Interesting article on the Hill House restoration and expansion effort currently under way at Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford, Connecticut. BGA is working with the boarding/day school to renovate the fire-and-water damaged building, restoring historic elements and incorporating an addition to accommodate more students and enhanced facilities. Visit https://www.choate.edu/community/school-publications to view the article on pages 6 & 7.

BGA Principal and Architect Richard Salopek is currently attending the NBOA Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida. Be sure to stop by our booth if you are attending!

Bill Gridley, FAIA and Richard Salopek, AIA from Bowie Gridley Architects were featured participants in an educational panel discussion for the Virginias Chapter of the Club Management Association of America on March 25, 2019 in Richmond, VA. The panel discussed issues related to construction projects at clubs and was attended by club managers from Virginia, DC and Maryland as part of the regional annual meeting of the CMAA.

The Club Management Association of America (CMAA) is the professional association for club managers and has close to 6,000 members managing over 2,500 country, golf, athletic, city, faculty, military, town and yacht clubs internationally.

Richard Salopek, AIA and David Marks, AIA from Bowie Gridley Architects will present at the 2019 Annual Conference of the Virginia Chapter of the Association for Learning Environments held April 8-9 in Williamsburg, VA. On May 9, Richard and David will present, “Learning outside the classroom: Strategies for creating effective common spaces in the modern high school.”
The Virginia Chapter of the Association for Learning Environments is a professional association whose sole mission is improving the places where children learn. The theme of the 2019 conference, Re-Imagining Learning Spaces, 2.0, is intended to provide a resource with thought-provoking ideas that help deliver value to all attendees.

Bowie Gridley Architects is pleased to announce that Chandra Swope, AIA, has been named a Project Architect.  Chandra joined Bowie Gridley Architects in 2016.  Her recent experience includes the Dormitory Renovations at Loomis Chaffee School, the Middle School at Flint Hill School, an Interiors renovation at Ocean Conservancy and the White-Gravenor ADA upgrades at Georgetown University. She is a member of the American Institute of Architect and is licensed in Pennsylvania.

The Flint Hill School has launched their largest campaign in order to raise $20 million to build a new Middle School and remodel the Lower School. The goal is to construct BGA’s innovative design for a new 7th and 8th grade building on the Upper School Campus and to remodel the K-6th grade classrooms. A historic gift of $10 million from the Peterson family, who are grandparents and parents of eight alumni, has made progress towards reaching this goal attainable. Check out the Flint Hill campaign launch here.

Bowie Gridley Architects is pleased to join GWU in celebrating the opening of the new Fassnacht Clubhouse at Tucker Field at Barcroft Park in Arlington, Virginia. The new 9,000 square foot facility features an indoor practice area with synthetic turf, a team locker room, coach’s office, and a stand-alone indoor batting tunnel structure. It is the final phase of the University’s commitment to turning Tucker Field at Barcroft Park into one of the top collegiate baseball facilities in the nation.

https://gwsports.com/news/2018/10/20/gw-baseball-celebrates-grand-opening-of-fassnacht-clubhouse-and-training-facility.aspx

The American University McKinley School of Communications in Washington, DC, designed by Bowie Gridley Architects (BGA), has been recognized with the 2018 Award of Excellence in Institutional Architecture by the Northern Virginia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

The project was publically recognized, along with other winners, by the AIA Nova at a ceremony held on June 14. You can visit the award here and see all the other award winners as well.

Congratulations to everyone involved on a well deserved and hard earned recognition of excellence.

Bowie Gridley Architects is pleased to announce that Chandra Swope has passed the Architect Registration Exam. Congratulations Chandra!

Bowie Gridley Architects will feature the firm’s recent architecture and planning projects as an exhibitor at the 2018 Annual Conference of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), to be held March 7-9 in Atlanta.  The theme of the conference is “The Leadership Journey: Guides, Pathways, and Possibilities.”  Representatives of the firm will be on hand in booth 739 to discuss ideas and trends in educational facility planning and design including, sustainability initiatives and design for project-based learning.  More than 5,500 independent school administrators and faculty from throughout the U.S. and abroad will attend the Conference.

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced this week that Bowie Gridley Architects recent work on the St. John’s Student Center at Choate Rosemary Hall received LEED Gold certification. The project received an impressive 63 points on its way to certification.

The new 49,000 square-foot, three-story building that consolidates several important functions that serve students, which are currently located in various buildings on the school’s 400-acre campus. The building incorporates 21st Century Learning principals and the interior is a series of open, airy and interconnected spaces designed to promote interaction among students and between students and faculty.

Bowie Gridley Architects, a firm recognized for planning and design at leading independent schools internationally, will participate in the TABS 2017 Annual Conference, to be held November 30 – December 2 at the Marriott Copley Place in Boston, MA.

The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS) is an association of more than 300 college-preparatory boarding schools across the United States, Canada, and abroad.  The TABS annual conference consists of a series of workshops for school administrators and staff.

BGA will provide information about the firm’s recent planning and design work for independent schools, including facilities for academics, arts, athletics and student life, and offer insights to member schools contemplating growth and renewal of their campuses. BGA will be in Booth #36.

Bowie Gridley Architects is pleased to announce that Elise Robinson, AIA, has been promoted to Principal. Ms. Robinson is one of BGA’s most experienced and knowledgeable educational facilities designers. Over her 25-year career, she has led numerous building design and campus master planning projects for public, charter, and independent schools and universities throughout the United States. She has deep experience in the range of building types common to academic institutions: learning environments, science and innovation centers, libraries, arts and sports facilities, and dormitories. As a frequent presenter at professional conferences, she actively contributes to the ongoing dialogue on how buildings can best support 21st Century learning.

Bowie Gridley Architects, a firm recognized for planning and design at leading independent schools internationally, will participate in the SAIS 2017 Annual Conference, to be held October 23rd at the Crowne Plaza Ravinia in Atlanta, GA.

SAIS (Southern Associate of Independent Schools, Inc.) is a membership organization of more than 375 independent K-12 schools. The SAIS annual conference consists of a series of workshops for school administrators and staff.

BGA will provide information about the firm’s recent planning and design work for independent schools, including facilities for academics, arts, athletics and student life, and offer insights to member schools contemplating growth and renewal of their campuses. BGA will be in Booth #M7.

The Akre Capital Management headquarters in historic Middleburg, VA has been awarded with a 2017 Award of Excellence in Construction from the Metro Washington Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC).  The Award will be presented to the Scott-Long Construction Company for outstanding work in the construction of the office building.

The 10,000 sf renovation of the Akre Capital Management headquarters included renovations to the stucco and masonry structure to preserve the historic outward appearance of the building (constructed in the 1940’s as a car dealership) while providing a high-tech office environment.

ABC (www.abcmetrowashington.org) the Metro Washington Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors, is a national non-profit construction trade association working to promote the interests of merit shop contracts.

The Scott-Long Construction Company (www.scottlong.com) headquartered in Chantilly, VA is a full-service construction firm specializing in the commercial office, private schools, healthcare and institutional industries.

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced this week that Bowie Gridley Architects’ recent work at the Leake II/Skipwith Hall Building at The University of Virginia received LEED Gold certification. With an impressive 62 of the required points, this new 14,500 sf facility management shop support and office building incorporates a variety of sustainable technologies including green roofs, photovoltaic panels, LED lighting, highly efficient mechanical systems and glazing, as well permeable paving systems at adjacent driveway and patios.

The new two-level office building includes new office space, private offices and conference rooms. A clerestory roof provides natural daylight over the central portion of the building. The welcoming interior was designed to promote collaboration and impromptu discussions through the open office floorplan. To promote a healthful work environment, furniture was selected with ergonomic principles in mind, such as adjustable standing desks and standing chairs.

Elise Robinson, AIA and Richard Salopek, AIA from Bowie Gridley Architects presented at the 2017 Annual Conference of the Virginia Chapter of the Association for Learning Environments held May 1-2 in Williamsburg, VA. On May 2, Elise and Josh Cobb, Associate Head of Graland Country Day School, presented “Maker Spaces: A Cross Curricular Learning Environment.” They explored how the design of the new Innovation Center at Graland embeds Maker Spaces within the curriculum of a K-8 education.  Richard presented, “Strategies for Creating STEAM-Focused Learning Environments.” He discussed the design of the new King Abdullah Academy, a true 21st Century School, which incorporated student-centered learning, collaborative teaching practices, and project-based interdisciplinary learning with a unique “e-STEM-a” (entrepreneurship, STEM, and the arts) curriculum.

The Virginia Chapter of the Association for Learning Environments is a professional association whose sole mission is improving the places where children learn. The theme of the 2017 conference, Designing Schools for Future Makers, was intended to provide a resource with thought-provoking ideas that help deliver value to all attendees.

Bowie Gridley Architects is pleased to join Choate Rosemary Hall in celebrating the dedication of the new St. John Campus Center on April 13, 2017. Named for the revered headmasters George St. John and his son Reverend Seymour St. John, the building celebrates the legacy and impact the St. John family has bestowed upon the school over many decades. Built on the site of the original St. John Hall, the 49,000 sf building fits within the historical architectural style of the campus with visual memories such as the columned entrance and cupola of the original building.

The interior, contemporary in design, celebrates a far-reaching program within a modern, inviting and progressive interior. Open, airy and interconnected spaces were designed to promote interaction among students and between students and faculty. A variety of more private and intimate spaces allows for quiet and contemplative moments when needed. Designed to achieve LEED Gold certification, the building was designed to be distinctly of its time, imbued with tools and technology which will allow present and future users to keep pace with evolving developments in education.

The current headmaster, Dr Alex Curtis said, “This is a significant statement about student life and its centrality. St. John Hall is one of the only purpose-built student centers, that I know of, among our peer schools.”

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced this week that Bowie Gridley Architects’ recent work at the John R. Thompson Jr. Intercollegiate Athletics Facility at Georgetown University earned LEED Gold certification. With an impressive 72 of the required points, this new 136,000 sf athletic center incorporates a variety of sustainable technologies including an innovative wastewater reduction system which uses a graywater system to collect rainfall/stormwater for reuse for toilet flushing/landscape irrigation.

This new 136,000 square-foot, three-story facility is named for the legendary Hoyas men’s basketball coach, who led Georgetown to its first NCAA basketball championship in 1984. The new athletic facility was designed as the training facility for the men’s and women’s basketball, soccer and lacrosse programs (NCAA Division I, Big East Conference). Bowie Gridley partnered with Populous to create a state-of-the-art training facility for the University’s signature athletic programs.

The King Abdullah Academy in Herndon, VA, designed by Bowie Gridley Architects (BGA), has been recognized with a 2016 Design Award Honorable Mention: K-12 Schools by the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI).

The new King Abdullah Academy took advantage of the cost advantages and versatility of precast concrete to create an urban school that reflects the colors and architectural details of the desert.

The decision to use precast concrete in this project provided the owner with a custom appearance that met their unique needs while also giving them an extremely durable, long-lasting, low-maintenance facility that will allow them to better control long-term operating costs and help to keep tuition lower.

Now in its 54th year, the PCI Design Awards program recognizes design excellence and construction quality using precast concrete.

The program has helped the design and construction community innovate and advance by showcasing ideas that push the envelope, overcome challenges, and improve upon existing concepts. The program demonstrates how designers are continuing to utilize high performance precast/prestressed concrete to achieve sustainable, more cost-effective, aesthetically-pleasing, and quickly-constructed projects.

On December 6, Bowie Gridley Architects participated in Gingertown, an annual charity event which raises money for several local and national organizations.  BGA’s “ Gobstopper Station – Mind the Gap” design created with creamy caramels and colorful gobstoppers was part of the sugary imagination of the iconic city of London.

Gingertown, founded in 2006, brings together architects, engineers and contractors from across DC to design a miniature town made entirely of gingerbread and other sweets. The candy covered structures are on display for public viewing and are later donated to local community organizations to make the holidays a little sweeter.

Bowie Gridley Architects, a firm recognized for planning and design at leading independent schools internationally, will participate in the TABS 2016 Annual Conference, to be held December 1-3 at the JW Marriott in Washington, DC.

The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS) is an association of more than 300 college-preparatory boarding schools across the United States, Canada, and abroad.  The TABS annual conference consists of a series of workshops for school administrators and staff.

BGA will provide information about the firm’s recent planning and design work for independent schools, including facilities for academics, arts, athletics and student life, and offer insights to member schools contemplating growth and renewal of their campuses. BGA will be in Booth #31.

Sarah Naranch, AIA, Project Architect and BIM Manager, Bowie Gridley Architects will present at the 2016 Architecture Exchange East held November 2-4 in Richmond, VA. On Nov. 3, Sarah’s presentation, “Dive Right In! Commit To a BIM-Centric Office” will explore steps to revitalize BIM in a small- to mid-sized office and maximize the efficiency of its use.

Now in its 29th year, ArchEx continues to be the mid-Atlantic’s largest annual educational event and expo with more than 60 educational sessions, behind-the-scenes architectural tours, engaging special events, and cutting-edge vendors.

Bowie Gridley Architects, a firm recognized for planning and design at leading independent schools internationally, will participate in the SAIS 2016 Annual Conference, to be held October 22th-24th at the Crowne Plaza Ravinia in Atlanta, GA.

SAIS (Southern Associate of Independent Schools, Inc.) is a membership organization of more than 360 independent K-12 schools. The SAIS annual conference consists of a series of workshops for school administrators and staff.

BGA will provide information about the firm’s recent planning and design work for independent schools, including facilities for academics, arts, athletics and student life, and offer insights to member schools contemplating growth and renewal of their campuses. BGA will be in Booth #S16.

Bowie Gridley Architects is pleased to join Georgetown University in celebrating the dedication of the new John R. Thompson Jr. Intercollegiate Athletics Center on October 6, 2016. This new 136,000 square-foot, three-story facility is named for the legendary Hoyas men’s basketball coach, who led Georgetown to its first NCAA basketball championship in 1984. The new athletic facility was designed as the training facility for the men’s and women’s basketball, soccer and lacrosse programs (NCAA Division I, Big East Conference). Bowie Gridley partnered with Populous to create a state-of-the-art training facility for the University’s signature athletic programs.

Among the honored guests were University President John J. DeGioia, Athletic Director Lee Reed, former NFL Commissioner and Georgetown alumnus Paul Tagliabue, former Head Coach John Thompson, Jr., current Head Coach John Thompson III and former star guard and Hall-of-Famer Allen Iverson. The ceremony celebrated the impact and legacy of Thompson, Jr. a powerful figure who has impacted the lives of countless students. “John (Thompson, Jr.) is the fulcrum, the bridge that connects us across generations,” President DeGioia said of the coach’s legacy.

The Woodrow Wilson Library in Falls Church, VA, designed by Bowie Gridley Architects (BGA), has been recognized with a 2016 Fairfax County Exceptional Design Award. The award recognizes achievement in the total design of a building and its site.

BGA designed the renovation and addition to the existing library to meet the needs of a vibrant 21st century community library. The program includes improved collections and seating areas, daylighting in all public areas, improved access to meeting room facilities, quiet and group study rooms, after-hours access to meeting room facilities, storage space, easily accessed mechanical areas and an integrated mechanical system for the entire library. The featured component of this project is the new light-filled spine that relocates the entrance to be closer to the parking lot and connects all the main functions of the building, while establishing a modern, welcoming feel along the street. The project received LEED-NC Gold certification.

The Fairfax County Exceptional Design Awards is sponsored by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and the County’s Department of Planning and Zoning in cooperation with the County Architectural Review Board and the Northern Virginia Chapter of the AIA. The award program promotes the awareness of superior planning and design projects.

BGA will be exhibiting at the 2016 Association of School Business Officials (ASBO) for Maryland and DC on May 22-24. Stop by booth 112 in the exhibit hall at the Ocean City Conference Center. The Association of School Business Officials of Maryland and the District of Columbia is a professional organization which provides programs and services to promote the highest standards of school business practices through professional development, recognition, and the effective management of available resources. We look forward to the opportunity to catch up with and meet new valued collaborators and clients. Find more information on the conference here.

The Woodrow Wilson Library in Falls Church, VA has been recognized by the American Public Works Association (APWA) as the 2016 APWA Mid-Atlantic Project of the Year in the $5-$25 million category. APWA’s Mid-Atlantic Chapter Awards Program was established to recognize outstanding individuals and groups representing the best achievements in the Public Works profession in the Chapter. The Mid-Atlantic Chapter of APWA advances professional excellence and public understanding through education, advocacy and community stewardship.

The recently completed School of Communication at American University has received LEED Gold certification from the USGBC. The innovative renovation/addition utilizes a variety of environmentally friendly building materials, rigorous indoor air quality standards, and 100% green power. Other unique aspects induce a green cleaning initiative and green education outreach program.