Seattle Pipe Trades

At 30 years old, this premier training facility for apprenticeship training of mechanical related trades required extensive renovation to support the latest trade technologies and bring it up to code. The project included designing new training labs; upgrading classrooms, offices, and several trade-specific workshops; and adding an instruction area on the roof. Reconfiguring walls and ceiling heights created space for a new student lounge, central conference room, and expanded lobby, as well as a new crawlspace classroom, underfloor equipment storage, and a tall space in the High Bay Equipment Lab for safety training.

All major building systems (electrical, HVAC, plumbing, fire safety, etc.) were replaced and rerouted, with much of it left exposed as teaching tools. Each lab and workstation was also locally ventilated and equipped with power.

The entire program was kept within the existing shell, and construction was scheduled in two phases so classes could continue with the least disruption. The firm's deep attention to detail and its habit of collaborating closely with clients, building occupants, consultants, and review boards enabled them to resolve the many design, logistical, and approval challenges that accompanied a project of this scope.