Our Process For Educational Environments

Perform a building assessment of your facilities to determine Life Safety issues, code conformity and record any building maintenance issues. A thorough research of the existing facilities with our staff and consulting engineers with the aid of the buildings facilities manager is key and our standard practice.

Formal Life Safety survey and reference plans would be produced to begin a path to addressing outstanding concerns. These are reviewed in detail with the Owner and then categorized based upon critical needs.

Design Development meetings with the Owner and the facilities occupants to incorporate needs, immediate and future, take place. We take our experience in educational renovation and couple that with the ideals of the faculty and staff of the particular environment. We also aid the owner in the application of energy grants and seek out additional governmental funding assistance.

Final product is produced utilizing sustainable materials, renewed building materials, and energy efficient products. The result is an esthetically pleasing product but also one that is conducive to the needs of the occupants and those who use it on a daily basis.

Projects

East Leyden High School Addition

March 2020

The primary programming objective was to expand the kitchen and cafeteria to serve a greater number of students at each lunch period, reducing lunch periods from 5 per day to 3 per day. The expanded cafeteria/commons were designed to accommodate up to 650 students at one time.
The expanded serving capacity created additional flexibility for scheduling educational offerings for the students. The school district also required an updated and expanded natatorium, a new fine arts wing adjacent to the existing auditorium, and a day care center with an early childhood section.

West Leyden High School Addition

March 2019

Reavis Library

June 2015

The main renovation of the originally built 1969 Reavis High School Library consisted of creating a multi-functional, open and versatile space, while maintaining a more efficient reduced 21,000 volume circulation.

Reavis Cafeteria

June 2015

The Reavis High School kitchen and cafeteria required a more efficient use of the space. All the serving utilities were to be replaced as well from electrical to waste piping.

Mannheim Early Childhood Center

June 2015

The Mannheim Early Childhood Center is an addition to the district’s Westdale Elementary School. Through the use of materials and pattern, the Early Childhood Center maintains its own identity.

Testimonials

“What truly sets SPM Architects apart, however, is their level of personal service. They have been more than just a vendor: they have been true partners to our district. Their responsiveness, accessibility, and willingness to support us at any time have made a significant difference in our operations. No matter the scope or urgency of a project, we have always been able to rely on their guidance and expertise. SPM Architects approaches every project with integrity and a genuine commitment to the success of the organizations they serve. Their collaborative approach, combined with their technical knowledge, ensures that projects are completed efficiently and with the highest standards in mind.”

– Mr. James Calabrese

Superintendent

“SPM has proven to make our dreams and visions come to life. The SPM team is smart, customer centric, and attentive to detail. They are great listeners, open-minded to new ideas and concepts, accept criticism when needing to go back to the drawing board, and always go above and beyond to meet our expectations. Above all else, we greatly value our relationship with the people within the firm. They are good, hardworking people, who are always there for you. The firm is a local business who is big enough to handle the job, but not too big to where it feels like you are dealing with a corporation. SPM is not just our architect, but apart of the Reavis family.”

 

– Mr. Eric Novak

Chief School Business Official,
Reavis High School District 220

Reavis High School – District 220 has partnered with SPM Architects for the last 10 years. The School Board and I could not be happier with their designs, communication and follow-through. The professional relationships that have been formed are extremely positive and strong. We would highly recommend SPM to any school district looking for an outstanding architectural firm…their personal touch and problem solving attitude is second-to-none.

– Daniel J. Riordan, Ed.D

Superintendent,
Reavis High School District 220

About Us

years of experience planning and designing educational facilities. In our 15th year as SPM Architects, Inc., we have provided our services on over $140 million of new construction and renovation.

Services

  • Architectural Design for Renovation of Existing Structure
  • Additions and New Construction
  • Long Range Facility Planning
  • Interior Design
  • 3D Graphic Design Services
  • Life Safety Surveys
  • Roof Inspection and Surveys
  • Asbestos Inspections and Management Plans
  • Asbestos Abatement Design Services
  • Assisting and submitting DCEO applications for Illinois Energy Now grants
  • A Trade Ally partner

Renovation Experience

  • Facility Space Planning
  • Interior Design
  • Masonry restoration and structural repairs
  • Roof Replacement
  • Door, Frame, Hardware and Window Replacement
  • ADA Compliance Work
  • Asbestos Inspection and Design for Abatement
  • Plumbing, Mechanical and Electrical System
  • Evaluation for Repair or Replacement
  • Kitchen and Cafeteria Design
  • Fire Protection System Design
  • Technology and Communication System Design
  • Security System Design

Staff

  • Guenther H. Schmidt, AIA – President
  • Scott E. Piper, AIA – Vice President
  • Michael Markham, Assoc. AIA - Treasurer
  • Michael Bober, AIA, NCARB - Project Architect
  • Christopher M. Bissell, AIA – Project Architect
  • Catrina Prost, – Project Architect
  • Greg Alpers, AIA – Project Architect
  • Patricia Rojo, - LEED AP BD+C Designer
  • Kaitlin Cabel, Designer
  • Rima Koniali, - Designer
  • Alicia Melendez, - Office Administrator

Contact Us

SPM Architects, Inc.
8104 W. 119th St. Unit 1230
Palos Park, IL 60464
Phone: 708.671.0446

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