The Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) has selected a powerhouse team to spearhead the facility improvements and Career Technical Education (CTE) renovation project at Boulder High School.
National integrated architecture, engineering and planning firm HED and Denver-based Larson Incitti Architects have been awarded the project.
Larson Incitti Architects brings decades of expertise in Pre-K-12 architectural design within the Denver area, while HED’s national footprint and specialized knowledge in Pre-K-12 best practices, particularly in Career Technical Education, promises an innovative approach to the project. HED’s recent establishment of a Denver location in 2023 further solidifies its commitment to expanding its national practice in the region.
For this transformative project, HED will serve as the design consultant for the Career Technical Education component, focusing on creating an environment that fosters innovation, entrepreneurship, and future job readiness among Boulder High School students. The renovation, which includes building envelope, systems, site and infrastructure improvements, and ADA and code compliance, totals approximately 225,000 GSF.
The new Career Technical Education spaces will include:
• A state-of-the-art culinary arts laboratory and classroom, designed to prepare students for careers in culinary arts and equip them with essential life skills.
• An “Innovation lab,” envisioned as a dynamic space for engineering and computer science projects, akin to a maker space, facilitating activities such as high school robotics teams and hands-on mechanical projects, including 3D printing.
• An adjacent computer lab dedicated to programming, programming languages, software mastery, and development.
• A business program classroom situated adjacent to the computer lab, promoting synergies between business, STEM, engineering, and programming education.
These strategically placed facilities aim to establish an entrepreneurial and innovation hub within Boulder High School, geared towards preparing students for the careers of tomorrow. The emphasis on agile skills and practical, hands-on instruction underscores BVSD’s commitment to providing students with the tools they need to succeed in an ever-evolving job market.
“We are thrilled to partner on this transformative project for Boulder High School,” said Jennette La Quire, national Pre-K-12 business leader at HED. “Together, we aim to create an environment that not only inspires creativity and innovation but also equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving workforce.”
The BVSD, HED, and Larson Incitti Architects team are excited to embark on this collaborative journey toward shaping the future of education in Boulder.