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Creating a lively yet cohesive environment with inspiration from the surrounding community and the night sky

At a Glance

  • $67M

    Construction Value

  • 144K

    Square Feet

  • LEED

    Silver Certified

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

Sonia Sotomayor 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.

Sonia Sotomayor Middle School has proudly become Home of the Mighty Bobcats. Located in a diverse neighborhood with a large Spanish-speaking population, the school features dual-language signage, reinforcing inclusivity and accessibility.

We took inspiration for our design concept—the night sky—from the surrounding community’s vibrant branding. For the interiors, we incorporated a dynamic palette of pinks, greens, yellows, oranges, and dark and light blues, creating a lively yet cohesive environment. Distinctive features include custom murals with celestial themes and bilingual quotes, accent paint zones, flexible colorful furniture, and flooring patterns that mimic constellations. Lighting design combines natural daylight with energy-efficient LED fixtures, complementing the color scheme.

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 enrich environmental education. The school meets LEED Silver standards, emphasizing sustainability, natural light, and views to landscaped areas.

At a Glance

  • $67M

    Construction Value

  • 144K

    Square Feet

  • LEED

    Silver Certified

Location
Adelphi, 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.

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