At a Glance
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$114M
Construction Value
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235K
Square Feet
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LEED
Silver Certified
- Location
- Fort Washington, Maryland
- Offices
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Client
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Prince George’s County
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Public Schools
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Partners
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Fengate Asset Management
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Gilbane Development Company
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Gilbane Building Company
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Honeywell
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- Location
- Fort Washington, Maryland
- Offices
- Client
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- Prince George’s County
- Public Schools
- Partners
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- Fengate Asset Management
- Gilbane Development Company
- Gilbane Building Company
- Honeywell
Share
Colin L Powell Academy - Architecture and Design Services
Rapid enrollment growth had created a severe space shortage across Prince George’s County Public Schools’ middle schools. To address this, they implemented an innovative public-private partnership (P3) model. As part of the P3 team, we developed a two-story and four-story prototype design for six new schools. We gave each school a unique identity through customized interior finishes and design elements, reflecting each school community’s culture and values.
Colin L. Powell Academy was one of two of PGCPS new schools without an initial name, colors, or mascot. Working closely with the community, we developed a color palette and design concept that ultimately informed the school’s logo and identity. The community expressed a strong desire to preserve the surrounding natural forest, inspiring our meadow concept for the building’s interiors.
Given the school’s size and its role in serving up to 2,000 K-8 students, we chose greens as the central indicator for shared spaces, symbolizing growth and connection. These accents appear throughout both the elementary and middle school towers. To further differentiate grade levels, we introduced yellow as the primary accent for the elementary wing, while teal accents define the middle school wing.
Large-scale murals and wayfinding graphics reinforce the school’s narrative and foster pride. Organized into grade-level neighborhoods, the building creates a secure, stimulating environment that supports collaboration and exploration.
The four-story building includes a large atrium and media center, placing learning at the heart of the design. A primary gym, auxiliary gym, and performance stage integrated with the cafeteria provide flexible spaces for physical activity, creative expression, and community gatherings. The school meets LEED Silver standards, emphasizing natural light, views to landscaped areas, and sustainable materials.
At a Glance
-
$114M
Construction Value
-
235K
Square Feet
-
LEED
Silver Certified
- Location
- Fort Washington, Maryland
- Offices
-
-
Client
-
-
Prince George’s County
-
Public Schools
-
-
Partners
-
-
Fengate Asset Management
-
Gilbane Development Company
-
Gilbane Building Company
-
Honeywell
-
- Location
- Fort Washington, Maryland
- Offices
- Client
-
- Prince George’s County
- Public Schools
- Partners
-
- Fengate Asset Management
- Gilbane Development Company
- Gilbane Building Company
- Honeywell
Share
Katharine Land, Senior Associate, Senior Interior Designer
I believe that we can improve the daily experience of end users by providing unexpected yet inspiring spaces.
Gwen Morgan, Senior Principal, Discipline Leader, Interior Design
I love designing facilities for people who devote themselves to public service and the development of future generations.
Andrew Sternberg, Senior Associate, Architecture, Buildings
I enjoy being immersed in our industry’s rapid digital transformation, applying new technologies and workflows to achieve elegant solutions.
Al Hernandez, Principal
Through our projects, we have the chance to influence and shape the future of education—to have a positive impact on our communities.
Kristin Shiffert, Senior Associate, Carbon Impact Team
Diversity of ideas from multidisciplinary teams creates the best project outcomes.
Elizabeth Beck, Senior Associate, Education
I enjoy designing educational facilities to help make the learning experience a positive one—for both students and faculty.
Michael Scarani, Senior Associate, Architecture
I love it when a plan comes together.
Nikki Mancuso, Associate, Interior Designer
The most rewarding part about being a designer is seeing your ideas improve the lives of other people.
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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.