At a Glance
-
$72M
Construction Value
-
144K
Square Feet
-
LEED
Silver Certified
- Location
- Capitol Heights, Maryland
- Offices
-
-
Client
-
-
Prince George’s County
-
Public Schools
-
-
Partners
-
-
Fengate Asset Management
-
Gilbane Development Company
-
Gilbane Building Company
-
Honeywell
-
- Location
- Capitol Heights, Maryland
- Offices
- Client
-
- Prince George’s County
- Public Schools
- Partners
-
- Fengate Asset Management
- Gilbane Development Company
- Gilbane Building Company
- Honeywell
Share
Drew-Freeman Middle School - 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.
Drew Freeman Middle School offered an exciting design opportunity. While traditional metal panel options didn’t capture the school’s vibrant colors—a key element of our vision—we discovered inspiration in an unexpected place: the Earth itself. This natural palette became the foundation for a design that celebrates both the school’s identity and its connection to the environment. This led us to adopt a less traditional, more organic color palette—a refreshing departure from conventional educational interiors tending toward the bright and bold. We introduced warm neutrals, rich browns, and muted greens to create a grounded, calming environment that promotes focus and well-being. Other distinctive interior features include earth-toned accent walls and natural textures to evoke stability and connection to nature, flooring patterns inspired by geological layers, and flexible furniture in warm, neutral hues, supporting collaborative learning while complementing the earthy aesthetic.
The two-story building serves over 1,000 students in grades 6–8, with specialized spaces for science, technology, arts, and performance. Outdoor learning areas, athletic fields, and landscaping with native plants extend the Earth concept beyond the classroom. The school meets LEED Silver standards, emphasizing sustainability, natural light, and views to landscaped areas
At a Glance
-
$72M
Construction Value
-
144K
Square Feet
-
LEED
Silver Certified
- Location
- Capitol Heights, Maryland
- Offices
-
-
Client
-
-
Prince George’s County
-
Public Schools
-
-
Partners
-
-
Fengate Asset Management
-
Gilbane Development Company
-
Gilbane Building Company
-
Honeywell
-
- Location
- Capitol Heights, 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.
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.