Located just east of the Pennsylvania–Ohio border, Thiel College, a Lutheran-affiliated institution, engaged designers to transform aging science facilities dating to the 1930s–40s into a contemporary hub for learning, connection, and growth. On a steeply sloped site with overlapping circulation routes and a neighboring football field, the project demanded rigorous problem-solving; access conflicts were resolved, a greenhouse was removed, and a new, prominent student entrance now clarifies arrival. Within the existing envelope, where window and door openings were largely fixed and exterior materials constrained by budget and local availability, the design team delivered exterior improvements, new science classrooms, and a lively student commons that stitches together once-disconnected corridors.

Inside, legacy constraints met modern codes and systems. Egress shortfalls and corridor non-compliance were corrected; MEPT upgrades required surgical cuts through walls and slabs to thread new infrastructure through old bones. Because academic programs were reshuffled mid-stream, rooms were planned for flexibility and “right-sized” to support evolving needs. Unique wayfinding strategies, paired with bold, program-specific color hierarchies aligned to Thiel’s rebrand, turn a massive network of spaces into an intuitive, student-first experience.

The science wing is an early chapter in a broader campus renewal. Design staff and leadership is actively shaping future phases that expand offerings in forensic studies (including a cadaver lab), art therapy, and speech-language pathology. In parallel, design services for the college’s growing athletics programs are underway, including a new gymnasium and alumni center. Together, these efforts modernize historic buildings, address budget and site realities, and position Thiel College for sustained, mission-driven growth.