For today’s educational setting, with student growth typically comes the need for new or enhanced spaces for both students and faculty, and with that, furniture and equipment to appropriately support the expanded learning environment. Beginning in the 2015-2016 school year, Maryville Christian School in Maryville, Illinois, underwent such a transition, constructing their new school building that now accommodates approximately 375 students. After thoroughly assessing vendors that could assist with a major furniture and equipment installation, the Maryville administration team sought out the expertise of School Specialty to outfit the new campus. The company’s know-how and years of experience with facilitating similar projects, coupled with a stellar referral from another client in the Maryville area, helped with the selection of its Projects by Design (PbD) group as the trusted partner for Maryville Christian School.
School Specialty came highly recommended to us and it was evident from my first conversation with the team that they would do whatever it took to make sure that we obtained the right solutions and services needed to get the job done.
– Chad Laughlin, Maryville Christian School Administrator
Out the gate, the Projects by Design team understood the specific requirements and budgetary constraints that Maryville had to furnish the new school. The team worked closely with Administrators and Staff to meet project objectives and create a 21st century, modern layout that would be pragmatic and inspirational. Working within their budget, the PbD leads leveraged high-quality, value furnishings from its vendor partners to outfit classrooms, science labs and the media center.
- Diversified Woodcrafts (demonstration table and student workstations)
- High Point Furniture Industries (conference tables)
- KC Bin (lockers)
- KFI (chairs)
- Media Technologies (student seating, student tables, soft seating, media tables, shelving and circulation desk)
- MooreCo Best-Rite (dry erase boards)
- National Public Seating (chairs, stools and blow molded tables)
- Oak Harbour Marketing (multifunction task chairs)
- Sandusky Lee (teacher desks)
- SP Richards’ Furniture Division (BRUTE containers and dollies)
With solid support from vendor partners, the PbD team determined the most innovative solutions and ensured a seamless install process.
A key objective of this transformation was to support Maryville’s new infrastructure for project-based learning, which is crucial for a 21st century education. Administrators wanted to create a setting that promotes group learning so students could better engage and develop teamwork skills. This would need to be reinforced by a physical environment that leveraged state-of-the-art, versatile furniture and equipment solutions. Over the course of the project, School Specialty/Projects by Design maintained open lines of communication, promptly addressing any questions or concerns the Maryville team had during various phases of the project. As products arrived and were installed, School Specialty personnel would regularly check with school leaders to ensure they were pleased with the results.
As a result, School Specialty was commended for easing the Maryville team’s workload and alleviating any anxiety by managing the furniture deployment process end-to-end. The project outcomes were an advanced, conducive environment for learning, built within the budget and timeframe and, of course, a very happy school administration!
The Projects by Design team was always quick to respond to any questions or concerns we had. Their knowledge of all the products required for a successful learning environment was impressive.
Regardless of the size of your project, School Specialty’s expertise and experience will ensure you are satisfied with the results.
– Chad Laughlin, Maryville Christian School Administrator
Learn More
For assistance with 21st century learning environment layouts and design, visit www.ProjectsByDesign.com. To contact us, please call 800-305-0174 or email projectsbydesign@schoolspecialty.com.
