BLDD Architects is pleased to announce the recipients of the annual Because Life Deserves Design Scholarship: Audrey Miller, Mackenzie Strawn, Lauren Trodus, and Qixi Huang. Named for BLDD’s mission, “Because Life Deserves Design,” the scholarship celebrates high school seniors who stand out for their creativity, artistic drive, and promise to shape the future of architecture, interior or graphic design.
Across Illinois, school districts are being asked to do more with aging facilities, often balancing tight budgets, evolving educational needs, and strong community expectations. The transformation of Lanphier High School in Springfield, IL, shows what’s possible when design is grounded in community values and clear priorities.
Asking voters for $62 million in an anti-tax climate when initial polling is below 50% sounds impossible. But for Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School District, “impossible” was nothing new.
Since its founding way back in 1846, the City of St. Charles School District (SCSD) has been a proud cornerstone of the community—growing, evolving, and educating generation after generation. And now, with the successful April 2025 passage of Proposition SCSD, the district has secured resources to power its next chapter—one that’s focused squarely on smarter spaces, better buildings, and top-tier learning environments.
In the ever-evolving landscape of education, the importance of fostering creativity and artistic expression has never been more pronounced.
The Williamsville-Sherman School District implemented a $40 million bond referendum for significant upgrades to their junior high and high schools, including new classrooms, fine arts and athletics spaces, and improved facilities.
School athletics are at the core of building and fostering a community. But despite the enthusiasm for high-school and collegiate athletics, many schools face similar challenges with outdated athletic facilities. Having access to modern, flexible athletic spaces for students and community members has become a priority for many schools.
When it comes to designing performance spaces like theatres, auditoriums, or concert halls, you need an expert at your side. BLDD Architects has more than 90 years of experience in helping educators, churches, and communities bring the stage to life for audiences, big and small.
To celebrate Read Across America day, we wanted to highlight the current innovative trends that are bringing school libraries and media centers to LIFE. Once a quiet museum for books, school libraries are transforming to support the whole student.
