Project of the Month: Girard College

Our team was tasked with renovating a 1970's dormitory for students that were a variety of ages from grades K-8. The administration was adamant that the children's spaces not feel sterile or institutionalized. At the end of the day, we developed a home away from home that was joyful as well as functional!

THE CLIENT:

Girard College is an independent college preparatory 5-day boarding school located on a 43-acre campus in the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

PROJECT SIZE:

2,730 Square Feet

CHALLENGE: 

Our team was tasked with renovating a 1970's dormitory for students that were a variety of ages from grades K-8. The administration was adamant that the children's spaces not feel sterile or institutionalized. Finally, these living room pods needed to serve multiple functions within the day to day of the children's evening activities. As there were no structural changes made to the physical layout, the furniture needed to flexible enough to establish different task areas for  learning and socialization. 

 TEAM: 

Shawn Gibbons, Principal; Mary Ryan, Interior Designer; Linh Dinh, Sales Support; Olsjana Gjioni, Bookkeeper

 PRODUCTS: 

Through KI Furniture (KI), we sourced chairs that were ergonomically supportive for the age of the children as KI is a leader in educational furniture. For lounge and case goods, we partnered with JSI and Sit On It. We were very deliberate in the lounge product selected. The Ideon lounge furniture is colorful, comfortable and adaptable. The storage units chosen for the space from JSI ensured that there was enough room for every child to safely store personal items and the space could be kept neat and tidy. 

SOLUTION: 

We envisioned and executed a space that incorporated three separate but coordinated areas to function for this young community. Homework space outfitted with ergonomic seating, appropriate height desks with easy access to technology, community lounge seating to encourage camaraderie and television space and separate table spaces for small group activities. At the end of the day, we developed a home away from home that was joyful as well as functional.