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RATIO Design connects people and place, shaping environments of purpose, beauty, and meaning. We design for impact with teams that are interdisciplinary, engaging, curious and deeply immersed in the subtleties that make each project unique.

CARMEL CL AY PUBLIC LIBRARY CARMEL, IN

FIRM PROFILE

RATIO’S LIBRARY PRACTICE

STUDIOS

Every community needs spaces that reflect the many stories and backgrounds of its members.

INDIANAPOLIS

Uplifting spaces of lasting value that express the unique views of the community and instill a sense of pride and connection. In our civic and cultural work, we do more than design great places, we bring people together.

CHICAGO DENVER RALEIGH CHAMPAIGN MILWAUKEE

DISCIPLINES ARCHITECTURE HISTORIC PRESERVATION INTERIOR DESIGN LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

We design to cultivate connections.

URBAN DESIGN

Knowing and caring about a place - its people, history, culture, and ecology - are

GRAPHIC DESIGN

fundamental to design. Our Studios skillfully see, listen, ask questions, and seek opportunities. As thoughtful interpreters, we design places that are in harmony with their regions and active in their vitality. We design informed by interdisciplinary wisdom. Shaping deeply relevant design solutions requires both specialized knowledge and expansive thought. We cultivate collaboration across all our disciplines and subject matter experts, avoiding blind spots and increasing possibilities. We design in the open. Design is a collective experience. We practice a transparent process with our clients and communities where all perspectives are welcome, and everyone moves toward impactful, creative solutions together. We Design for Impact.

300+ Library Projects across the US

200 Design professionals and support staff across six studios

87 LEED Certified or Registered Facilities

FORSY TH COUNT Y PUBLIC LIBRARY WINSTON-SALEM, NC

73% Since 2020, 73% of RATIO’s projects have been awarded by existing clients.

28% Percent of Revenue Paid to XBE Consultants

PUBLIC LIBRARIES OVERVIEW

RATIO is deeply committed to designing library spaces that inspire lifelong learning, foster exploration, and build community. No longer a standalone building for books, the public

Emerging library design now draws on the latest

library has evolved into a true landmark of community

expertise from education, hospitality, retail, cultural,

life. Today’s libraries reflect the values, aspirations, and

civic, and STEM fields. Our interdisciplinary approach

vitality of the people they serve—offering everything

brings these disciplines together to create environments

from imaginative makerspaces to kitchens for cooking

that enhance daily experiences and sustain communities

classes. They have become dynamic centers for

for years to come. By studying how people gather, learn,

connection, learning, and creativity, redefining what it

and interact, we design spaces that inspire engagement

means to be a civic space in the 21st century.

far beyond traditional reading and research.

RATIO’S COMMITMENT TO PUBLIC LIBRARIES

9 1. LEESVILLE COMMUNIT Y LIBRARY RALEIGH, NC 4. ALTA BRANCH LIBRARY ALTA , W Y

2. LIBRARY 21C COLORADO SPRINGS, CO

5. MCCALL PUBLIC LIBRARY MCCALL, ID

3. WOODBURY CARNEGIE LIBRARY DENVER, CO

6. STATE ARCHIVES INDIANAPOLIS, IN

7. SEVERANCE LIBRARY RENOVATION SEVERANCE CO 8. PUTNAM COUNT Y LIBRARY GREENCASTLE, IN 9. JOINT USE LIBRARY PIT TSBORO NC

We actively visit and study libraries nationwide to

As active participants in the American Library

stay ahead of evolving service models, technology,

Association and Library Journal’s Design Institute, we

and patterns of community interaction. This firsthand

contribute to shaping the conversation about what

research informs our design process and ensures that

the next generation of libraries should be—flexible,

every project responds authentically to local needs.

inclusive, and deeply connected to the people they

From maker labs to cafés, outdoor plazas to flexible work

serve. Through this work, we help communities imagine

zones, we tailor each library to its unique role within the

libraries not just as places to find knowledge, but as

community.

places to belong.

PUBLIC LIBRARIES OVERVIEW

Our Significant Library Experience For more than 40 years, RATIO has built a national reputation as an architect dedicated to the public sector—with deep expertise in community libraries. We’ve helped program, plan, and design over 300 library projects nationwide, totaling more than 12M square feet

2025

2023

Vernon Area Public Library Schematic Design Lincolnshire, IL

Fort Benjamin Harrison Branch Library Indianapolis, IN

2024

Mesa County Clifton Library, Grand Junction, CO

Vernon Area Public Library Renovation + Addition Study, Lincolnshire, IL McCall Public Library Renovation + Addition, McCall, ID Manitou Springs Library Renovation + Addition, Manitou Springs, CO Clearview Severance Library, Severance, CO Goshen Public Library MEP Systems Replacement, Goshen, IN Sedona Public Library Study, Sedona, AZ Eagle Valley Library Facilities Master Plan, Eagle, CO

Belgrade Public Library, Belgrade, MT

Clearview Windsor Library, Windsor, CO Valley of the Tetons Public Library Space Needs Analysis, Teton County,ID Goshen Public Library Space Needs & Feasibility Study, Goshen, IN 2022 Carmel Clay Public Library Expansion & Renovation, Carmel, IN Big Piney Library Renovation, Big Piney, WY Belvedere Tiburon Library Expansion, Tiburon, CA 2021 South Burlington Library and City Hall, Burlington, VT Belvedere-Tiburon Regional Library, Renovation + Addition, Tiburon, CA

CHATHAM COUNT Y JOINT USE LIBRARY PIT TSBORO, NC

SELECTED PROJECT LISTING

2020

2017

2013

Legler Regional Library Renovation, Chicago, IL

Forsyth County Central Public Library Renovation + Addition, Winston-Salem, NC

Anythink Brighton, Brighton, CO

Ridgway Public Library (re)Imagining Process & Expansion Study, Ridgway, CO

Wilkinson Public Library Renovation Telluride, CO Columbine Library Reno Littleton, CO

Salida Library Reno Salida, CO 2016 2019

Carbondale Branch Library Carbondale, CO Delta Carnegie Library Rehabilitation, Delta, CO Glenwood Springs Branch Library, Glenwood Springs, CO

The Community Library Ketchum, ID

Oregon City Public Library Renovation + Addition, Oregon City, OR

Lyons Regional Library Lyons, CO

Canby Public Library, Canby, OR

2012

Glenrock Library Renovation, Glenrock, WY

2015

Ford Warren Branch, Denver, CO

2018

East Branch Library, Colorado Springs, CO

Jackson Branch Library, Jackson, WY

Edgewater Public Library, Edgewater, CO

Penrose Library Renovation Colorado Springs, CO

2011

2014

Green Valley Ranch Branch Library, Denver, CO

Glenrock Public Library Renovation Glenrock, WY

Pine River Public Library, Bayfield, CO

Batavia Library Master Plan, Batavia, IL

Penrose Library Renovation Colorado Springs, CO

Danville Public Library Space Needs & Feasibility Assessment, Danville, IN

Hadley Branch Library Reno., Denver, CO

Library 21C Renovation, Colorado Springs, CO

2010

Sheridan Public Library, Englewood, CO

Alta Branch Library, Alta, WY

Southwest Regional Library, Durham, NC

Anythink Commerce City, CO Chatham Community Joint Use Library, PIttsboro, NC

PUBLIC LIBRARIES OVERVIEW

SELECTED PROJECTS

Carmel Clay Public Library Expansion & Renovation LOCATION

In response to increased population growth, the Carmel Clay

CARMEL, IN

Public Library (CCPL) selected RATIO to design the renovation and

CLIENT

expansion of their existing facility. For over 100 years, this library

CARMEL CLAY

has made it their mission to inspire lifelong discovery, facilitate

PUBLIC LIBRARY

collaboration, and connect the people of Carmel with resources.

SIZE

RATIO’s inclusive process engaged the library’s strategic steering

135,000 SF

committee as well as key stakeholders, staff and community

COST

members to learn how the space could better meet their needs.

$30 M

The CCPL’s dynamic, new vision addresses programming issues

COMPLETE 2022

identified by the Library and provides an approach to align the Library with the continued growth of the city. Elements of the vision include an expanded facility with a re-conceptualized interior layout featuring enhanced open social areas, quiet study rooms, increased event space, and a new parking structure. The Library renovation enhances Main Street appeal with a new café, Digital Media Lab, and outdoor event lawn. These amenities activate outdoor spaces and establish a dynamic community hub that supports the library’s mission for decades to come.

PUBLIC LIBRARIES OVERVIEW

SELECTED PROJECTS

PUBLIC LIBRARIES OVERVIEW

SELECTED PROJECTS

WINSTON-SALEM, NC

Forsyth County Public Library

CLIENT

Wishing to create a transformative “third place” for the city of

FORSY TH COUNT Y

Winston-Salem and provide new services for library patrons,

LOCATION

Forsyth County selected RATIO to renovate and expand its existing SIZE 103,730 SF

central library and modernize its offerings to be reflective of a 21st Century iconic community library.

COST $22.5 M COMPLETE 2018

The design solution demolished dysfunctional parts of the existing building, renovated functional areas (approximately 50K SF), and added a 50K SF glazed addition that responds to the needs of an open, flexible, and sustainable library, with space for a café, a reading garden, an auditorium, a makerspace, and a “technology petting zoo.” The outdoor reading area also features a public art installation that reinforces the library’s role as a cultural hub. The guiding strategy was to consolidate the program into a simpler volume that allows seamless connection between the various parts of the building and a more flexible layout to accommodate the evolution of the library into the future. The second floor of the downtown library now houses Forsyth County’s Central Library Administration Offices, strategically integrated to support operations within the facility. RATIO designed the new façade of the building to respond to the scale and energy of Winston-Salem and catalyze future development on the western side of downtown.

PUBLIC LIBRARIES OVERVIEW

SELECTED PROJECTS

Community Library Renovation & Addition LOCATION

The Community Library is an atypical non-profit library providing

KETCHUM, ID

services to the picturesque Sun Valley community. The 27,000 SF

CLIENT

library was initially constructed in 1976 and completed through

THE COMMUNIT Y LIBRARY

a series of expansions in 1986 and 1996. The rich literary history

ASSOCIATION, INC.

of the community is celebrated through the mountain lodge

SIZE 27,000 SF

architecture housing the extraordinary breadth of the library’s collections.

COST

Through a series of design workshops, the library realized the

$11.2 M

necessity to create a campaign to “renew their library.” Through the

COMPLETE 2019

$11 million generosity of the community, the library was renewed with reimagined spaces reflective of 21st century library services.

RATIO AS EXECUTIVE ARCHITECT IN ASSOCIATION WITH NICOLE SNYDER INTERIORS, LLC.

PUBLIC LIBRARIES OVERVIEW

SELECTED PROJECTS

Anythink Wright Farms LOCATION

The Anythink Wright Farms is the flagship library for the Rangeview

THORNTON, CO

Library District. This 41,000 SF library is the largest in the District and

CLIENT RANGEVIEW LIBRARY DISTRICT

includes office space for the District’s administration staff, a 7,000 SF children’s area, teen zone with a Wii room, quiet reading, computer lab, study and meeting rooms, indoor and outdoor fireplace, cafe, and multipurpose space for community events.

SIZE 41,716 SF

Indoor space and outdoor space are equally important at the Anythink Wright Farms. A park available to the public sits between the library

COST $9.4 M COMPLETE 2010

and neighborhood to the north. The library’s gently sloping roof opens in the direction of the park inviting naturally diffused light into the building. The park is accessible at multiple points from within the library. Patrons are encouraged to enjoy the outdoor rooms to read, relax and play.

SUSTAINABILIT Y LEED GOLD CERTIFIED

The Anythink Wright Farms features a light shelf above the teen zone allowing natural light to penetrate deep into the library. A raised floor system is used to accommodate mechanical, electrical, and data needs allowing for future flexibility

PUBLIC LIBRARIES OVERVIEW

SELECTED PROJECTS

Mesa County Public Library LOCATION

The new Clifton Branch Library replaces a small inadequate

GRAND JUNCTION, CO

existing branch of the Mesa County Library District. A primary

CLIENT MESA COUNT Y LIBRARIES

goal of the 20,000 SF library was to provide needed services and opportunities to a community that is often thought to be deprived of quality public services. The library is an integral part

SIZE 20,000 SF COST

of a new civic campus being developed by Mesa County to offer early childhood education and community meeting spaces. The campus is strategically situated between an elementary school and

$7.5 M

residential communities.

COMPLETE

The one story library will feature dramatic views of the “Bookcliffs”

2023

and Flat Tops, both iconic landscape elements of the region, through large clerestory windows. Daylight will be an abundant quality of the library interiors that will include a community “living room”, teen area, children’s library in addition to expanded adult services. A primary component of the branch will be the inclusion of an Adult Learning Center offering a variety of sizes of learning spaces to accommodate a diverse range of disciplines.

PUBLIC LIBRARIES OVERVIEW

Fort Benjamin Harrison Branch Library

Lyons Regional Library

INDIANAPOLIS, IN

LYONS, CO

This new branch of the Indianapolis Public Library provides

As the most-visited public building in Lyons outside of the

an invaluable community amenity representing a key

public schools, the Regional Library serves as a community

piece of the ongoing, multi-decade redevelopement

space where people can gather, socialize and discuss

of the historic Fort Benjamin Harrison, located on the

local issues. The new 6,700 SF Lyons Regional Library is

economically and culturally diverse Northeast Side of

intended to support the availability of 21st century library

Indianapolis.

services to the Lyons’ community.

The 22,036 SF library, located on a 2.4-acre site, includes

The community-based design features a welcoming area

91 parking spaces, delivery access, a drive-up return, and

for patrons to browse for books, a separate teen area

outdoor amenities such as a welcoming porch and native

and a seperate children’s area that includes an outdoor

plantings that reflect the local landscape. Inside, a variety

learning courtyard, and a quiet reading room. The library

of flexible meeting rooms support collaboration, learning,

also includes a business center, a digital café and several

and community engagement.

smaller meeting rooms. In collaboration with the Town Lyons a large community room was also included for hosting town meetings and large-scale community events.

SIZE: 22,063 SF

SIZE: 6,7 75 SF

COST: $11.2 M

COST: $2.5 M

COMPLETE: 2023

COMPLETE: 2019

SELECTED PROJECTS

Leesville Community Library

Severance Library Renovation

RALEIGH, NC

SEVERANCE, CO

The Leesville Community Library was envisioned as a

The Clearview Library District originally planned a new

peaceful retreat nestled in the trees, offering an elevated

35,000 SF library to meet the needs of its rapidly growing

space for reading, study, and quiet reflection. Its design

community. Their existing 17,000 SF facility, built in 2004,

responds to the natural surroundings while meeting the

had become overcrowded and inflexible for modern library

functional needs of the community it serves.

services. After two unsuccessful bond initiatives, the District shifted focus to expanding capacity within the

A solid brick volume houses the library’s support spaces,

existing building.

while the main reading pavilion—with expansive glazing— opens to uninterrupted forest views. Natural materials

During the COVID pandemic, RATIO led virtual workshops

like red clay brick, patinaed zinc, and warm wood finishes

with library staff and the Board to reimagine the space.

create a welcoming, cohesive environment. Carefully

Proposed solutions included reorganizing the collection

placed clerestory windows and overhangs optimize daylight

for better browsing, relocating the bookmobile to off-site

and energy performance, while the surrounding forest

storage and converting the garage into a Teen Library,

provides natural shading year-round.

creating a glass-enclosed reading room to improve acoustics, adding small group rooms, and recommending that District staff move off-site to free workspace for branch operations.

SIZE: 8,230 SF

SIZE: 10,000 SF

COST: $3.1 M

COST: $3.75 M

COMPLETE: 2009

COMPLETE: 2020 (STUDY ) 2024 (RENOVATION)

PUBLIC LIBRARIES OVERVIEW

Canby Civic Center + Public Library

Chatham County Joint Use Library

CANBY, OR

PIT TSBORO, NC

This downtown Canby cultural hub brings together the

The LEED Gold Certified Chatham Community Library,

community library, civic offices, and flexible gathering

a collaboration between Central Carolina Community

spaces in a contemporary design that connects seamlessly

College, Chatham County, and the Friends of the Chatham

with one of the city’s liveliest streets.

Library, was designed to meet the needs of diverse user groups. A soaring arc roof and wall of windows fill the quiet

The Canby Library occupies 20,000 of the 35,000 SF civic

reading and group activity areas with natural light.

center, featuring an adult reading area with a fireplace, study rooms, a children’s “story garden,” teen space, and

Celebrating Chatham County’s vibrant arts scene, the

large meeting rooms. A central information desk provides

building features locally commissioned art, including

clear wayfinding and easy access to resources.

a children’s mural, custom fences and bike racks, and decorative fireplace tiles. These installations enhance the library’s ambiance and reinforce its role as a community anchor.

SIZE: 35,126 SF

SIZE: 25,018 SF

COST: $9 M

COST: $5.5 M

COMPLETE: 2016

COMPLETE: 2010

SELECTED PROJECTS

Green Valley Ranch Branch Library

Jackson Branch Library Renovation + Addition

DENVER, CO

JACKSON, W Y

The Green Valley Ranch Library, the first in the Denver

The LEED Gold Certified Teton County Library, built in

Public Library District designed for a “Family Style”

1995, is a 24,000 SF facility with children’s and teen areas,

program, is a 23,000 SF facility featuring integrated adult

adult collections, study rooms, and a community meeting

and children’s areas, quiet reading zones, study nooks,

space. Rapid growth led to an 11,000 SF addition, adding a

discovery pods, a fireplace, and meeting rooms.

youth wing to the south and a new auditorium to the north. The addition continues the original building’s expression of

Situated between central Denver, the airport, and the

the region’s landscape and history through its gable roof,

eastern plains, the design draws inspiration from the

log walls, and columns, while connecting old and new with a

landscape and aviation, expressed through “iPlains”

relocated grand entry lobby.

geometric xeric landscaping and “ePlanes” aerodynamic roof forms. Inside, four wings organize the space, while

Adjacent to the library, a park serves as an outdoor

discovery pods, bright colors, and natural light create a

teaching space with reading areas, sculptures, and winding

welcoming environment for shared learning.

paths for exploration. The library remains a vibrant community center, fostering lifelong learning and providing access to information, literature, and ideas

SIZE: 24,000 SF

SIZE: 36,000 SF

COST: $4.7 M

COST: $6.5 M

COMPLETE: 2011

COMPLETE: 2012

PUBLIC LIBRARIES OVERVIEW

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