How Okaw Valley Found Greatness in Agriculture Education by Going Back to the Basics Agriculture is a staple of the rural education curriculum, and while a majority of students are involved in those programs, there is often little funding and inadequate spaces to support them. The future farmers and agribusiness leaders are frequently taught in... Continue Reading →
What’s Popping at Waltham
For more than 10 years, the Waltham Elementary School District in North Utica, Illinois, dreamed of having one building for all their K-8 students who had been spread among two outdated elementary schools. Serving a student population of fewer than 250, the project goal was never to redesign how education environments are used. Instead, the... Continue Reading →
Emerging from the shadows…How to put your School Library in the SPOTLIGHT
To celebrate Read Across America day, we wanted to highlight the current innovative trends that are bringing school libraries and media centers to LIFE. Once a quiet museum for books, school libraries are transforming to support the whole student. You may be wondering, "What are these trends?" "What do they mean for my school?" Look... Continue Reading →
Architectural Interns Added to BLDD Team
We are growing with additional architectural interns hired for 2022. Our new, rock star team members will help us continue to serve clients and our communities.
New Rock Star Talent Added to Our Team
We are excited to announce new hires at BLDD. These talented new team members will support increased project demand and help achieve continued growth throughout the firm.
New Promotions Named
Congratulations to Liz Kissenger, Kim Kurtenbach, Alida Duff Sullivan, and Shannon Richards on their promotions at BLDD Architects!
At the heART of what we do
At BLDD Architects, we live lives that are improved daily by the presence of art. From our own work designing spaces that inspire, to the art that we experience in the environments around us -- art is at the heart of what we do. And because of our appreciation for art and those who aspire... Continue Reading →
Planning for the polls: insights for successfully navigating a bond referendum
Is your school district PLANNING FOR THE POLLS? School bond referendums provide the dollars that districts need for facilities that support their educational objectives. Passing a school bond referendum is challenging at any time. However, with potential budget deficits looming because of the Covid-19 pandemic, it could become much more difficult. Our recent cover story in American School and University Magazine gives insights for successfully navigating a bond referendum.
Villain or Hero? What Part Do Your Theatre and Dance Spaces Play?
Without the right spaces, a theatre and dance program can suck the energy and passion out of students. The new Center for Theatre and Dance at Millikin University in Decatur, IL, has created an extraordinary home that spotlights the student experience. From the minute students walk into the 60,300-square-foot space, they are encouraged to study their passion, and the Center's amazing superpower features set the scene for all students to succeed.
5 Key Questions when Hiring a Performance Space Architect
When it comes to designing performance spaces like theatres, auditoriums, or concert halls, you need an expert at your side. BLDD Architects has more than 90 years of experience in helping educators, churches, and communities bring the stage to life for audiences, big and small. Millikin University, Center for Theatre & Dance If you’re ready... Continue Reading →
BLDD Architects Welcomes New Leadership and Creative Staff
BLDD Architects is pleased to announce the recent promotion of three long-time employees. These staff members have continuously moved BLDD forward by becoming leaders in their fields and going above and beyond for clients and projects. Damien Schlitt, AIA, LEED AP, has been promoted to Principal. Damien, who has been with BLDD since 2007, has... Continue Reading →
Refocusing to Student-Centered Learning: RCC Renovations Persevere through Pandemic
Several of Richland Community College’s high-performing programs were in need of renovated spaces to refocus learning to a student-centered model. As part of a multi-phase long-range facilities plan, the $11.6 million first phase updated two exterior spaces and 45,000 s.f. of interior renovations were made to facilitate critical thinking and allow experiential learning through real-world... Continue Reading →
Winner, winner
Big congrats to architectural intern Mansi Sanghvi, who was recently awarded first prize in the urban/large scale category for the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's School of Architecture Earl Prize Design Excellence Awards and third place in AIA's 2022 Chicago Award in Architecture competition.