4 Practical Design Tips for Budget-Conscious School Construction Projects
In today's world of social media, Pinterest, and educational influencers, creativity is playing an increasingly vital role in education and child care. And most educators operating on a shoe-string budget can feel overwhelmed. As a leader preparing for your school construction project, you have likely heard exciting requests from future members of your school community: full-scale musicals, large art studios, computer rooms, and clubs of all shapes and sizes. Unfortunately, not all schools have the budget to realize these requests. Creating modern, functional schools within tight budget constraints can be challenging. But the good news is that with thoughtful planning [...]
4 Tips for Effective School Construction for STEM Education
Meet Sara, a fourteen-year-old student who became fascinated with coding after being introduced to robotics at summer camp. However, as she entered high school, she was devastated to learn that her school was not equipped to teach the skill—not because the teachers were not knowledgeable but because there simply wasn’t enough room for a maker space. STEM education just wasn’t at the forefront of the school’s design or curriculum. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education lies at the heart of modern learning because it is the basis of everyday life for children and adults. STEM equips students with the [...]
Embracing Partnership and Innovation: A Reflection on Collaboration with Wisconsin Lutheran College and Catalyst Construction
As I reflect on my journey with Wisconsin Lutheran College (WLC) over the past 16 years, one significant partnership stands out: our collaboration with Catalyst Construction. This relationship not only transformed our campus but also reinforced the principles of trust, stewardship, and innovation that are vital to our mission of preparing Christian leaders. The Beginning of a Partnership When I began my tenure as President in 2008, WLC was a smaller institution with 600 students. Today, we are blessed with a record enrollment of approximately 1,100 students, thanks in part to the strategic growth initiatives and building projects we've undertaken [...]
Senior Housing: Creating a Bright Future in Response to Urgent Needs
“Frodo: I wish the Ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened. Gandalf: So do all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us." J.R. Tolkien’s famous words in The Lord of the Rings may resonate with you if you manage a senior living facility. Times are tough, demand is up, a “Silver Tsunami” is on the way, and the workforce is dwindling. The one-two combination of inflation and interest rates can [...]
5 Things to Consider Before Starting a New School Construction Project
Hindsight is 20/20. Or so the saying goes. Why? Some things can only be learned through experience and by making mistakes. But what if the stakes are high? What if the future of many human beings is on the line? Embarking on a new school construction project is an exciting endeavor that promises to create a conducive learning environment for students and provide educational opportunities for generations to come. However, before breaking ground and diving into the construction process, it is crucial to take a step back and consider several key factors that can significantly impact the project's success. Proper [...]
Never Mess with School Construction Safety – 6 Steps for Success
We incorporate safety in every private school building we help construct. These are a few of the tactics, methodologies, and tools we recommend to clients.
