ArchitectSelection20250604
School District of Clayton For Information Only | Action Required Board of Education
Page 1 of 2 Architectural Services for Facility Projects June 4, 2025
Summary Following completion of the Long Range Facility Master Plan earlier this year, a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was issued for architectural services to advance various projects to a study of feasibility and design development. Selecting the architect(s) is the next step.
Description of Agenda Item A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was issued seeking qualifications from experienced architectural firms specializing in public school design. The RFQ solicited responses for three project packages, summarized as: 1. An academic wing for CHS primarily for CTE programming 2. Improvements to athletic facilities at CHS and WMS, and 3. Further feasibility study and design for renovation and/or reconstruction of all three elementary schools.
Responses were receive from the following firms: (1)Archimages Architecture, (2) BLDD Architects (3) Bond Architects, (4) Christner Architects, (5) Cordogan Clark, (6) Farnsworth Group, (7) FGM Architects, (8) Gray Design Group, (9) Hastings & Chivetta, (10) Hollis+Miller, (11) Hoener Architects, (12) HTK Architects, (13) JEMA / Nuemann Munson, (14) Paragon Architecture / Perkins & Will, (15) Planning Design Studio, and (16) Trivers.
RFQ submission documents were evaluated and six firms were invited for initial interviews: (1) Bond Architects, (2) BLDD Architects, (3) Christner Architects, (4) Cordogan Clark, (5) JEMA / Nuemann Munson, and (6) Paragon Architecture / Perkins & Will. The interview panel included: Nisha Patel (Superintendent), Ben Beinfeld (BOE member), Steve Hutson (CHS Athletic Director), Jim Brennell (Director of Facilities), Chris Gordon (Parent), Jennifer Williams (Parent), Luke Heitert (Technology), Gina Tarte (Chief Communications Officer) and John Brazeal (CFO).
From the initial interview, three firms were selected for a second interview: (1) BLDD Architects, (2) Christner Architects, and (3) Paragon Architecture / Perkins & Will. The interview panel included: Nisha Patel (Superintendent) and John Brazeal (CFO).
Architect recommendation for packages #1 & #3 – the collaboration between Paragon Architecture as Architect of Record and Perkins&Will as Design Architect. Perkins&Will will lead the design effort, while Paragon Architecture will manage the construction documents and construction phase. Both firms have extensive K-12 experience. Both firms clearly understand the District’s strategic goals along with the Profile of a Graduate; and are able to articulate how these ideals influence facility design. Please refer to RFQ submissions for additional information.
Architect recommendation for package #2 – the firm of BLDD Architects. The BLDD firm has extensive K-12 project experience in Missouri and Illinois. The firm has a portfolio of notable projects relating to athletic facilities, as well as fine arts performance spaces, and instructional spaces. Please refer to RFQ submissions for additional information.
The recommended motion approves the selection of the architects and authorizes the administration to negotiate a contract with each party. The resulting contract(s) will be submitted for Board approval.
School District of Clayton For Information Only | Action Required Board of Education
Page 2 of 2 Recommendation Approve the selection and collaboration of Paragon Architecture and Perkins&Will for project package #1 relating to the proposed addition of an academic wing at CHS, and for project package #3 relating to renovation or reconstruction of the three elementary school buildings, and authorize the administration to negotiate a contract for the desired services to include a clear scope of work, reasonable fees and other acceptable terms; and further approve the selection of BLDD Architects for project package #2 relating to proposed improvements of athletic facilities at CHS and WMS, and authorize the administration to negotiate a contract for the desired services to include a clear scope of work, reasonable fees and other acceptable terms.
The fully negotiated contracts will be submitted for Board approval at the next available board meeting.
Motion Approve the selection and collaboration of Paragon Architecture and Perkins&Will for project package #1 relating to the proposed addition of an academic wing at CHS, and for project package #3 relating to renovation or reconstruction of the three elementary school buildings, and authorize the administration to negotiate a contract for the desired services to include a clear scope of work, reasonable fees and other acceptable terms; and further approve the selection of BLDD Architects for project package #2 relating to proposed improvements of athletic facilities at CHS and WMS, and authorize the administration to negotiate a contract for the desired services to include a clear scope of work, reasonable fees and other acceptable terms..
Submitted by: John Brazeal, Chief Financial Officer