Instilling Pride, Creating Opportunity at District 218 High Schools
For Community High School District 218 (CHSD 218), the completion of new spaces—including two new fieldhouse additions and two renovated theaters—represents far more than routine facilities improvements. A multi-phased program starting in the summer of 2024 included renovation and expansion work at two District schools: Dwight D. Eisenhower High School and Alan B. Shepard High […]
A Focus on Wellness for a Healthier School Environment
The physical spaces in schools can support a healthier school environment, promoting the overall wellbeing of students, teachers, and staff. By Paul Klee, AIA, ALEP, LEED AP, NCARB, LE Fellow, Design Principal at FGMA Originally published in Next Generation Learning Challenges in May 2026 Innovations in teaching and learning have had little impact on modern […]
The Power of Nature-Based Play | Salt Creek Primary School
Salt Creek Primary School’s new natural playground provides opportunities for students to practice social emotional learning skills, creative and open-ended play, and is an extension of the district’s learning curriculum.
Creative Stewardship Unlocks New Possibilities for Urban School Design in Austin
This vertical campus transforms limited urban land into a place for student well-being, community connection and long-term sustainability. On any given day along Guadalupe Street in Austin, the pace of the city unfolds just beyond the doors of St. Austin Catholic School. For more than a century, this corner has nurtured connection. Today, it supports […]
Inclusive Design: Strategies to Enhance Student Success Through Choice, Movement, and Intentional Design
Inclusive design is a key philosophy and approach for the creation of successful and supportive learning spaces. Learning environments that incorporate inclusive design processes and solutions support all students, including those with diverse cognitive, sensory, and physical needs. By Alyssa Marshal, Freedom Middle School; Celeste Karier, NCIDQ, IIDA, ALEP, FGM Architects; Lizzie Scott, M.Ed, Artcobell; […]
Building Tomorrow’s Workforce Starts Long Before Graduation
From High School to High-Demand Careers: Designing Career and Technical Education for Future Generations While every career and technical education (CTE) program is unique, the most successful projects begin with the same question: How can a facility create meaningful connections between learning and life after graduation? A high school student may learn to weld in […]
FGMA’s Paul Klee Earns A4LE LE Fellow Designation
FGM Architects is proud to recognize Principal Paul Klee, FAIA, ALEP, LEED AP, NCARB, for earning the Learning Environment (LE) Fellow designation from the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE), one of the organization's highest honors. The LE Fellow designation recognizes individuals who have demonstrated sustained excellence, leadership and service while advancing the planning, design and […]
FGMA Advances in National Industry Rankings, Reflecting Continued Growth and Design Leadership
FGM Architects has earned higher positions on two of the architecture, engineering and construction industry's most respected national rankings. FGMA climbed to No. 67 on Architectural Record's 2026 Top 300 Architecture Firms list, rising from No. 76 in the previous year. The firm also advanced to No. 303 on Engineering News-Record's (ENR) 2026 Top 500 […]
Inside Schools and Beyond the Building: Authentic and Experiential Learning Spaces
Authentic and experiential learning can happen anywhere: outside of school, in a classroom or lab, or within common areas in a school. By Paul Klee, FAIA, ALEP, LE Fellow, LEED AP, Principal at FGMA Originally published in Next Generation Learning | April 2026 Innovations in teaching and learning have had little impact on modern space […]
Designing a School Entrance That Balances Safety, Visibility and Community
Albright Middle School's new entry vestibule is a direct reflection of Salt Creek School District 48's values, culture and vision for its students. The renovated space, designed in close collaboration with district leadership, offers a friendly, secure front entrance for the school and reinforces the sense of belonging that defines the community. Filled with natural […]