With the initial shock of the pandemic in the rearview and all focus directed toward adapting and moving forward, the PBK Family of Companies has been actively assisting districts in developing strategies to mitigate the spread of the virus and optimize campuses for health and wellness. We’ve developed a range of best practices and planning …
By: Melissa Turnbaugh, Principal & Rebecca Luman, P.E., LEED, AP BD+C, Healthy Tweaks LLC Technology continues to redefine the educational experience; nature is the constant. Today’s learners are increasingly engaging with digital platforms, particularly in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, this increased screen time comes with a risk. In 2020, educators and students reported …
By: Gary Gery, Partner For months now, the dilemma of whether the threat of the novel coronavirus outweighs the setbacks many are experiencing with remote learning has been difficult to reconcile. Overall, most districts are providing students with the option to return to in-person learning this fall and in preparation, have implemented extensive protocols for …
Ready to Return? Campus Assessments Prepare California Schools to Reopen Safely Read More »
By: Hannah Hayes, Director of Construction Services – Texas Architecture and construction are continually intertwined. Because of this, PBK’s Construction Services department is designed to be an additional set of eyes and ears on the jobsite. Merging expertise in design and construction, this division’s primary responsibility is to ensure that projects are constructed in accordance …
Construction Services – A Renewed Set of Eyes for Architects Read More »
By: Joaquin Abrego, RID, LEED ID+C, Designer – Interiors & Emilee Keith, RID, Associate Principal – Interiors Today’s schools should function not only as spaces that house learning but also as tools that enhance the learner experience. Much attention has been given to the effects of positive learning environments in terms of lighting, climate, sustainability and other features …
By: Melissa Turnbaugh, Principal Today’s economic reality demands skilled, workforce ready employees. Many key industries, like manufacturing, technology, and healthcare, are experiencing significant workforce shortages and workforce needs constantly change with advancements in technology. As a result of this rapidly evolving landscape, it is realistic to say that students entering grade school today will work in …
By: Richard Chi, Co-CEO Modern infrastructure was not properly equipped to respond to the unpredictable onslaught of COVID-19. Nevertheless, educators, administrators and communities have shown incredible resolve in response to the pandemic and continue to adapt to evolving standards, policies and expectations. We would be remiss to claim a universal solution for reopening schools at …
A New Normal: Trends and Applications for Promoting Wellness Read More »
For the most part, modern infrastructure was not properly equipped to respond to the unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 pandemic. The team of experts who developed the enclosed recommendations challenged ourselves to answer the following: What can we learn from COVID-19 and how can we better plan and design facilities that minimize the spread of …
“PBK and the Texas School Safety & Security Council are to be commended for leading the way in developing best practices in school safety. This white paper should be read by all who care about the education of our children and this comprehensive plan answers the question that is often asked about who is responsible …
Together for Tomorrow: Safety & Security Whitepaper Read More »
By: Sean Elliston, P.E., Director of Sustainability Leaf Engineers Energy modeling software has improved continually since it was first developed more than 30 years ago. As building mechanical and electrical systems become more complex, teams can better analyze them by creating energy model simulations. Energy modeling simulates building operation and produces useful performance data to …
Model Behavior: Why Energy Modeling is an Integral Part of the Design Process Read More »
