Sierra College New Instructional Building

Rocklin, CA

Winner of the DBIA Western-Pacific Region Award of Distinction, this comprehensive new building can fit more than 1,000 students amidst its plethora of arts-specific learning spaces. Among these are 36 classrooms and 4 laboratories all dedicated to arts programs, including metalworking, woodworking, ceramics, sculpture, painting, drawing, and photography. The design prioritized student connections by creating inviting, collaborative spaces for students to work together, which includes the large gathering staircase in the central lobby.

Keeping the project on schedule was challenging on multiple fronts. Issues arose during steel procurement that, without action, would have delayed the project by months. Our team re-designed the lateral system in just a few weeks time, making adjustments to the DSA-approved documents to maintain the critical path in the construction schedule. Additionally, heavy rains fell upon the steeply sloped site during construction, necessitating concrete wall foundations be dug wider to reach competent bearing soil. Despite these disruptions and construction through the pandemic, the project finished both on schedule and on budget.