Skip to main content
Start of main content

Capturing the vibrancy of the arts through a bright, colorful palette inspired by the day sky and the school’s colors

At a Glance

  • $76M

    Construction Value

  • 164K

    Square Feet

  • LEED

    Silver Certified

Location
Hyattsville, Maryland
Offices
Client
  • Prince George’s County
  • Public Schools
Partners
  • Fengate Asset Management
  • Gilbane Development Company
  • Gilbane Building Company
  • Honeywell

Hyattsville 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.

With Hyattsville Middle School, we faced the challenge of a constrained site. We adopted the four-story prototype, which allowed us to do the most with the limited space. We could also more easily incorporate features that would better support the school’s Creative and Performing Arts program. We distributed the media center across two floors and modified the central learning stair to double as an audience space for informal performances.

For the overall design concept, we chose the day sky to capture the vibrancy of the arts through a bright, colorful palette anchored in the school’s blue and gold colors. Floors are color-coded (blue, purple, light blue, green) to create visual identity and intuitive wayfinding.

The new middle school fosters a secure and health-conscious learning environment for students focused on the arts. This is the only school of the six to feature a black box theater, complemented by music, band, and dance spaces. The school meets LEED Silver standards, emphasizing sustainability, natural light, and views to landscaped areas—creating a dynamic, inspiring environment for both creativity and academic success.

At a Glance

  • $76M

    Construction Value

  • 164K

    Square Feet

  • LEED

    Silver Certified

Location
Hyattsville, Maryland
Offices
Client
  • Prince George’s County
  • Public Schools
Partners
  • Fengate Asset Management
  • Gilbane Development Company
  • Gilbane Building Company
  • Honeywell

Meet Our Team

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.
Gwen Morgan Senior Principal, Discipline Leader, Interior Design Read More

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.
Andrew Sternberg Senior Associate, Architecture, Buildings Read More

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.

Katharine Land

Senior Associate, Senior Interior Designer

Gwen Morgan

Senior Principal, Discipline Leader, Interior Design

Andrew Sternberg

Senior Associate, Architecture, Buildings

Al Hernandez

Principal

Kristin Shiffert

Senior Associate, Carbon Impact Team

Elizabeth Beck

Senior Associate, Education

Michael Scarani

Senior Associate, Architecture

Nikki Mancuso

Associate, Interior Designer

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