Skip to main content
Start of main content

Sheldon Lake Elementary School

A campus design that responds to the scale of its users through a playful, intimate, and engaging environment

  • 87K

    Square Feet

  • 700

    Student Capacity

  • $20M

    Construction Value

  • Houston, Texas

    Houston, Texas

Learning through the lens of performing and visual arts

Sheldon Lake Elementary School emerged out of a districtwide initiative to roll out specialized learning programs to each of their six elementary schools. As one of two campuses with a focus on performing and visual arts (PVA), the goal for this new school of choice was to provide an open learning environment that uses student interests to excite them about learning.

As the architect, we partnered with the district to approach design through the lens of PVA. Iconic features known as “drums” house the PVA programs, including a Blackbox theater, and art, music, dance, and design studios. These colorful drums serve as anchors informing the building organization and orienting students as they move through the school. Our team created a free-flowing design, where the theater, dining, and library spaces don’t have walls but still have their own core. The two-story building also offers several visual and physical connections to an exterior courtyard space where students can interact with nature.

While research indicates that an arts-centered curriculum is beneficial to language and reading development, the school also fills community amenity gaps by providing performance, gathering, and shared green spaces.

At a Glance

Offices
Awards
Learning By Design Architectural Awards, Citation of Excellence, 2021
TASA/TASB Awards, Star of Distinction: Design, 2020
American School & University Educational Interiors, Bronze Citation, 2020
Meet Our Team

Gretchen Diesel, Senior Associate, Interior Design Lead

My job is to translate project requirements and client goals into the built environment.

Tracy Eich, Senior Principal, Texas Design Leader

Architecture at its core is problem solving—but at its essence, it’s also a form of behavioral science, and the quality of the spaces we create affects the human spirit.

Chris Hopkins, Senior Associate, Senior Project Manager

We design efficient and aesthetically pleasing facilities, but it’s the positive client relationships that make our projects successful.

Raul Pinol, Senior Design Architect

By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, our team remains dedicated to achieving excellence in every project we undertake.

Gretchen Diesel

Senior Associate, Interior Design Lead

Tracy Eich

Senior Principal, Texas Design Leader

Chris Hopkins

Senior Associate, Senior Project Manager

Raul Pinol

Senior Design Architect

We’re better together

  • Become a client

    Partner with us today to change how tomorrow looks. You’re exactly what’s needed to help us make it happen in your community.

  • Design your career

    Work with passionate people who are experts in their field. Our teams love what they do and are driven by how their work makes an impact on the communities they serve.

End of main content
To top