Category: Education & Athletics

Beyond the Boiler Room: Two Big Takeaways from SCUP North Atlantic 

There’s a shift happening in how higher education talks about sustainability. The “why” is largely settled. The sessions that drew the most energy at SCUP North Atlantic in Hartford this spring were the ones deep in the “how”: how you finance it, how you plan for it across decades, how you design for it in ways that also serve students and…

Honoring a Legacy: Designing the Future of the Boys & Girls Club 

I grew up in Maine and New Hampshire with dreams of becoming an architect. That path led me across the country and even overseas, designing people-centered spaces in all kinds of communities. But now, I’ve come full circle, back to Maine, the place that first sparked my passion for design. Some projects resonate more deeply…

Athletic Field Design: The 7 Most Frequently Asked Questions From Higher Ed Leaders

When a college or university considers a new or upgraded athletic field, it’s about more than grass and goalposts. These projects are complex undertakings that have to balance performance, budget, and long-term sustainability. At our firm, we’ve guided countless higher education clients through this process, and a few core questions always rise to the top….

The D3 Roster Dilemma and How Facilities Are Adapting

In the world of collegiate athletics, NCAA Division III (D3) schools often stand out for their commitment to balancing the academic and athletic needs of their student-athletes. But there’s another unique and often overlooked challenge these institutions face: roster size. With no cap on team sizes, D3 rosters often swell far beyond their Division I…

5 Steps to Campus Electrification: A Strategic Engineering Perspective

Campus electrification isn’t just a trend, it’s an essential part of the path toward decarbonization, climate resilience, and operational sustainability. But make no mistake: beneficial electrification is a long game. It requires vision, strategy, and a willingness to take measured steps today to ensure a more sustainable tomorrow. As institutions face aging infrastructure, growing demands…

SMRT Partners with Maine Celtics for 2nd Annual SMaRTer Together Design Challenge

SMRT has once again teamed up with the Maine Celtics for the SMaRTer Together Design Challenge! Under the guidance of SMRT staff, middle and high school students from the Boys and Girls Club of Southern Maine have worked diligently to create new fictional arena designs for the Maine Celtics. Their designs will be on display…