CLIENTDC Department of General Services, District of Columbia Public Schools
SERVICESArchitecture, Interiors
LOCATIONWashington, DC
SIZE93,000 sq ft
STATUSCompleted 2023
CERTIFICATIONLEED Gold, Net Zero Energy ready, designed to meet WELL Standards
Raymond Elementary School stands as a testament to the intersection of urban education, sustainability, and historical preservation. Our dedication to achieving net zero energy while respecting the past has set a benchmark for future projects. It is a symbol of how innovation, sustainability, and history can coexist harmoniously, leaving a legacy for generations to come.
We embarked on a journey to modernize and expand the historic Raymond Elementary School, and our efforts were transformative. The design now accommodates 590 students as of the 2023-24 school year and features a new wing housing a gymnasium, library, and classrooms, along with an enhanced entry sequence. Our sustainability commitment shines through with LEED Gold and Net Zero Energy certifications as our targets. Over 100 geothermal wells, solar canopies, and energy-efficient systems were integrated to achieve this goal, all while meticulously preserving the historical integrity of the building.
Sustainability was a central theme, with our commitment to achieving Net Zero Energy requirements evident in every aspect of our design. Our focus extended to upgrading MEP systems, modernizing infrastructure, and even addressing the challenge of limited space for renewable energy installations.
The urban challenge
Introducing this new program within an urban setting posed a formidable challenge. The 1920s historical building, a cherished landmark, added complexity to the equation. Navigating these intricacies necessitated close collaboration with the Historic Preservation Office.
To realize our objectives and address these challenges, our plan was bold yet respectful. We proposed the demolition of the 1966 school wing, replacing it with a larger, 50,000 square-foot wing that would house a state-of-the-art gymnasium. This approach minimized disruption to the historic building, ensuring its legacy while serving the evolving needs of the school community.

Engaging stakeholders and the community was integral to the renovation process. We sought to gain support for our efforts while changing materials to match the original, preserving the building's authentic character.
Balancing modernization & history


PHOTOGRAPHYGarrett Rowland
Awards and Press
- Studios Architecture Designs an Eco-Friendly School in Washington — Interior Design Magazine
- AIA DC Award of Excellence in Architecture — 2024
- ULI Washington Award for Excellence in Institutional Development — 2024
- Urban Land Institute Names 18 Finalists for 2024 ULI Americas Awards for Excellence — ULI Americas
Awards
- ULI Washington Awards for Excellence, Finalist | MLK Gateway II
- Future of Work Awards, Jury’s Special Prize | Ledger HQ
- BIM d’Or, Tech Show Awards | Google AI Hub
- Interior Design Magazine, Best of Year Awards, Office Renovation, Winner | Meta EMEA Headquarters
- Interior Design Magazine, Best of Year Awards, Medium Tech Office: Finalists | WHOOP Headquarters
- ULI Europe Awards for Excellence : Winner | L’Atelier Covivio
- Interior Design Magazine, Best of Year Awards, Finalist: Large Early Education | Raymond Elementary School
- AIA DC, Awards of Excellence in Architecture, Chapter Design Award: Winner | Raymond Elementary School
- ULI Washington Awards of Excellence, Excellence in Institutional Development: Winner | Raymond Elementary School
- ULI Washington Awards of Excellence: Finalists | Raymond Elementary School
- USGBC, US Local Market Leadership Swards DC, MD, VA, Decarbonization Award: Winner | Raymond Elementary School
- Fast Company, Innovation by Design Awards, Best Workplace Design: Honorable Mention | WHOOP Headquarters
- Chicago Athenaeum American Architecture Award, Display Installations: Winner | Welcome Galleries at the National Building Museum
- Chicago Athenaeum American Architecture Award, Best in office Buildings: Winner | Meta EMEA Headquarters
- Interior Design Magazine, NYCxDesign Awards: Finalist | 825 Third Avenue
- CoreNet NYC Design Excellence Awards, Project of the Year Under 25K sq ft: Winner | 825 Third Avenue
- USGBC, US Local Market Leadership Awards DC, MD, VA, Judge’s Choice Award: Winner | MLK Gateway II
- NAIOP DC MD Awards of Excellence, Best Washington DC Urban Office: Winner | MLK Gateway II
- CoreNet New England Awards of Excellence, Large Workplace: Winner | WHOOP Headquarters