Academic

DIGroupArchitectureDBA DESIGN IDEAS GROUP ARCHITECTURE + PLANNING, LLC

C H A N G EARCHITECTURE FOR

AcAdemic Studio


TABLE OF CONTENTS

I THE FIRM Organization Our Vision Our Approach Quality Control Staff Breakdown

II EXPERIENCE School Construction & Project Listing Long Range Facility Plans ROD Grants Energy Conservation Project Description Sheets


ACADEMIC

ArchitecturAl ServiceS

THE FIRM

“We’ve been working with DIGroupArchitecture for more than 20 years. Why? Because they are caring, creative, collaborative and flexible. They are dedicated to East Bruns-wick Public Schools as a client, yes, but to them that means not just the district’s administration, but the students, their families, the teachers and the community as a whole. Their caring is demonstrated in many ways - they are fully engaged from the initial vision for a project until well after construction is completed, often assisting in last minute details to assure that the schools open on time.

Over the years we have come to trust in their wisdom and expertise, they have always guided us to the right solutions.”

Dr. Jo Ann Magistro, SuperintendentEast Brunswick Public Schools

© 2012 DIGROUP ARCHITECTURE, LLC

THE FIRM

Organization:DIGroupArchitecture was formed in October of 2006 to provide innovative and distinc-tive design solutions to its clients in the academic, healthcare and senior living practice areas. The founding principals each have over 20 years of experience in their respective practice areas and share the commitment to providing the highest quality architectural services to their extensive list of repeat and “legacy” clients as well as a history of “giving back” to the communities for whom they are privileged to provide services.

We approach every project, large or small, with the same passion and commitment to “do whatever it takes” to help assure the success of the project.

This approach of collaborative and consensus building informs the culture at DIGroupAr-chitecture so that each project can benefit from our experience on other projects regard-less of practice area. The results are a diversified practice that is stimulating for principals and staff and a value added to our clients, helping DIGroupArchitecture “exceed our client’s expectations” project after project.

Our Vision:We understand and appreciate the unique challenges facing today’s Academic leaders. Our goal is to help our clients make astute and strategic decisions about their facilities. That is the foundation of our business and our passion.

To help our clients find opportunity hidden in the challenges they face, we have devel-oped relationships and expertise that expand our capabilities beyond the traditional role of the architect. Collaboration, consensus building and client advocacy remain the backbone of our narrative - Architecture for Change.

Our Approach:We utilizing an approach where we both listen to and question our clients during a conversation that lasts from the initial RFP through closing out the project. This ongoing conversation, coupled with constant communication, helps develop an atmosphere of collaboration and consensus building with the design team and stakeholders.

Our firm is organized to service our clients. • The Principals-in-Charge are always available and current with the issues surround-

ing the projects they lead.• Project Managers who run the day-to-day needs of the project are the primary point

of contact and are chosen for both their particular relevant expertise and ability to manage the client’s needs and personalities.

• Project Architects and the studio support that assist the Project Manager’s efforts are also chosen based upon relative experience and ability to manage the project and be responsive to the client in the absence of the PIC or PM.


Our attention to the personnel chosen from PIC through technical support on every proj-ect helps assure a successful outcome and a satisfied client.

We have a commitment to meet the challenges of the future through design decisions made today with creative solutions to positively contribute to our environment through good design strategies. Environmentally sensitive design strategies are incorporated into all of our work, from enhanced building durability through material selection and occupant comfort to energy savings and reduced site impact. We work with our clients to identify possibilities to incorporate LEED design principles while keeping within the cli-ent’s budget and achieving all project objectives.

At DIGroupArchitecture we acknowledge today’s shifting paradigms and embrace our role in Architecture for Change.

Quality Control: Our in-house Quality Control team conducts reviews which address, accuracy, construc-tability, conformance with the established project budget and project design goals. At the onset of the project, and in collaboration with the project team, a series of phases or tasks will be established that will guide development of the design and documentation. The phases are controlled by the project budget and schedule.

Quality Control Review:• Maintain an internal system of checks and balances, while utilizing an extensive

project database offering a history of costs over the years• Review the budget during each phase• Present concepts during the design process supported by budget guidelines• Provide value engineering suggestions for fabrication economies, alternative meth-

ods and materials consistent with the program’s intent and the integrity of the design to assure compliance with the project’s established budget

Throughout the life of the design process, the project team will participate in a series of clearly defined and scheduled meetings, presentations and reviews with the client. This will ensure that everyone involved in the design process knows where the project is during development and what will be required by each team member to keep the project on schedule and on budget.

Staff BreakdownOur professional architectural staff is comprised of the following: NJ Licensed Architects: 7NJ Certified Interior Designer: 1Project Managers: 4Intern Architects: 1Graphic Designer: 1CAD Technician: 2Administrative Staff: 4 Total Staff: 20


ACADEMIC

ArchitecturAl ServiceS

EXPERIENCE

“We are delighted with our new middle school designed by the DIGroupArchitecture! The Group understands that our schools belong to our community. Whether during the regu-lar school day or on evenings and weekends, the school is utilized constantly throughout the year. The school’s core fa-cilities were designed with the community in mind. Whether a sports organization is using the gymnasium, a large group is meeting in the cafeteria or there is a cultural event in the auditorium, the community can easily access these areas without entering the academic areas. The East Brunswick Performing Arts Center located within the school, is a state of the art auditorium which provides a first-class performance venue for our students and a wonderful cultural center for the community.”

Dr. Jo Ann Magistro, SuperintendentEast Brunswick Public Schools


SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION

Construction projects today present ever increasing challenges and complexities in de-sign. This coordination can only be accomplished if there is one entity focused on bring-ing all of the parties together, through communication and follow through. DIGroupAr-chitecture brings the experience and commitment needed to accomplish this task. Our team is skilled and experienced with architect of record contracts for New Jersey Schools. We have provided analysis, evaluation and renovation of existing buildings as well as new construction under many of our AOR contracts. Our extensive project list includes work we have successfully completed for the New Jersey Schools Development Authority and many local NJ Public School Districts.

Successful Projects: Our academic experience speaks to the creation of healthy, sustainable and distinctive solutions to the challenges facing today’s students, faculty and administration. Our range of experience encompasses projects from feasibility studies, long-range facility plans, ROD grant funding submission, planning, the design and construction of PreK-12 facilities including continued maintenance and facility capital improvement projects, classrooms, administrative support, performing arts centers to administrative, community and recreational facilities; from additions and renovations to state-of-the-art new facilities that improve the educational environment. Short project descriptions of capital improve-ment projects performed under an architect of record contract and descriptive project spreads have been included on the following pages.

New Jersey DOE: DIGroupArchitecture has a productive and long-standing relationship with the New Jersey Department of Education. We have partnered with the Department in order to advance projects ranging in cost from $150,000 to $90,000,000. It has been our practice to regularly solicit the assistance and advice of Frank LoDolce, Lyle Jones, Bill Bauer and others in Trenton in order to gain a better understanding of how best to move projects through the Department and take full advantage of any available funding sources for our clients. DIGroupArchitecture is also in regular contact with the New Jer-sey Department of Community of Affairs regarding code related issues and the Schools Development Authority for matters pertaining to grant funding.


EXPERIENCE LISTINGHIGH SCHOOLS & VOCTECHAcademy for Urban Leadership, Charter High

School Facility Renovations Academy for Urban Leadership, Charter High

School, Charter Application AssistanceAcademy of Urban Leadership, Master PlanBishop Ahr High School Addition and RenovationsBloomfield School District High School Addition

and RenovationBogota School District High SchoolColts Neck School District High SchoolEast Brunswick School District High School AdditionEast Orange School District New Cicely Tyson Pre-

K – 12 Performing Arts SchoolEdison Township School District High School Franklin Township School District High School Ex-

pansion and RenovationFreehold Regional School District High SchoolGranville Charter High School of TrentonHunterdon Regional Vocational Technical School

New Trades & Culinary Arts BuildingsJP Stevens High School Additions & RenovationsLivingston School District High SchoolManasquan School District High SchoolMatawan-Aberdeen Regional School District High

SchoolMiddlesex County Vocational Technical New High

School - Perth Amboy CampusMonmouth Regional School District High School

AdditionMonroe Township School District High School Ad-

ditionMonroe Township School District New High SchoolMontgomery School District New High SchoolMoorestown School District High School Expansion

& RenovationNew Egypt School District High SchoolNJSDA c/o Keansburg School District High School

Addition & RenovationNJSDA c/o Newark School District New University

High School Feasibility StudyNJSDA c/o Phillipsburg School District New High

SchoolNorth Brunswick School District High School Addi-

tion & RenovationRumson-Fair Haven Reg. School District High

School Addition and RenovationRutgers Preparatory School Upper School AdditionSouth Brunswick New High SchoolSouth River High School Auditorium Roof Replace-

mentSouth River High School Replacement of Windows

& Doors and Interior UpgradesSt. Josephs High School AdditionUnion County Technical Charter School of Plain-

fieldUnion County Vocational Technical Magnet High

School Addition

Union County Vocational Technical New Academy for Information Technology Building

Woodbridge Vocational Technical High School

MIDDLE SCHOOLSEast Brunswick School District Churchill Junior High

SchoolEast Brunswick School District Hammarskjöld Mid-

dle SchoolEast Orange School District New Cicely Tyson Pre-

K – 12 Performing Arts SchoolFranklin Township Sampson G Smith Middle

School Addition and RenovationFlemington-Raritan School District New Middle

SchoolFreehold Borough BOE Addition and Renovation to

Park Avenue Middle SchoolGarfield School District New Middle SchoolMarlboro Township School District New Memorial

Middle SchoolMarlboro Township School District Middle School

Addition and RenovationMonroe Township Existing High School Conversion

to a Middle SchoolPlumsted Board of Education New Egypt New

Middle SchoolRutgers Preparatory School Middle School Addi-

tionRutgers Preparatory School, New Performing Arts

Building

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLSBelmar School District Elementary School Health

and Life Safety RenovationsBelmar School District New Elementary School

Wing AdditionBogota School District Bixby Elementary School

Addition & Renovation at Bixby & Steen Bradley Beach School District Health and Life Safe-

ty UpgradesCedar Hill Preparatory School Addition & Renova-

tionCommunity Charter School of Paterson New SchoolCommunity Charter School of Paterson ExpansionEast Brunswick School District New Memorial El-

ementary SchoolEast Brunswick School District Addition & Renova-

tion at Central & Lawrence Brook East Orange School District 4th Avenue School

Feasibility StudyEast Orange School District New Cicely Tyson Pre-

K – 12 Performing Arts SchoolFair-Haven School District Sickles School AdditionFamily Alliance Charter School of WillingboroGreater New Brunswick Charter SchoolHamburg School District Primary School Addition

& Renovation


ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS (cont.)Hazlet School District Interior Renovations and up-

grades at six elementary schools Beers Street, Cove Street, Lillian Drive, Middle Road, Raritan Valley, and Sycamore Drive

Highlands School District Elementary School Addi-tion & Renovations

Hopewell Valley School District Feasibility Study for District wide updates and expansions

Jersey City Community Charter School Lincoln Park School District Addition & Renovations

to Pine Brook Elementary SchoolLittle Silver Schools Markham Place Elementary

School Renovation and Roof ReplacementMarlboro Township School District Additions &

Renovations to five Elementary Schools Roberts-ville, Asher Holmes, Defino, Central, and Dugan

Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District Up-grades at four Elementary Schools

Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District Lloyd Road School Roof Replacement & Strathmore School Library Renovations

McAuley Hall School for Exceptional Children Ad-dition & Renovation

Mercer County Special Services New Elementary School

Metuchen School District Addition and Renovation to Campbell & Edgar Elementary Schools

Monroe School District New Mill Lake Elementary School

Monroe School District Renovation and Addition to Barclay Brook & Woodland Elementary

Netcong School District Roof Replacement Study & ROD Grant Submission

NJSDA c/o Long Branch School District New Amerigo A. Anastasia Elementary School

NJSDA c/o Long Branch School District New Greg-ory Elementary School

NJSDA c/o Keansburg School District New Caruso Elementary School

NJSDA c/o Keansburg School District New Lor-raine Place Elementary School

NJSDA c/o East Orange School District New Langston Hughes New ES

NJSDA c/o Paterson School District New Marshall Street Elementary School

North Brunswick School District Addition and Reno-vation to five Elementary Schools: John Adams, Judd, Linwood, Livingston Park, and Parsons Schools

Ocean Township School District Renovation & Ad-dition to Priff & Waretown Elementary

Paterson Public Schools School No. 2, Construction Administration Services

Paterson Public Schools School No. 27, Modular Addition

Patrick Douglas Charter School of MatawanPiscataway School District Renovations to Knoll-

wood Elementary SchoolSouth River School District New Primary School

Spring Lake School District Upgrades to the H.W. Mountz School

Spotswood School District Memorial School Reno-vations

Stanhope School District Feasibility Study & ROD Grant Submission

Trenton Community Charter SchoolWest Long Branch School District Frank Antonides

New Elementary School West Long Branch School District Addition & Reno-

vations Frank Antonides Elementary

EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNING CENTERS Freehold Borough School District Pre-Kindergarten

Classroom AdditionGarfield School District New Early Childhood

CenterHighlands School District Pre-K classroom, Kinder-

garten Classroom AdditionLong Branch School District New Joseph M. Fer-

raina Early Childhood Learning CenterMarlboro Township School District New Early

Learning CenterMontclair State University New Children’s CenterNJSDA c/o Keansburg School District New Caruso

Early Childhood Center

HIGHER EDUCATION Catholic Student Ministries Center at Rutgers Uni-

versityCollege of Mount St. Vincent, Hayes Hall Improve-

ment Master Plan Drew University Biology & Chemistry Lab Renova-

tionsDrew University Interior Renovations at Halloway,

Riker & Welch Residence HallsDrew University Interior Renovations at Tolley-

Browne & The Suites Residence HallsGeorgian Court University Renovations to the King-

scote Administration BuildingGeorgian Court University, Catherine McAuley

Heritage Chapel Kean University Interior Renovation of Downs Din-

ing Hall & New Lobby AdditionKean University New Campus Police Headquarters

BuildingMiddlesex County College Dining Hall RenovationsMiddlesex County College New Brunswick Career

CenterMontclair State University New Children’s Center

and Teaching FacilityNew Jersey City University Vodra Hall Dormitory

Interior UpgradesRutgers University, Biomedical Building Study &

RenovationRutgers University, Records Hall Restoration


LONG RANGE FACILITY PLANS

DIGroupArchitecture has completed several long range facility plan reviews, recommenda-tions and updates. The following list of school districts represents our most recent experience with Long range Facility Plans: East Brunswick East Orange Flemington-Raritan Freehold Borough Hopewell Valley Regional Little Silver Marlboro Monroe Township North Brunswick Ocean Township South River Spotswood Springfield West Long Branch

ROD GRANTS SUBMISSION & SUCCESSFUL FUNDING Round One SubmissionsEast Brunswick Memorial Replacement ES $4,238,520South River HS Auditorium Roof Replacement $116,425West Long Branch ES Roof Replacement: $447,851

Total Round One Funding: $4,802,769

Round Two SubmissionsFreehold Borough Classroom Addition & Locker Replacement $1,260,670East Brunswick Auditorium Replacement of Sound System $20,644Spotswood Memorial School Bathroom Renovation $61,472

Total Round Two Funding $1,342,786

Round Three Submissions – Waiting for Response from StateFlemington-Raritan School District Multiple - Heat Pump Replacement $562,260 Marlboro Defino School Upgrades $2,522,062Netcong Multiple Health & Safety Projects (2) $2,652,036Netcong School District Roof Replacement $918,966South River Public Schools a total of 20 submissions for various improvements/upgrades to their schools $14,192,463Springfield School District a total of 6 applications for various improvements for roof and window replacement at the schools $4,026,835Spotswood High School Roof Top Unit Replacement $140,000Stanhope School District Partial Window Replacement: $199,003West Long Branch Attic Insulation Replacement $480,834

Total Round Three Funding Requested $25,694,459


ENERGY CONSERVATION

Grants and maximum payback opportunities are critical to the success of every renewable energy project. We collaborate with key professionals that have demonstrated success with the return on investment for renewable energy source projects. DIGroupArchitecture understands the value of sustainable design and incorporates the minimal LEED Standards into each and every project. By doing this, our clients have the ability to pursue LEED certification if they elect to. Our most recent projects that incorporate these standards are:

• Community Charter School of Paterson• East Brunswick Central Elementary School• East Brunswick Hammarskjöld Middle School• East Brunswick Lawrence Brook Elementary

School• East Brunswick Memorial Elementary School• East Orange Cicely Tyson School of Perform-

ing & Fine Arts• East Orange Langston Hughes Elementary

School

The following projects are registered to become LEED Certified:• 104 Bayard Street Mixed Use Office & Retail Building• Rutgers Preparatory Performing Arts Center• Hartz Mountain New Edison Towne Center

DIGroupArchitecture is actively pursuing alternative energy strategies and solutions with the following clients:• South River Public Schools• Spotswood Public Schools• Flemington-Raritan Regional Public Schools working on an Energy Savings Improvement Program (ESIP) in

order to fund capital improvements through energy savings.• Springfield Public Schools

Examples of Solar-related Work: DIGroupArchitecture recently designed a Roof-Mounted 114kW STC Photovoltaic Solar System for the Memo-rial Elementary School in East Brunswick. In addition, we prepared a comprehensive feasibility study for the Spotswood Board of Education to determine the effectiveness of installing photovoltaic (PV) solar-electric genera-tion systems on the roofs of four of their school facilities. The study determined the estimated annual electricity generation potential and was supplemented with an economic summary including capital cost and a payback analysis.

The complexity associated with this renewable energy source is rooted less in the design of the systems and more in the due diligence required to determine the potential value to the end user. At a time when solar installations are being touted as the “best use of capital resources” DIGroupArchitecture is taking special care to analyze our Clients’ facilities prior to making a recommendation in either direction. It has been our practice, as advisor to our Clients, to investigate all available renewable energy sources – and to not hastily push towards, what may seem to be, the most obvious solution. We are an advocate to our Clients, not to the vendors who are selling these systems.

• Keansburg Lorraine Place Elementary School• Long Branch Amerigo A. Anastasia Elementary

School• Long Branch Gregory Elementary School• Montclair State University Children’s Center• Paterson Marshall Street Elementary School• Phillipsburg High School


MONROE TOWNSHIP NEW HIGH SCHOOLMONROE, NJ

This new state-of-the-art community school serves approximately 1,800 students and was designed to allow faculty to provide interdisciplinary instruction with the greatest flexibility and latest technology. The overall design philosophy of the school was to create small communities within the larger facility to el-evate student security, confidence, interaction and socialization. Each grade level “community” includes classrooms, small group classrooms, science labs and science prep rooms, commons space, special education, teacher rooms and administrative areas to accommodate the curriculum needs.

The facility was designed for both the student and the community use. The following areas allow public access after hours:

• TV studio which has an editing suite and hosts local municipal programming

• 10,000 SF library/media center with two small conference rooms, reference and storage room and business computer lab.

• 1,100 seat performing arts center with two group lecture spaces that can be sectioned off.

• 25,000 SF Athletic training facility with bleacher seating for 2,000 or sectioned into four gymnasium stations, a fitness center, aerobics/wrestling room, locker/team rooms, administrative and storage.

• 2,500 SF Child developmental laboratory/ community pre-school program gives students and intro-duction to child development and instruction.


CONSTRUCTION COST $110,000,000

SIZE 375,000 SF

COMPLETION DATE August 2011


MEMORIAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOLEAST BRUNSWICK, NJ

Located at the center of an 11-acre site in a residential subdivision, the new 74,100 SF, PreK-5th Grade facility is a neighborhood school designed to be open and inviting to the community it serves.

The public elements are along the northern face of the site, while the more private spaces occupy the southern side. Accordingly, the Cafetorium and Gymnasium are located in the main bar at the front of the school. This bar has a separate entry, allowing these spaces to remain open in the evening. The next bar houses administrative and shared curriculum spaces, including art and music rooms, while the final bar contains the academic classrooms. Between these two bars is an outdoor courtyard, allowing nature and light to permeate the building. On the lower level, this courtyard is traversed by two transparent links that connect the one-story shared curriculum bar to the two-story academic bar. At the upper level, these links become open-air walkways that cross back over to the green roof on top of the shared curriculum bar.

The building itself is an educational tool for the children. The green roof provides an outdoor lecture space to study environmental sciences. Supplementing the solar array on the two-story roof, each class-room will have a window containing photovoltaic cells laminated inside of vision glass to encourage students to learn about renewable energy. Other basic sustainable principles inform the design, as well. Vision glass at the corridor walls allows borrowed light to pass through the building, creating a bright en-vironment with visual connections to nature. The upper portions of the Gymnasium, Cafeteria and Media Center are composed of translucent glass channels that diffuse daylight evenly throughout the spaces. These design elements, combined with energy and water efficient systems will help the project meet the requirements of LEED Silver.



CICELY L. TYSON COMMUNITY SCHOOL OF PERFORMING & FINE ARTSEAST ORANGE, NJ

The new PreK through 12th grade school complex is one of only six specially designated “demonstra-tion” projects awarded by the State of New Jersey on a competitive basis. This facility exemplifies the culmination of close collaboration with civic and educational leaders in designing a project that meshes the local particularized needs of the East Orange School District with the urban revitalization plans of the city on a brownfield site with abandoned buildings.

• The 12 acre urban campus includes separate buildings for PreK - 4th grades, 5th - 8th and 9th - 12th grades.

• Two state-of-the-art theaters, an 800 seat theatre for middle and high school performances and a 400 seat theater for the elementary students.

• A host of instructional, rehearsal, and technical support spaces are available including two black box theaters, a costume design studio, scenery shop, drafting room, and TV production studio that form the core of the performing arts center and provide wide exposure to the fine arts.

• A wellness center offers comprehensive medical services such as immunizations, check-ups and dental care as well as a gymnasium, cafeteria, music and art rooms - all of which are available to the community.



COMMUNITY CHARTER SCHOOL OF PATERSONPATERSON, NJ

Our task was to transform a historic industrial building into a space suitable for this charter school. The restructured space was influenced by the inherent industrial aesthetic and the shared desire by all involved to foster a sense of community. Much of the exterior envelope has been retained, and many original materials - concrete, steel, brick, and wood - have been integrated into the design, further recall-ing the building’s roots. Windowed doors and clerestory glazing help promote a sense of openness.

We purposely designed the space to feel a bit rough around the edges, and a limited budget encour-aged careful choices about where to intervene. The elements we introduced are simple in form and brightly colored to arrange the space and aid in way finding. The plan is organized around central “living rooms” with furnishings and atmosphere that encourage gatherings.

We managed to fit all program elements into the existing structure: 25 classrooms for up to 500 pre-K to 5th graders, a multipurpose room with a kitchen, and a Think Tank - a glowing cylinder-shaped room that functions as a student resource center.


SERVICES Architecture, Interior Design, Planning, & Construction AdministrationSUSTAINABLE ELEMENTS Salvaged/Re-purposed Wood, Recycled Content Translucent Panels, Insulated Windows, Energy Efficient HVAC Units w/Heat Recovery, “Dusk to Dawn” Site Lighting, Lighting Controls & Occupancy Sensors, Low VOC Paint, Recycled Content Carpeting, Low-flush ToiletsCONSTRUCTION COST $3.8 MillionSIZE 35,000 SFCOMPLETION DATE September 2008


HAMMARSKJOLD MIDDLE SCHOOLEAST BRUNSWICK, NJ

This 235,000 SF facility was designed to house 1,700 students with a full complement of instructional, administrative and support spaces. In addition, the project features a 1,000 seat theater, the “East Brunswick Performing Arts Center at Hammarskjold”, which is open to the community for speakers, theatrical performances, music and multimedia events. Construction was phased, with 215,000 SF of new construction built while the existing school remained operational. 20,000 SF of the existing school built in 1996, was renovated and connected to the new facility and the remaining existing building was demolished.

• A “Main Street” corridor provides easy access to the Main Office, Health Suite, Guidance Center, a 550-seat Cafeteria and the auditorium.

• Student classrooms are organized into 14 “Houses”, 7 per grade level, with each house consisting of 3 General Classrooms, a Science Lab and an SGI.

• The two-story academic wing is organized around an open stair, a Media Center and a satellite Administrative Suite.

• Designed to meet LEED certification requirements, the school features abundant use of natural lighting.


SERVICES Architecture, Interior Design, Planning, Construction Administration & Referendum Assistance

CONSTRUCTION COST $55 Million

SIZE New Construction: 215,000 SF, Renovation: 20,000 SF

COMPLETION DATE Phase I: August 2008, Phase II: Spring 2009


MONTGOMERY HIGH SCHOOLSKILLMAN, NJ

This campus-like school is organized around a central commons, cafeteria and media center. These spaces feature 2-story glass windows that look out on interior courtyards. As a community school the media center, television studio, natatorium, 1,000 seat auditorium, and commons are designed to have controlled public access to each individual space. Development of the 76 acre site provides for a diverse physical education and athletic program, which includes an all-weather football field and 8-lane track.

SERVICES Architecture, Construction Administration, and Referendum Assistance

CONSTRUCTION COST $66.5 Million

SIZE New Construction: 350,000 SF

COMPLETION DATE 2005



BLOOMFIELD HIGH SCHOOL RENOVATION & ADDITIONBLOOMFIELD, NJ

This complex, multi-phase project involved a respectful renovation of and additions to the original Beaux Arts-style school building. A “vertical commons” was developed around which all public-access functions are organized. This multi-story light-filled glass atrium is oriented to provide views of the Bloomfield Green National Historic Site. The project includes a new 4-story science wing, renovated 1,000 seat auditorium, black-box theater, expanded cafeteria and kitchen, new faculty dining room with private servery, two renovated and two new gymnasiums.

SERVICES Architectural & Interior Design, Planning, Construction Administration, Referendum Assistance

CONSTRUCTION COST $58 Million

SIZE Renovation: 241,800 SF, New Construction: 149,300 SF




Two existing adjacent buildings were combined to create one cohesive building complex. Addition-ally, a new pedestrian bridge links the new school complex and a former elementary school that has served as an annex since 1986. The new facility includes a 3-court gym, a combination cafeteria/auditorium, kitchen, food service, locker rooms, auxiliary gym and theatre arts space. The school’s infrastructure was updated, and an additional 19 instructional spaces were added, increasing the school’s capacity to 1,700.

SERVICES Architecture, Interior Design, Planning, Construction Administration, and Referendum Assistance


SIZE Renovation: 128,000 SF, New Construction: 76,000 SF


CHURCHILL JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLEAST BRUNSWICK, NJ



GARFIELD EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNING CENTERGARFIELD, NJ

The Garfield Early Childhood Center was designed to accommodate site limitations within an urban school district. This compact, two story brick clad building has twelve rooms on each floor. Program-ming components include administration, social worker office, nurse’s office, warming kitchen and a commons – multipurpose room. The commons area is one and half stories high with skylights to provide natural day lighting. The project is clad in horizontal bands of black polished concrete block at the base with red and beige brick at the top. The roofs are dark green standing seam metal.

SERVICES Architecture, Interior Design, and Construction Administration


SIZE 45,000 SF New Construction




LAWRENCE BROOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOLEAST BRUNSWICK, NJ

Situated on a confined site, this neighborhood school has been extensively renovated and expanded. The design features bright and inviting skylight entrances, a pre-k courtyard with play structures, and a cafetorium with stage. Vibrant use of colors and textures provide a seamless transition between the new and old. Most spaces, large & small, receive abundant daylight and views to the outside improv-ing quality of life and the performance of students and staff.

SERVICES Architectural & Interior Design, Planning, Construction Admin, Referendum Assistance


SIZE 32,000 SF Additions, 40,000 SF Renovations

COMPLETION DATE September 2007



CENTRAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOLEAST BRUNSWICK, NJ

In designing the “new” Central Elementary School it was important that when completed the new and old blend together seamlessly. The project included a new main entry with a 360 degree clerestory, academic pods for each grade level - featuring 4 classrooms and a skylit entry, a separate community entrance and a small gymnasium. New academic and administrative spaces were built in front of the existing school before renovating the original 1950’s building. The exterior building forms express the academic classrooms and their interior layout.

SERVICES Architecture, Interior Design, Planning, Construction Administration and Referendum Assistance

CONSTRUCTION COST $18.6 MillionSIZE Renovation 38,300 SF, Addition 34,900 SFCOMPLETION DATE August 2007



LANGSTON HUGHES ELEMENTARY SCHOOLEAST ORANGE, NJ

This 92,000 SF school was built adjacent to the original school that was constructed in 1925. In addition to the 30 classrooms, the school houses additional specific academic spaces - a mu-sic room with an attached practice room, a science demonstration lab, foreign language class-room and a graphics arts room. The gym, cafeteria, library, auditorium and computer lab are all located on the first floor to provide access to local residents.

The school is designed to maximize energy efficiency and environmental sustainability under LEED guidelines, and telecommunications connectivity through the E-Rate program.

SERVICES Architectural & Interior Design, Planning, Construction Administration


SIZE 92,000 SF




RUTGERS PREPARATORY DINING COMMONSSOMERSET, NJ

This two-story dining commons expansion lower level has a 350 seat cafeteria with servery and kitchen and will have 10 classrooms on the upper floor. The building is located on a sloping parcel of land west of the Music Building.

The building is organized around a central atrium that rises the full height of the building. The massing, color, texture and material selections are informed by the existing Music Building and continue the language of the campus, while establishing itself as a contemporary building. The design calls for the building to display a physical and visual permeability, which helps to integrate the campus into the surrounding community. Keeping with the mission of the school, the building was designed to meet LEED certification.

SERVICES Architecture, Interior Design, Construction Administration

COMPLETION August 2011



RUTGERS PREPARATORY SCHOOLSOMERSET, NJ

The Rutgers Prep Performing Arts Building is a 42,000 SF addition to the 1997 Music Building by Design Ideas Group. The addition unifies the functions of the performing arts program and helps to reinforce the existing campus quad. The program includes a 400 seat theatre, an art gallery, 10 class-rooms and a 350 seat cafeteria with servery and kitchen. The building will be located on a sloping parcel of land west of the Music Building.

The building is organized around a central atrium that rises the full height of the building. This “interior street” helps students and visitors navigate the multiple level changes via a series of ramps and stairs and reinforces the “way finding” of the building. It will also serve as a place for revolving art exhibits and displays. The massing, color, texture and material selections are informed by the existing Music Building and continue the language of the campus, while establishing itself as a contemporary building.

The design calls for the building to display a physical and visual permeability, which helps to integrate the campus into the surrounding community. At street level, the partially transparent façade facing Easton Avenue invites the neighborhood to observe and take part in activities inside. Most of the public functions, including the Art Gallery, and the auditorium, are located at the lower level. The auditorium is also accessible from street level.

RUTGERS PREPARATORY SCHOOL PERFORMING ARTS CENTERSOMERSET, NJ



RUTGERS PREPARATORY SCHOOLSOMERSET, NJ

Situated on 26 acres, between a major thoroughfare and the Delaware & Raritan Canal in Somerset County and its environmentally protected banks, this private school began a Master Plan with DIGroupArchitec-tureover 25 years ago. The Master Plan contemplated a controlled growth to enhance the school’s pro-grams and provide for increased enrollment on this campus. DIGroupArchitecture partnered with the school to complete the following projects:

• Additions and renovations to the Upper School

• New Fine Arts building and Faculty Housing

• Additions to connect the Upper, Middle and Lower Schools with a new library

• Renovations in the existing facilities to create a new Lower School, and a new gymnasium

• New Music building was designed as the first phase of a multi-phased performing arts center

• Addition to the Middle school for administrative offices, two general classrooms and two science class-rooms

• Phase II of the Performing Arts Center and Cafeteria which is currently in design.



COLLEGE OF MOUNT SAINT VINCENTRIVERDALE, NY

DIGroupArchitecture was contracted by the College to develop a multi-phased renovation plan to the Hayes Gymnasium.

The plan includes the demolition of an undersized and no longer useful pool and its renovation into a dance studio/wrestling room, the creation of much needed office space for the A.D. and athletic department staff, and a unisex trainer’s area.

SERVICES Architecture, Interior Design

PROJECT SIZE 7,000 SF

COST $ 1,826,000 Est.



CATHOLIC CENTER AT RUTGERS UNIVERSITYNEW BRUNSWICK, NJ

What do you do with a former convent, comprised of four different structures dating back to 1868, which started out as a rectory, held up to 50 nuns at one time and is part of an historic site adjacent to a major university?

Design Ideas Group creatively addresses each of the numerous issues associated with this adaptive reuse of a his-torically significant building. The first level of the building is four feet above the surrounding ground so an elevated exterior courtyard that both acts as an exterior room for functions and transitions the grade through steps and a ramp to the main entrance doors was designed. The new entrance features a pergola and glass skylight, making reference to the historic context of the former convent.

The original chapel has been renovated and the stained glass restored, the existing open stair has been maintained and a large study area/meeting space created for formal and informal gatherings. The first floor contains a dining area and kitchen. An elevator gives access to all other levels. Wood work on the first floor has been restored and/or added to give a consistent level of finish throughout this most public floor of the facility.

The second floor contains meeting rooms, study areas, work areas, offices and a library. By removing a mezzanine level a dramatic new meeting room was created featuring a double height space and high windows illuminating this 600 SF space with views back to the Old Queens Campus across the street.

Completing the facility are two apartments on the third floor, as well as a recreation area in the basement.

This has been a very successful adaptive reuse of a building that has been an important part of the urban fabric in New Brunswick since 1868.



DREW UNIVERSITY - TOLLEY / BROWN HALL RENOVATIONMADISON, NJ

Design Ideas Group provided full Architectural & Interior Design Services for the renovation of Tolley and Brown Residence Halls at Drew University. The focal point of this project is the new student lounge and game room linked by an illuminated “tube” which connects these spaces to the new main entrance. The project also included extensive bathroom renovations, HVAC upgrades and replacement of all windows in the flanking residence halls.

SUSTAINABLE ELEMENTS Bamboo Flooring, Insulated Windows, Energy Efficient HVAC Units Lighting Controls, Low VOC Paint, Recycled Content Carpeting, Low-flush Toilets

SERVICES Architecture, Interior Design & Construction Administration



ACADEMIC

HEALTHCARE

SENIOR LIVING

REVITALIZATION

INTERIORS

GRAPHICS & WAYFINDING

15 Bethany StreetNew Brunswick, NJ 08901T: 732.249.6242

www.digrouparchitecture.com

CHANGE is more than just a six-letter word ...

...CHANGE is OPPORTUNITY

NEW YORK

NEW JERSEY“Your leadership in transforming a 34,000 SF industrial building into a vibrant school was superb. Even on jobs that go smoothly, this would be praiseworthy, but given the very compressed time frame and the challenges posed by the contractor, I can truly say we would not be prepared to open school in a week were it not for you.

“The Community Charter School of Paterson opened this morning! I can’t tell you how wonderful a day it is and I need to thank each of you for your support in getting us to this point. We have 400 bright-eyed children ready to learn—and now the great responsibility of providing them with everything we can to ensure that they can reach their fullest potential. I know that these children will succeed and it just feels awesome to be in a position to help them grow and learn and prosper. Each of you should be proud of your role in helping to move an idea from paper to reality—and in so doing helping hundreds of children and their families.

Robert F. Guarasci, PresidentNew Jersey Community Development Corporation


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