“Architectural Programming” – How a K-12 School Building is Planned

“Just how do you plan a new school building?” We get that question a lot from districts and owners at the beginning of their projects. Since having developed relationships with clients across Northeast Ohio, we have developed systems for architectural success that address the design process known as “programming.”

Citizen Architect – Robert Fiala, AIA

Robert Fiala is the founding partner of ThenDesign Architecture (TDA) and the mayor of Willoughby, Ohio. He was recognized as a “Citizen Architect” by the American Institute of Architects and featured in an article detailing his path from architecture to public service.

New Educational Wickliffe Campus

Wickliffe City Schools has been ambitiously planning the new educational Wickliffe Campus to house students in a Pre-K through 12th grade facility which will replace the aging city schools in their area. View the narrated project animation!

Memorial Junior High School – Evolution of an Historic Building

Historic buildings often have very storied pasts. What might have started as one type of building may eventually evolve into something very different. When dealing with these structures, architects can find imaginative and creative ways to repurpose them. Memorial Junior High School in Willoughby, Ohio is one example of the evolution of an historic building.

“Educational Visioning Sessions” – Imagining Better Ways to Educate

Educational Visioning Sessions are collaborative planning events, that allow architects, educators and students to ensure a future school construction project is successful. Working together, they identify goals, priorities and design solutions from a wide variety of perspectives. A robust Educational Visioning session encourages attendees to imagine better ways to educate generations of students through good design.

Groundbreaking on a New Geauga County Office Building

Stakeholders gathered in Claridon township to celebrate the groundbreaking on a New Geauga County office building to house city services. Beginning construction marks another milestone in the 4-plus year process for this project.

Design Collaboration is a Necessity

Excellent design ideas can come from the most unlikely places. Throughout TDA’s design process, we engage individuals of all types in our projects. Chris Smith, TDA’s president, shares his insight into our process, the designers, and collaboration in public architecture.

Reimagining Memorial Junior High School – A New Chapter

At a time when historic buildings sometimes are not valued, a small piece of downtown Willoughby is being repurposed as an architecturally symbolic landmark in our city.