k-12 sector – saam architecture

sector focus

k-12

Saam’s K-12 design team brings extensive experience managing complex school projects, with innovative approaches that deliver cost-effective, educationally appropriate, community-focused solutions. Our approach to educational design is based on four core design principles that support21st-century teaching and learning environments: Biophilia, Safety, Economy, and Transparency.

Biophilia promotes student well-being by integrating natural light, outdoor views, and nature to enhance creativity, critical thinking, and social-emotional learning.

Safety balances security and openness through strategic zoning and space interactions, creating welcoming and secure environments for communities of diverse learning needs.

Economy prioritizes cost-effective, resilient designs by simplifying materials, optimizing layouts, and showcasing student success.

Transparency strengthens connections between spaces with clear sightlines and inclusive designs, enhancing biophilia through natural light, safety through visibility, and economy through efficient use of space and materials.

project types

Elementary schools
High schools
Comprehensive schools
Specialized schools
Daycare and PreK spaces
Core teaching and learning spaces/classrooms
Collaborative co-teaching and peer teaching spaces
Career Technical Education (CTE)
Teacher planning centers

Office and administrative areas
STEAM makerspaces, and labs
Auditorium, theater, music, and drama spaces
Athletic, P.E., and fitness centers
Stadium, recreation, and site design
Media centers and learning commons
Food service and dining commons
Extended and outdoor learning

services

New construction
Renovations and expansions
Feasibility studies
Master planning
Visioning and community engagement
Educational programming and planning
Conceptual site and building design

Program, product, and design research
Facility assessments
Visualization renderings and animations
Interior design and FF&E
Graphics, branding, and wayfinding
Sustainable design

clients

Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA)
Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE)
Warwick Public Schools, RI
City of Boston, MA
Boston Public Schools (BPS)

City of Fitchburg, MA
East Bridgewater Public School District, MA
Notre Dame Academy, Worcester, MA
Diocese of Worcester, MA
St. Paul’s School, Concord, NH

selected work

Crocker Elementary School

In collaboration with the City of Fitchburg and the MSBA, Saam has designed the new Crocker Elementary School, a 116,000-gross-square-foot building that will house grades one through five, with an estimated 845 students. The new two-story building meets all of the City’s educational delivery objectives, space requirements and established budget. Saam’s approach focuses on providing an equitable design that supports the academic and emotional needs of the students. Biophilic design principles are integrated throughout, providing building occupants with a strong connection to nature. Read more →

Location
Fitchburg, MA

Completion
2025 (est.)

Size
116,000 sf

selected work

Pilgrim High School

Following our work on the Warwick High School master planning process, Saam developed the design of Pilgrim High School based upon 21st-century learning goals. Large common spaces, such as the dining and learning commons, are designed to be multifunctional spaces, and connect various activities both visually and physically, reducing circulation and achieving a low grossing factor. The transparent school is designed to unify students, provide extended learning areas, and display diverse activities occurring in and around the building. Read more →

Location
Warwick, RI

Completion
2027 (est.)

Size
206,000 sf