Ashley McGraw Recognized with 2 AIA CNY Design Awards
On Thursday, November 17, 2023, Ashley McGraw Architects attended the American Institute of Architects (AIA) CNY’s Celebration of Architecture. At the event, Ashley McGraw was recognized with two Citation of Design Awards - the renovation of LaFayette Central School District’s Grimshaw Elementary Library-Media Center and the Harpursville Central School District 2019 Capital Project. The ceremony, held at Syracuse’s Landmark Theatre, celebrated all facets of architecture within the Central New York region.
LaFayette CSD Grimshaw Elementary Library-Media Center
The centerpiece of the recent LaFayette Central School District Capital Project was the reimagining of Grimshaw Elementary’s Library. The design inspiration for the space came from the librarian’s love of reading fantasy fiction novels with her students amongst the rolling hills of LaFayette. The result was a nature-themed library with various tree designs and garden motifs that looks like it was pulled straight from a fairy tale. The renovation followed three purpose statements. The Library Media Center will…
Be a portal to learning that encourages exploration, experimentation, and embracing individual interests and curiosities.
Be a welcoming place for all by accommodating multiple types of groups, activities, and functions.
Be the link that connects and unifies individual (person, class, grade level) educational, aspirational, and personal pursuits in service of the greater community. (school community, district community, and beyond).
Harpursville CSD Jr/Sr High School Renovations
The Harpursville community made a $10.65 million investment in infrastructure and education improvements across the district. The majority of the capital project’s work took place at the Jr/Sr High School, the largest building on campus. The district asked for collaboration in crafting a vision of the district’s future where the community, staff, and students were all welcomed in, kept safe, and allowed to thrive; then using that vision as the framework for design implementation. The centerpieces of the project were the completely redesigned courtyard and 2-story lobby space, and the reimagined auditorium performance space. Both used the concept of the hive as a design driver based on the district’s Hornet mascot.
Congratulations to the members of both design teams!
