Elementary School Experience
Learning lifts us up.
The built environment has power to inhibit or inspire. At OPN, we design flexible, operationally efficient buildings that support learning, innovation, collaboration, and creativity.
Over the past 35 years, we have led the programming and design of hundreds of academic projects, including many renovations and additions. We take particular pride in our reputation throughout Iowa as designers of learning environments that meet changing modes of teaching. Our academic team is immersed in the analysis of best practices for K-12 education and closely monitors developing trends in pedagogy and technology as they affect facility design. We believe that good design and stewardship of our client’s resources go hand in hand. Both start with collaboration and communication, two qualities on which OPN has built its reputation.
-
More than 30 Years of K-12 Experience
Including multiple master plans, 30+ new building projects, 40+ renovations and additions, and more than 30 districts served.
-
Designing for the Future of Education
Real-world benchmarking and data-driven insights inform our design decisions.
-
Proven track-record
Nearly $400 million in general obligation bonds secured since 2015.
-
A Unique Process
Our process includes strategies for understanding your educational philosophies, prioritizing decisions, and allocating resources to efforts most likely to yield the maximum educational value.
Learn More
Working with us
What you can expect from us
-
Dedicated, Passionate, Experienced K-12 Specialists
-
Skilled at Community & District Engagement
-
Relationship Driven Team, Customer Service Focused
-
Data Driven Design and Planning
Your team of experts
West Willow & Maple Grove Elementary Schools
The first new schools built by the district in more than two decades, both new elementary schools, are part of the implementation of the first phase of the district’s master plan to reduce the overall inventory of elementary attendance centers. Both buildings were constructed on the site of the existing school. The new building was constructed before the old building was demolished and the site developed. West Willow and Maple Grove are both designed to accommodate the populations of three existing elementary schools, all of which will be decommissioned after the new buildings open. Each of the new schools reflects their respective neighborhoods. OPN led benchmarking trips with Cedar Rapids stakeholders, conducted community open houses, and met with students and staff in the district to gain broad stakeholder input. The result is two schools that provide welcoming designs that will help promote collaborative learning in light-filled teaching environments.
Our Work
Our PortfolioGet in touch
Joe Feldmann, Associate Principal-
100 Court Ave., Suite 100
Des Moines, Iowa 50309 -
(515) 309-0722
-