Architect of Record / Design Firm
Tate Snyder Kimsey
The design for Rex Bell Elementary School was intended to be a one off replacement of an existing campus. Upon its completion, CCSD decided that design could be refined and turned into a prototype for use on other sites within the school district. Jeff worked closely with Tate Snyder Kimsey Architects to incorporate elements that create more flexible learning environments. A series of glass garage doors are being added to allow the classroom in this design to open on to the major circulation corridor. In the first iteration, TSK did a masterful job of penetrating this corridor with natural light and open space. The addition of the garage doors and some creative programs will enhance the corridor and turn it in a series of formal and informal learning spaces. While Jeff does not operate as a traditional architect in his current role, he does have the opportunity to have positive contributions to the projects he oversees. Evocative of a time in which Las Vegas gained early notoriety as a destination for both locals and celebrities to share in newly established neighborhoods in an otherwise desolate community, the Rex Bell Elementary Replacement School celebrates the memory of place through a variety of design considerations. This design has been chosen to be used again with some modifications for the replacement of Ullom elementary school. During the design phase for the replacement of Ullom Jeff pushed the design team to incorporate garage door into teach classroom, an idea he and the design team had seen work effectively during an A4LE regional conference. The minor design refinement will have a major impact on the flexibility of the teaching space allowing for multiple group size and collaborative learning.