Relocatable space is flexible, so take advantage of its chameleon-like capabilities and make it meet your school's own needs. Because private schools need to maintain an image, some require that the exterior of their custom-built "annex" closely match the exterior of their existing building. Just because a portion of your school may be relocatable doesn't mean it has to lack architectural details that can unify it with the permanent structure.
April 2005

Select the appropriate delivery method for your project. Is it design/build, design/bid/build, construction management, program manager, or construction management at risk? Each construction method has a different cost, level of quality, and timeframe associated with it. It's necessary to understand these methods early in the process before making a selection. Do your research and talk to colleagues who have gone through construction to fully understand their experiences.
August 2005

The popularity of portable classrooms is undeniable. As a quick, build-to-site deliverable, portables make a great deal of sense as an immediate space solution. In the face of population spikes, overcrowding or funding drives (toward permanent construction), portables become a short-term but quick space fix. 
April 2006

The construction of facilities is greatly simplified when schools reduce their size. For example, schools without large libraries no longer need differentiated ceiling heights. Also, larger, open-plan multi-functional spaces constructed of surface steel studs and drywall finishes don't need load-bearing walls. Finally, acoustical battening and other sound-absorbing technologies reduce maintenance costs while increasing long-term design flexibility.
August 2006

Working with a construction company should be a smooth and hassle-free process. Your new building should be of high quality and value and meet both your current and future space needs. The process can be challenging, and the construction company should make it a priority to give you the answers you need fast and to ensure that you're satisfied, even delighted, with your experience.
April 2007

Determining the appropriate site for an educational facility entails good judgment beyond the application of minimum size standards. One must assess how much usable space exists and whether it is adequate to hold the necessary buildings, parking, spaces for outdoor instruction and recreation, as well as future expansion contingencies.
August 2007

The primary and most important concern that a school leader should carefully consider and study when choosing a modular building supplier is the skill level of the salesperson (and any related support organization) who will deliver the modular building product and supervise the installation and finish-out activities.
April 2008

Perhaps one of the most important benefits of hiring a design/build specialist is that you are going to know upfront what it's going to cost to design and construct your campus facility, because with this project delivery methodology, there isn't any "going out to bid" for your project. Rather, you are presented with a guaranteed, fixed price for the complete design and construction of your facility – before construction begins.
August 2008

With the construction of green modular classrooms, there is a growing awareness of the inherently green features of the modular construction process. A recent report shows that modular building offers significant opportunities for environmental stewardship and LEED certification, particularly in the area of architectural engineering and construction choices.
April 2009

Metal buildings no longer are the square steel boxes of the past. Today's metal buildings are no longer limited in their capacity to adapt to various wall materials, including architectural metal, glass, brick, block, stone, or wood.  The industry now can fully support an architect's need for form as well as function.
August 2009

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