Architecture | K-12 Education
Previously I worked as a WSP embedded consultant for Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS), the third largest school district in the United States. With over 400 facilities, and countless renovations and new-additions, my primary role as Design Manager was to review the design consultant’s construction documents for compliance with the District’s Design Standards. Renovations encompassed a wide range of spaces, including classrooms, restrooms, locker rooms, science and art labs, cafeteria kitchens, auditoriums, and media centers.
Upgrades included new windows and doors, new HVAC systems, ADA-compliant restroom improvements, and comprehensive interior finish updates. My other responsibilities included coordinating scope and project budgets with the in-house project managers and providing design/project management services as needed, such as designing the interior of a media center and managing various Verizon Innovative Learning Lab retrofits. A selection of projects are provided below.
Renovations encompassed a wide range of spaces, including classrooms, restrooms, locker rooms, science and art labs, cafeteria kitchens, auditoriums, and media centers. Upgrades included new windows and doors, new HVAC systems, ADA-compliant restroom improvements, and comprehensive interior finish updates.
Elementary School Media Center Interior Renovation
I had the opportunity to lead the interior renovation of an elementary school media center as part of a grant-funded initiative. In collaboration with the principal, I developed the interior concept, selected finishes, and coordinated with vendors to create a vibrant and engaging learning environment. This project was a particularly fun and creative departure from my typical
responsibilities, allowing me to focus on color, atmosphere, and the student experience at a more intimate scale. Seeing the transformation from an outdated space to an engaging learning environment was incredibly rewarding—especially knowing the design will serve the school community for decades to come. Before-and-after photos are included below.
Verizon Innovative Learning Lab Retrofits
Developed in partnership with the nonprofit Heart of America, the Verizon Innovative Learning Lab program provides students with immersive, hands-on experiences in robotics, virtual reality, 3D design, and augmented reality. During my time at M-DCPS, I had the opportunity to manage the retrofit of several Verizon Innovative Learning Labs for various middle schools within the District, supporting the implementation of technology-rich environments designed to expand access to STEM education. These projects required close coordination between multiple stakeholders, including vendors, school administrators, and district facilities teams.
I oversaw permitting and approvals, organized site visits, and served as the primary liaison between the school district and project partners to ensure smooth communication and timely delivery. From planning through implementation, I helped guide each lab’s retrofit to meet technical, spatial, and operational requirements while minimizing disruption to active school environments. It was incredibly rewarding to contribute to spaces that directly support innovation and digital literacy and empower students to explore emerging technologies.
