One of the aspects of working in architecture that makes a project truly rewarding is having a great client. I was very fortunate to be involved with MA&D in the redesign and renovation of the library at the Julia R. Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School, a truly outstanding community and a remarkable place.

MA&D was asked by the Community Design Collaborative (another great organization) to undertake a pro-bono study to remodel the school’s admittedly dilapidated and poorly functioning library. Through the process we learned a great deal about what makes Masterman such an exceptional place. There is a strong network of teacher and parent support coupled with one of the brightest student bodies I’ve ever seen.

 After the completion of the library project, we were asked to speak directly to a few periods of ninth grade geometry to talk about our initial plans for the space versus what was actually built. It sparked a great conversation about the architecture profession, technical issues, and changes to the designs.

The kids were great! All of them were engaged, participated, and seemed genuinely interested in the discussion. Elizabeth Gault (MA&D marketing and publicity manager) and I stayed at the school for about three periods which I can say, at least for myself, took almost the equivalent of the energy required to make it through an entire day at the office!

Elizabeth and I also had a chance to see the library for the first time after its completion. As with most projects, the end result was not exactly what was originally designed. However, the new space maintains the spatial qualities, organization, and overall aesthetic that we were aiming for in the first place. Most importantly, we learned that the library is functioning better than it was before and students enjoy their new library digs.

Seeing a space go from poorly functioning and dreary to bright, open, comfortable, and efficient is still amazing to me even after seeing it happen many times. For a place as great as Masterman, it makes me even happier! Here’s to hoping that the new library continues to serve this great community for years to come.