CAW Architects’ Vision: Transforming Educational Spaces

CAW Architects has been quietly reshaping the educational landscape across California by rethinking spaces that support learning, creativity, and community engagement. Their spearheaded projects reflect a deep understanding of place, history, and functionality, resulting in designs that are as thoughtful as they are innovative. Below, we explore some of these projects through the lens of architectural curation—focusing on the designer’s vision, design concept, and the building’s role within its community.

Reinventing a Historic Venue: Berkeley Community Theater

CAW Architects took on the challenge of revitalizing a historic performance space within Berkeley High School’s Building A. The architects led an in-depth study that looked beyond simple repairs; they reimagined the space with a focus on flexibility and future needs. The design preserved key Art Deco elements while introducing modern solutions to improve seismic resilience and functionality. In this way, the theater now supports a range of activities—from technical stagecraft training to community performances—melding its rich history with contemporary educational needs.

Innovating Campus Dynamics: Monterey High School Science Innovation Center

Set against the backdrop of Monterey Bay’s sweeping vistas, the Science Innovation Center at Monterey High School stands out for its creative use of terrain. CAW’s design takes advantage of a steep site, integrating outdoor plazas and interior spaces seamlessly. With large folding doors that invite the outside in and thoughtful circulation strategies like ramps and an elevator, the project creates a multipurpose environment that enhances day-to-day classroom learning while providing an adaptable setting for school events and community gatherings, blurring traditional boundaries between indoor and outdoor learning.

Reimagining Entry and Flow: Silver Creek High School

At Silver Creek High School, the architects rethought the campus entry by introducing a new feature building that redefines the school’s public face. The design centers on a grand, two-story atrium that acts as both a social hub and an extension of the classroom environment. A striking 40-foot sliding door ushers visitors and students into an open, light-filled space, where natural light plays a crucial role in creating an inviting atmosphere. This project exemplifies how thoughtful spatial planning and a focus on circulation can transform an entrance into a dynamic focal point that supports both security and community interaction.

Cultivating Young Minds: Corte Madera & Ormondale Campuses

For younger learners, CAW Architects crafted environments that balance energy efficiency with creative learning spaces. At Corte Madera School, spanning two acres, the design features two new buildings with modern STEAM labs, amphitheater spaces, and outdoor decks that frame natural views. This project is about more than adding classrooms—it’s about creating an ecosystem that nurtures experimentation and collaboration. Similarly, the Ormondale Elementary campus introduces modern classrooms accompanied by an interactive sensory garden, where the interplay of natural light and vibrant landscaping helps to create a calm, stimulating environment for early education. Both projects demonstrate CAW’s commitment to fostering adaptable, sustainable spaces tailored to the developmental needs of students.