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Huckabee

Huckabee Ranked in ENR Top 500

By | News

This year, Huckabee again ranked amongst Engineering News Record’s Top 500 Design Firms, climbing 13 spots. The list ranks A/E firms across the nation based on revenue for design services performed in the past year. Huckabee continues to see growth throughout the company, and we have increased our staff, expanded our offerings and grown our regional office presence in recent years. Notably, in the past year, Huckabee relocated our Dallas office to Granite Park in Plano, a thriving live-work-play community that will allow for future growth and encompasses our culture of creative and engaging work environments. We also launched the second iteration of our educational research lab, LEx Labs.

In 2017, Huckabee celebrated 50 years of business. Starting off with only 10 employees in the company, Huckabee has grown to over 250 employees in 6 offices throughout Texas, completing over 3,500 projects. Our dedication to Texas education has led Huckabee to be a leader in learning environments and a trusted advisor to many. Huckabee’s growth is due to the trust our clients impart in us and our unwavering commitment to students, educators and communities. We love what we do and who we do it for!

Click here to view the full list of ENR’s Top 500 Design Firms.

Huckabee Achievement Awards

By | News

As our 50th year came to a close, we took one more opportunity to celebrate as a family at our annual Christmas party. More than 350 people gathered for the celebration, which brought together employees and their loved ones from each of our five offices. It’s one of our favorite events of the year, a time when we reflect on the incredible people we’ve met, projects we’ve embarked on and experiences we’ve shared. 

During the event, our team honored employees for years of service and achievement. Notably, Huckabee recognized Daren Kirbo for 20 years of service. Daren joined the firm in the summer of 1997, working first in Stephenville and later in Fort Worth before opening our Austin office in 2011. He is beloved by our team and clients, and he is known for his spirit and deep care for each of the communities he serves.

Congratulations to Daren and all of our colleagues who were recognized for their years of service!

  • Erin Evans, five years of service
  • Courtney Foster, five years of service
  • Brian Green, five years of service
  • Lauren Hoyle, five years of service
  • Laura McCollum, five years of service
  • Megan Smith, five years of service
  • Levi Swinney, five years of service
  • Roberto Zuniga, five years of service
  • Jay Graham, 10 years of service
  • Pam Riley, 10 years of service
  • Daren Kirbo, 20 years of service

During the event, our team had the privilege of recognizing a dear colleague and friend who left us too early in 2017. In memory of Jerry Hammerlun, we established the WHOA Award, a special distinction that recognizes an individual who “took hold of the reins” and expertly guided the team with wisdom, integrity and spirit—in the same way that Jerry guided our team throughout his tenure at Huckabee. The honor was bestowed on Larry Cousin in our Fort Worth office. Larry was critical to our team this year, and we were pleased to recognize his commitment and wisdom.

Other employees were honored with the Huckabee Achievement Award and the Best Practices Award. The prestigious Achievement Award recognizes an individual who is characterized by their commitment to excellence and dedication to our clients and to our team. It was presented to Les Reddin from our Austin office, an individual who represents all of these attributes and more. The Best Practices Award was given to Javier Rosero in Houston for taking an innovative approach to establishing new ideas and processes.

Groundbreaking in Boerne ISD

By | Clients

Boerne ISD and Huckabee broke ground on Capt. Mark Tyler Voss Middle School this month. In a special ceremony, the district recognized the school’s namesake, the late Mark “Tyler” Voss, who was a Boerne graduate and Aircraft Commander in the U.S. Air Force.

The school serves grades 6-8 with a full complement of fine arts, CTE and athletic amenities. The library, which is centrally located to three classroom wings, offers access to a unique exterior courtyard. The outdoor space features tiered seating and a small platform that can be used as a stage. The 2-story facility was built on a greenfield site in one of the fastest growing communities in the district. It opens in fall 2019 and will be the district’s third middle school.

Wagner Middle School Opens

By | Clients

Students from George Wagner Middle School in Georgetown ISD moved in to their new facility, welcomed by a parade of students, community members, teachers and Mr. Wagner himself. The campus is one of two new schools that support a more progressive approach to teaching and learning.

In recent years, Georgetown ISD adopted a learner profile that promotes critical thinking, innovation, exploration and personal responsibility. The schools, including Wagner Middle School and Purl Elementary School, along with renovations to Tippit Middle School, Georgetown High School and an administration building, are designed to support the new learning model. They are highly collaborative and flexible, technology rich and supportive of not only student learning, but also, professional development for educators.

At Wagner, Learning centers for STEM, humanities and a 6th grade wing include classrooms, labs and teacher planning rooms. Movable walls, flexible furniture and overhead reels for power maximize adaptability for small and large group instruction. In each space, four central classrooms can open into one large area, promoting collaboration and transparency.

Other unique features include an expansive art patio and learning courtyard adjacent to the library. The library also features a maker space and movable walls that open to create a multi-purpose area that overlooks the student commons. The commons and cafeteria feature a learning stair, pre-event space and large stage that adapts to multiple purposes. The central Design Lab, located adjacent to the core of the building, has direct views into the commons, providing a key opportunity for teachers and administrators to collaborate and design engaging learning experiences while modeling the expectations of all learners in the building. Direct views allow the teachers to passively supervise students who choose to learn in the commons between, and even during, dining activities.

 

Memorial Stadium Breaks Ground

By | Higher Education

Huckabee joined Tarleton State University for the “groundbreaking” of the Memorial Stadium expansion that will create a more exciting and engaging gameday experience for fans. It’s the largest renovation project in the stadium’s 65-year history.

Huckabee team members were in attendance, along with President F. Dominic Dottavio, A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp, Tarleton officials, state representatives and special guests. To mark the symbolic groundbreaking, the group lined up on the field with a cup filled with turf. As each person threw turf on the ground, a rendering of the new stadium was revealed.

The expansion will transform the current visitor’s seating on the west side to host home fans and will be named the Lonn Reisman Athletic Center in honor of the university’s athletic director. The center includes a new press box, suites, enhanced concessions and modern amenities. Overall seating will increase from 7,400 to more than 9,000, as well as add premium seats and hospitality suites. Other renovations will be completed to the entrances and ticket booths as well as replacement of football and track-and-field surfaces.

Huckabee at TASA/TASB

By | News

Team Huckabee is at TASA / TASB this weekend, sharing insights with our partners at three break-out sessions. Here’s when and where to find us:

Process not Product: Promoting authentic learning in elementary education
Kerri Ranney is joined by Dr. Benny Soileau and Dr. Joel Nolte of Huffman ISD and Tona Blizzard of Grapevine-Colleyville ISD at the TASA/TASB convention in Dallas for this session that focuses on how to leverage design, instruction and community to create a supportive and explorative learning environment. The team looks at Huffman ISD’s new elementary school and Grapevine-Colleyville ISD’s new STEM education campus.  The conversation explores the steps that were taken to fully adopt a culture shift at a campus and district level that promotes skills-based education and a love of life-long learning. A VR component and “Experience More” goggles are included.

The session takes place at 7:30 AM on Friday, October 6 in Room D172.

Top 10 Conversations and Aspirations Influencing School Design
Kerri is joined by Konrad Judd, Huckabee’s Chief Design Officer, for a light-hearted 30-minute discussion on the top 10 things school districts are asking for now. Think David Letterman meets public education with a design twist. Kerri and Konrad count down the 10 most requested items, spaces and cultural influencers that are topping out wish lists across the state. From power outlets and parking spots to adaptability and autonomy, they’ll answer: why these items are being asked for, how they’re being used and how they are changing the learning experience for students and teachers.

The session begins at 9 AM on Friday, October 6 in the exhibit hall at TASA/TASB.

Furniture as a Learning Tool: Drawing inspiration beyond educational portfolios
Konrad, Tami O’Neal, Huckabee’s furniture coordinator, and Amy Wood, Granbury ISD’s Director of Technology, explore a case study on Granbury ISD’s high school reconstruction and the impact furniture had on curriculum and design. GISD looked beyond typical K-12 furniture options and designed a solution that maximized instructional and economic value for their $49 million modernization. They gained square footage, increased utilization and delivered a 21st century environment for less than they had estimated.

The session takes place at 1 PM on Friday, October 6 in room D172 during the TASA/TASB convention in Dallas. The session will be repeated at the EdSpaces conference in Kansas City at 3:30 PM on October 25.

Back to School 2017

By | Clients

Back to school is a meaningful time for Huckabee, as it represents the culmination of a collaborative work effort to plan, design and build facilities that support the success of all students. 

This fall, Huckabee opened 21 new schools: campuses that run the gamut from conventional learning spaces to next-generation incubators for education. Some school districts addressed growth and created equitable learning environments, others replaced aging facilities and infrastructure; all responded to the needs of their communities, students and educators.

We are proud of our work and proud to have partnered with some of the greatest school districts in Texas. Here are a few highlights of what opened this fall:

Montgomery ISD, Keenan Elementary School and Oak Hill Junior High School
The district’s 2015 bond included a new elementary school, new junior high school and new high school, as well as comprehensive renovations at all other campuses. The opening of Keenan Elementary School and Oak Hill Junior High School mark the first completed phase of the bond program. The schools share a site and a design aesthetic, blending modern and traditional elements into two engaging campuses.

Weatherford ISD, Shirley Hall Middle School
Weatherford ISD has long awaited the opening of Shirley Hall Middle School. The new facility replaces a nearly 50-year old campus, helping the district address aging conditions, improve efficiency and modernize the learning environment. The space is divided into learning neighborhoods that support collaboration and project-based instruction. Transparency, modern colors, ample light and outdoor courtyards enhance the learning experience for students and educators.

Mansfield ISD, Charlotte Anderson Elementary School
The opening of Charlotte Anderson Elementary School marks the end of the 2011 bond program for Mansfield ISD. It’s the final of five prototype elementary schools Huckabee designed for the district—replacing aging facilities with more secure, engaging and modern learning spaces. Huckabee and Mansfield ISD have been partners for more than 28 years and recently kicked-off design for a new slate of projects as part of the 2016 bond program.

Longview ISD, East Texas Montessori Prep Academy
At 150,000 sf, Longview ISD’s new Montessori academy will house students in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and Head Start programs. The school is designed to support personalized and self-paced instruction and is unique in that it’s one of the only Montessori schools run by a public school district. It’s designed to support small learning communities with shared amenities, including two enclosed courtyards / gardens for play and instruction.

Georgetown ISD, Purl Elementary School
Exciting things are happening in Georgetown ISD, as the district is implementing a new learner profile with the opening of two new schools. The first to open is Annie Purl Elementary School. A traditional design aesthetic borrows from nearby historic Georgetown. Inside, classrooms feature movable walls, writable surfaces and flexible furniture; collaboration spaces are abundant; and elements such as a learning stair, reading nooks and a maker space support exploration, creativity and serendipitous learning opportunities.

Killeen ISD, Roy J. Smith Middle School
Roy J. Smith Middle School is one of two campuses opening this fall in Killeen. The school is designed to provide a flexible learning environment within an efficient and sustainable facility. It houses small learning communities in addition to a STEM academy. Other features include a high-volume library, outdoor learning courtyards and modern finishes and materials.

Liberty Hill ISD, Rancho Sienna Elementary School
Liberty Hill ISD’s newest elementary school features a Hill Country aesthetic, constructed with locally-sourced materials including stone, metal panels and a pitched metal roof. The facility was designed for students in pre-kindergarten to 5th grade with the intent to inspire creativity and collaboration and to support an exciting learning experience. Classroom wings feature flex space with access into a large outdoor learning courtyard. In the library, a spiral staircase leads into a reading nook.

VOTE UP Huckabee for SXSWedu

By | News

“Vote Up” Huckabee for the 2018 SXSW EDU Panel Picker!

SXSW EDU empowers teaching and learning as part of an immersive four-day experience. Huckabee was thrilled to present at the event in 2017, where we explored the planning and design process and its value on the development of customized learning environments. We’re taking it a step further in 2018 to engage in conversation about the next generation of learning environments and the constantly evolving nature of education. Visit the SXSW EDU Panel Picker site, now through August 25, to cast your vote for “Relevancy of Classrooms to 21st Century Learning.”

Relevancy of Classrooms to 21st Century Learning
Presented by Kerri Ranney and Konrad Judd
Learning is constantly evolving. It has the power to change minds and lives. It has no restrictions except for those we assign it—time, expectation and space. As learning ingratiates into technology, becomes more accessible and takes on a kinetic persona, classrooms are dissolving. Session leaders facilitate a discussion about the viability of classrooms; the intersection of next-generation educational leaders and professional development; and the rise of non-restrictive learning environments.

6_Performance_Hall_West_HSMS

West Wins ENR Best Project

By | Clients

West ISD’s new West High School / Middle School was awarded ENR Texas & Louisiana’s 2017 Best Project for K-12. The project was recognized for excellence in design, safety, innovation and teamwork. Designed by Huckabee and constructed by Bartlett Cocke General Contractors, the high school / middle school opened in 2016 and serves grade 6-12. Notable features include a 588-seat performance hall that transitions into a collegiate-style lecture hall; a 1,000-seat competition arena; movable walls, writable surfaces and flexible furniture in the classrooms; a 2-story STEM Lab and Learning Resource Center with pre-making, making and post-making spaces; and a large student union and pre-event space that serves as a civic center for the community. The campus also features an ICC 500 tornado shelter.

We asked, #whatsyour50

By | News

Huckabee is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and over the past five decades, our team has made our firm a family. We have many employees who have been with us for 10, 15, 20, 25 and even 35 years, and many more who joined us in the past decade as we experienced record growth. Our shared memories and personal experiences have shaped friendships and inspired career and life changing moments. We have become more than a workplace.

To recognize our golden anniversary and celebrate the personal milestones achieved by our team, we asked: “What does Huckabee’s 50th anniversary mean to you…what’s your 50?” From project stories to first day impressions to the development of friendships, our team had some great moments to share.

#whatsyour50

A celebration of #50more

By | News

Huckabee is midway through a yearlong commemoration of our 50th anniversary. Our team marked the occasion Saturday with an employee + family celebration, which brought together more than 300 people from across the state. The event, aptly named Huckapalooza, featured food trucks, lawn games, kids activities, dancing, a performance by Wade Bowen and Huckabee’s signature swag. It was an opportunity to celebrate together as a family and with family—something that has been important to us since day one.

For five decades, Huckabee has served Texas students, educators and communities with an exclusive focus on education. We started as a small architecture firm in West Texas and have grown into a multidiscipline A/E firm with offices in Fort Worth, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio and Houston, as well as an educational research center in Waco at Baylor University. We’ve been around for 50 years, and we can’t help but look forward to 50 more!

#1 Best Firms to Work For

By | News

Huckabee was named the #1 Best Firms to Work For by Zweig Group—a ranking that recognizes outstanding work environments and company culture. Huckabee is dedicated to workplace excellence and our firm is excited to share this honor with our entire team! 

“This recognition is about our people and our shared passion for design, engineering and education. We place great emphasis on excellence in everything we do, and this means investing in our team, our offices and our culture,” said Chris Huckabee, Chief Executive Officer. 

Chris often works in the coffee bar or common areas of each office, using the time as an opportunity to engage with employees and enjoy the vibrant work environment. Over the past few years, Huckabee opened offices in live-work-play communities and transitioned to a more open, collaborative and flexible work space that better reflects the culture. Sit-to-stand desks, soft seating, technology-friendly meeting spaces, informal lounges, focus rooms and coffee bars are a few of the features employees enjoy.

“We’ve put a lot of thought into what our team needs to succeed. Each of our offices reflect our corporate culture as well as local personality. When you walk in, you know you’re in a Huckabee office,” he said.

Kim Hopper, Huckabee’s Chief Human Resources Officer believes our firm is consistently recognized as a best place to work because of our ongoing commitment to opportunity and family. “I knew from day one this was a special place. Opportunity is everywhere, and we have so many inspirational people on our team that provide ongoing mentorship to their colleagues each and every day.”

Family is key to Huckabee’s culture of excellence—whether at work or home. Our employee engagement coordinator plans culture-focused activities that bring small and large groups together in meaningful ways. An emphasis on work-life balance is also prevalent. Other programs and perks include professional development; wellness initiatives; employee-driven committees focused on culture; and great coffee.

Notably, Huckabee is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and is commemorating the occasion with several employee-focused programs, including an employee scholarship program for personalized professional development; a limited-edition flair / swag program; and a firm-wide family day and anniversary party. 

“There is so much opportunity at Huckabee for any number of professionals in the architecture, engineering, design and support fields,” said Chris. “Huckabee’s culture is the result of 50 years of practice and focus in the educational market. We are life-long learners, and we hire people who bring passion, innovation and integrity to our team. We are proud of our firm and the reputation we’ve established as a great company to work for and with.”

For more information about Huckabee’s culture or career opportunities, visit www.morethanaworkplace.com.

We are Huckabee Texas
happy hour Huckabee Texas

Zweig Group’s Best Firms to Work For honors outstanding workspaces in the fields of architecture, landscape architecture, geotechnical, environmental and civil, structural, and multi-discipline engineering firms. Firms are ranked based on ability to create amazing workspaces through design, teamwork, benefits, amenities and work culture. They are scored on employee surveys and corporate evaluations. To view the full list, click here.

Furniture as a learning tool

By | Clients

Granbury High School’s comprehensive modernization created a learning environment that fosters a collegiate / professional culture for students and teachers. Furniture selection played a prominent role in the design, as Granbury ISD and Huckabee looked beyond typical to create a flexible, engaging and technology-driven space.

While the renovation touched the entire facility, the greatest transformation occurred in three key areas:

Student Union
The student union encompasses the dining hall, bistro, coffee bar, student commons and media center. It’s a fluid space that is connected visually and physically to encourage connectivity in multiple ways.

Soft seating is used to create inviting areas for informal learning, socialization and idea sharing. Tables of varying height are ideal for study and small-group learning. Breakout rooms in the media center feature collaborative technology that can be used for pre-making research and group exploration activities. A learning stair is used for social engagement as well as a group presentation space. All furniture can be re-arranged to suit student needs.

Teacher Planning Rooms
Granbury ISD adopted dynamic scheduling to maximize square footage, create supportive learning communities and promote teaming between teachers. Teacher planning rooms were designed to support this shift. They are centrally located throughout the facility, with glass on all sides for increased access and visibility to all students. Within each space, teachers have desks, collaborative workspace and private meeting rooms.

Career and Technology Wing
A career and technology addition allowed the school district to provide comprehensive program offerings in a central location. Students have access to new programs, new technologies and new opportunities to learn in a highly professional space. Each classroom or lab was designed around program needs, including a new culinary arts studio, a new aviation workshop, a courtroom, a collegiate-style lecture hall and health science classrooms, among other programs.

In other learning spaces, furniture selections improved mobility and flexibility. Classrooms are easily re-arranged to transition between stand-and-deliver and project-based learning. For many, furniture is no longer an inhibitor to learning and allows for more creativity and deeper engagement between peers and between students and teachers.

A Golden Anniversary

By | News

In 2017, Huckabee commemorates our 50th anniversary. We have proudly served Texas students, educators and communities for five decades. Our legacy is one we are honored to uphold.

We have a year of celebrations planned, and we look forward to the opportunity to reflect on the people, projects and moments that shaped our firm. Follow along at www.Huckabee50.com or #50more on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

From our roots as a small architecture firm in West Texas, to being named the #1 educational design firm in the state, it’s been an incredible journey. Here’s to 50 more years … we’re just getting started!

A FOUNDATION OF INTEGRITY

Fifty years ago, Tommie Huckabee saw an opportunity to bridge the gap in the architect and contractor relationship. He grew up working with his father, a general contractor, and knew the importance of a solid set of construction documents. As a result, he believed he owed it to his clients to do detailed drawings that bid more accurately and delivered more value. In 1967, Tommie and his colleague, Herman Riherd, opened Riherd & Huckabee in Andrews and Lubbock, Texas. The philosophy that inspired their vision is the foundation for what we still believe today—above all else: quality, integrity and service.

From the beginning, our work focused on education. We primarily served West Texas school districts, earning a reputation for excellence in the region. One of our first projects was a new gymnasium for Denver City ISD. More work followed, with Huckabee schools popping up across the plains. At the time, Riherd & Huckabee was designing some of the most innovative facilities in the region, including a new middle school for Andrews ISD that had a planetarium, three gymnasiums and an open concept learning environment. Another project, in Monahans-Wickett-Pyote ISD, was one of Tommie’s favorites; it was selected in 1976 to exhibit at an International Design Competition in Basel, Switzerland.

In the mid-70s, Riherd retired, and a new partner, Larry Donham, joined Tommie. Huckabee & Donham had 10 employees. For the next 15 years, they continued to build the firm’s legacy. During this time, Tommie opened an office in Stephenville, where the firm relocated after Donham’s retirement.

In 1989, Huckabee was short-listed in Mansfield ISD. The district was small, and they were looking for a partner to grow with. Huckabee fit the bill, and we kicked off a 28-year relationship that has resulted in more than $1.75 billion in school projects. It was one of the most significant moments for our firm. Today, Mansfield ISD serves more than 33,000 students. Their legacy is one we are proud to share.

In 1990, we became Huckabee & Associates. Tommie’s son, Chris Huckabee, graduated from Texas Tech University and joined the firm.

Chris had learned from the best. In second grade he attended his first board meeting with his father. Soon after, he started riding along to visit construction sites and meet with clients whenever the opportunity arose. He was entrenched in Huckabee, and when graduation came, eager to make his mark and work alongside Tommie.

A VISIONARY FUTURE

In 1995, Chris opened an office in Fort Worth, another significant move for Huckabee. It provided more opportunities for the firm to compete in a larger market. In 2000, Tommie passed the torch to Chris, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and a foundation that continues to sustain us.

Over the next nine years, Huckabee focused on the work, establishing a presence in new markets to the east, north and south. We developed new relationships and started working with school districts that remain our partners today.

When the recession hit in 2009, we doubled down on our commitment to Texas education. Huckabee invested in hiring talented leaders in the educational design field. We diversified our offerings and focused on being a trusted advisor for our clients. We took the time to reflect on our role in education and work with school districts to develop comprehensive plans for the future. We embodied the concept of being “More than Architects,” a vision that allowed us to do more, be more and give more to our clients. It was a defining moment for Huckabee, and it led to an incredible period of growth.

We are Huckabee Texas
happy hour Huckabee Texas

By 2011, Huckabee started expanding. We opened offices in Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. Notably, we also opened the Learning Experience Laboratories (LEx Labs) in partnership with ESC Region 12 at Baylor University. LEx Labs is an educational research center and test lab used by Huckabee, our clients and the university to explore 21st century classrooms and learning spaces. As education moves toward project-based learning and creating authenticity in the learning experience, we are standing beside Texas schools and helping lead the way for incredible facilities. LEx Labs represents this commitment, and it’s our way of investing in research and training that supports long-term student engagement and performance.

In 2016, on the eve of our 50th anniversary, Huckabee was named the #1 educational design firm in Texas by Engineering News Record. The recognition was a testament to our employees, clients and our commitment to education. Today, we have over 200 employees across the state, with more than 3,500 educational projects under our cap. We have worked with more than 150 school districts in the last few decades alone, and impacted thousands of students and educators throughout our shared journey.

Now in our 50th year, Huckabee still stands for the values that Tommie instilled: quality, integrity and service. We still stand for education and the success of all students. And we still strive to be more every single day, because education is worth it and our kids deserve it. As we celebrate our golden anniversary, we can’t help but look forward to 50 more years.

It’s been an incredible journey, and we’re just getting started.

Investing in a Better Texas

By | News

The realities of school funding, needs and debt are complex. To shed light on the necessity of debt in the financial management of our schools, Huckabee researched and developed a report entitled, “Investing in a Better Texas.”

The report light-heartedly explains the multi-layered topic of public school finance. It demonstrates that the revenue generated by the federal government, state government and local communities is not enough to meet the needs of the more than 5 million students in the Texas public school system. The report also touches on how Texas’ funding structure makes it difficult for our fastest growing school districts to utilize debt effectively, further compounding their challenges to providing a quality education to every student.

Click here to download, “Investing in a Better Texas,” and its companion report, “Texas Schools Aren’t Average,” also published by Huckabee.

First Look at West HS / MS

By | Clients

West ISD’s new High School / Middle School opens Wednesday. . . a special moment for a community that has been waiting for a new building to call home after losing theirs in 2013.

The school was designed with a civic-inspired architecture, a representation of how central it is to the community. It features two distinct academic wings (for middle school and high school); an open-concept commons, dining hall and competition gymnasium; two Learning Resource Centers complete with learning stairs and second story break-out rooms; and collaborative learning space that connects classrooms with an open and flexible layout.

West High School / Middle School serves up to 1,000 students in grades 6-12. It is one of 10 new Huckabee-designed schools that open in August 2016.

Westpark Primed for Day One

By | Clients

The new Westpark Elementary School opens on Monday, marking a celebratory day for students and families within the Benbrook and Fort Worth ISD communities. The campus replaces an aging facility and provides students with a modern space that is light and bright with large classrooms, an outdoor learning courtyard and an engaging library / media center.

The media center features flexible furniture and a large window seat (stretching the length of the wall) for small-group and large-group instruction. An outdoor learning courtyard expands the classroom and contains playground equipment as well as space for countless learning, gathering and play opportunities.

The 80,000 sf school was designed to support traditional and project-based instruction; it serves students in pre-K through 5th grade. Westpark Elementary School is one of 10 new Huckabee-designed schools that open in August 2016.

BD+C: #25 in Giants 300

By | News

Building Design + Construction magazine released the 2016 Giants 300 Report, naming Huckabee #3 K-12 School Sector Architecture Firm and #25 Architecture / Engineering Firm in the nation. Of those recognized, Huckabee is one of the only firms that exclusively serves Texas educational clients. The annual list is determined based on market-sector revenue, BIM revenue, green building work and other criteria. It represents the largest and most innovative firms in the architecture, engineering and construction fields.

The publication also featured Kerri Ranney and LEx Labs, Huckabee’s educational research lab, in an article about the future of K-12 educational design. To read more, click here.

West ISD rendering Huckabee Texas

#1 Educational Design Firm

By | News

Engineering News-Record Texas & Louisiana named Huckabee its 2016 Design Firm of the Year, “…for its commitment to employees, clients and enhancing learning environments across the state, as well as its dedication to the community.” Click here to read more. Huckabee also received the top nod as the #1 Educational Design Firm. Click here to see the lists.

Lancaster ISD Breaks Ground

By | Clients

Huckabee joined Lancaster ISD to break ground on two new elementary schools this week. The campuses, West Main and Pleasant Run, will replace existing buildings to help LISD move forward with 21st-century educational environments and improved safety and security. Each building will feature multiple outdoor learning courtyards; “Interactive Learning Labs” with makerspaces and writable surfaces; expansive libraries with flexible furniture; windowed corridors to support “learning on display”; natural daylighting; and multi-purpose gymnasiums which also serve as ICC-500 tornado shelters for increased safety. The schools will open in 2017.