-shaped circulation desk
ceiling clouds
seaweed shutters
Calming the [Sound] Waves
The cafeteria at RSLA was designed with a calming color palette to balance the high energy of the space. The use of softer colors and natural light creates a welcoming atmosphere for students during breakfast and lunch, as well as for performances and events held on the connected platform. Acoustical decking and sound panels help manage noise, while felt panels in cream, grey, and soft blue identify major circulation paths. The vaulted ceiling and bright, well-lit space make the cafeteria a pleasant place for students and the community alike.
Community Captains
Throughout the design process, the team prioritized community engagement and collaboration. Early meetings with the community revealed a strong desire for murals, timelines, and representations of Robert Smalls' legacy. The design team responded by incorporating these elements into the school's architecture. The monumental stair in the lobby, painted in the school's orange color, is anchored by a two-story graphic of the planter ship. The terrazo map in the floor features metal inlays of significant locations in Smalls' life, including Beaufort, Charleston, Fort Sumter, and the school itself. The timeline, displayed in colored portals, provides an interactive and educational experience for students and visitors.
terrazo floor map
timeline portals
Where Creativity Sets Sail
Positioned as a vibrant node between the two main classroom wings, the art rooms are a standout feature of the school’s academic spine. These spaces are bathed in natural light from large north-facing windows—ideal for artistic work that requires color accuracy. The connection to the outdoors is both visual and spatial, reinforcing the idea that creativity thrives in open, light-filled environments. The art rooms’ placement and design elevate them from ancillary spaces to central, celebrated destinations within the school.
Drawing Connections
The design of RSLA embraces the Lowcountry vernacular through the use of porches—functional architectural elements that do more than provide shelter. These porches serve as transitional spaces between the indoors and outdoors, offering students a protected area to gather, wait, or play, especially during inclement weather. Their placement along the classroom and multipurpose wings not only enhances the building’s friendliness but also supports visibility and safety while encouraging spontaneous outdoor engagement.
Diving Into The Details
The exterior design of RSLA is a testament to thoughtful craftsmanship and artistic vision, where materials and colors work in harmony to create a dynamic and engaging presence. Black brick defines key architectural moments, while white and glazed brick introduce a sense of movement and playfulness, transforming the building into a canvas of expression. Every detail was carefully considered, with the design team collaborating closely with the construction manager and district to prioritize durability and resilience. The result is not just a structure—it’s a statement of strength, creativity, and lasting impact that is deeply rooted in its place.
Navigating Unprecedented Waters
The transformation of RSLA was not without challenges. Awarded in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority of design and community engagement efforts were conducted virtually—requiring innovative approaches to collaboration and communication. Despite these obstacles, the team successfully created a school that reflects the community's values and aspirations.
A Beacon of Community Pride
The Robert Smalls Leadership Academy is more than just a school; it is a symbol of pride and progress for the Beaufort community. The thoughtful design, historical context, and community-driven approach have resulted in a space that honors the past while looking to the future. RSLA stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration, embodying the spirit of Robert Smalls and the community he served.
COLUMBIA
GREENVILLE
GREENSBORO
RALEIGH
CHARLESTON
MYRTLE BEACH
ASHEVILLE
CHARLOTTE
WILMINGTON
ATLANTA
SAVANNAH
JACKSONVILLE