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Welch Outdoor Learning Center

A bold and visionary design that embodies a mission to offer unparalleled learning opportunities in a stimulating natural environment

  • 34.5

    Acres

  • 17.9K

    Square Feet

  • $6.3M

    Construction Value

  • Katy, Texas

    Katy, Texas

Providing students the opportunity to engage in meaningful inquiry and learning experiences beyond the traditional classroom

The Welch Outdoor Learning Center (OLC) has enriched Katy Independent School District (ISD)’s science, social studies, and physical education curriculum since 1982—however, it hadn’t been renovated since then and was in dire need of improvements.

Katy ISD’s goal for updating the OLC was to retain the Center’s historical sentiment while continuing to deliver unparalleled learning experiences. In addition to major infrastructure and building system upgrades, the project included renovating or replacing existing buildings and building new fishing and archery pavilions. Our architecture team designed a facility that continually immerses students in nature and makes it an essential component of the learning framework. Attractive outdoor instructional areas and indoor open-concept spaces support learning through observation, engagement, and hands-on participation while also providing ample space to continue supporting community events and summer recreation programs.

A model for outdoor learning, the Welch OLC now embodies Katy ISD’s mission to deliver leading edge education in a stimulating environment.

At a Glance

Offices
Client
  • Katy Independent School District
Award
2022 A4LE Southern Region Summit Award
Meet Our Team

Jennifer Henrikson, Principal

Architecture leaves a permanent footprint for all to see; as architects we should always consider the mark we will leave with our work.

Parul Vyas, Principal

My philosophy is that memories are created when occupants move into the buildings we design.

Bradley Cowan, Design Director, Landscape Architecture/Urban Design

I find that landscape architecture is most successful when it blends art, nature, science, engineering, and people together.
Bradley Cowan Design Director, Landscape Architecture/Urban Design Read More

Raul Pinol, Senior Design Architect

By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, our team remains dedicated to achieving excellence in every project we undertake.

Jennifer Henrikson

Principal

Parul Vyas

Principal

Bradley Cowan

Design Director, Landscape Architecture/Urban Design

Raul Pinol

Senior Design Architect

We’re better together

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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.

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