Education

Drake university - Johansen student center

Location: Des Moines. Iowa

Project Size: 40,000 sq ft

Description: Drake University transformed the historic Morehouse Residence Hall into the Johansen Student Center, a 40,000 sq ft hub designed to support over 150 student-led organizations. Rooted in values of community and inclusion, the center will provide spaces where students can collaborate, lead, and connect. Workspace was selected as the furniture partner after an engaging mock-up experience with students and faculty, ensuring the space reflects the needs of its community.

Achievements: The renovation established Drake’s first dedicated intercultural space—providing a welcoming environment for students to connect and engage in cultural programming. It also created a central hub for student organizations, offering collaborative workspaces that enhance involvement and leadership development. The addition of Sammons Plaza further contributes to a sense of belonging, serving as an outdoor community gathering space. At the same time, the project honors Morehouse Hall’s historic legacy, preserving its Georgian-style architecture while integrating modern amenities to meet the needs of today’s students. Workspace supported this transformation through space planning, furniture specifications, and move-in programming, delivering solutions that brought the university’s vision to life.

Project Duration: 12 Months

Education

Southeast Polk Middle School

Location: Altoona, Iowa

Project Size: 250,000+ sq ft

Description: Installed in 2024, the Southeast Polk Middle School building spans over 250,000 sq ft. This amazing facility will house 6th and 7th-grade students including over 75 rooms and spaces comprised of admin offices, a cafeteria, a media center, collaborative spaces, staff lounges, standard classrooms, and specialized classrooms such as art, vocal, band, robotics, project lead the way, special education, and tag.

Achievements: Our team collaborated closely with the faculty and staff, working alongside passionate advocates for student education to create an environment that inspires. We played a pivotal role in transforming the district’s new middle school into a place both students and faculty are proud to call their own. Through the seamless integration of architectural elements with the FF&E package, we delivered a cohesive, well-designed space. Prioritizing the needs of the faculty, we provided versatile, creative furniture solutions that foster collaboration and support a wide range of teaching and learning styles.

Project Duration: 18 Months

Education

Roosevelt High School - Innovation Library

Location: Des Moines, Iowa

Project Size: 6,900 sq ft

Description: The Roosevelt High School Innovation Library renovation reimagines a 6,900 sq. ft. space that has long been a cornerstone of learning at Roosevelt. Originally built in 1962, the library has been transformed into an open, bright, and inspiring hub designed to meet the needs of today’s students while honoring its history. The redesign introduces an art gallery-like atmosphere, complete with installations by local artists connected to both Des Moines and Roosevelt High School. Flexible, ergonomic seating and lounge areas create inviting spots for both collaboration and individual study, while large windows bring in natural light to enhance the library’s airy feel. Every element of the space reflects a student-driven vision, ensuring it serves as both a functional resource and a vibrant representation of the Roosevelt community.

Achievements: The renovation of the Roosevelt High School Innovation Library successfully created a space that is modern, flexible, and deeply connected to the community. By incorporating student-centered design, dynamic art from local artists, and adaptable furniture, the project established a welcoming environment that supports a variety of learning styles and activities. Beyond serving the current student body, the library also stands as a point of pride for alumni and the wider community, blending historical integrity with contemporary design. The project’s achievements lie not only in the physical transformation of the library but also in the renewed sense of identity, ownership, and inspiration it brings to everyone who enters the space.

Project Duration: 7 Months

Education

Knoxville Middle School

Location: Knoxville, Iowa

Project Size: 84,890 sq ft

Description: The Knoxville Middle School project was a year-long endeavor that resulted in a state-of-the-art educational facility. The primary goal was to create a dynamic learning environment that could adapt to the evolving needs of both students and faculty. Working closely with our architectural partner, the project successfully integrated flexible building design with innovative furniture solutions. One of the highlights was the opportunity to speak with and understand each individual’s roles and needs in various subjects, Including math, science, special education and music. Today, Knoxville Middle School stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful design in education, offering a bright future for the community it serves.

Achievements: The dedicated team crafted a FF&E package that included furniture for classrooms, common areas and offices.

Project Duration: 12 Months

Education

Iowa State University: Stark Performance Center

Location: Ames, Iowa

Project Size: 99,225 sq ft

Description: The Iowa State University project serves as a dedicated space for academic achievement, mental and physical wellness, and career planning for student athletes. The design prioritizes customization, with individually designed tutor rooms, offering athletes a personalized and conducive study environment. The Stark Performance Center, a central point for campus tours, showcases the project’s commitment to excellence in enhancing the overall student athlete experience.

Achievements: The project successfully achieved its overarching goal of elevating Athletics at Iowa State University by concentrating on the recruitment and retention of top-tier personnel and students. This accomplishment was made through a collaborative design process with staff, resulting in the creation of diverse and functional spaces, including offices, learning labs, tutoring rooms, a player’s lounge, and a 4th-floor Dining Hall/Nutrition Center. The implementation of state-of-the-art facilities tailored to the unique needs of student athletes has played a pivotal role in fostering a supportive and enriching environment. As a result, the project has contributed significantly to enhancing the university’s standing for excellence in both academics and athletics.

Project Duration: 24 Months