O'Connell Robertson Earns CEFPI Architecture Merit Award

Austin, Texas — O’Connell Robertson’s design of the new Success High School in Round Rock ISD earned one of two 2015 Architecture Merit Awards presented by the Council of Educational Facility Planners International (CEFPI) Southern Region Chapter during the group’s annual conference in San Antonio on Saturday (April 11).

Award entries were evaluated according to criteria in each of the following categories: community environment, learning environment, physical environment, and planning process.

The 68,000 SF campus (located at 500 Gattis School Road in Round Rock) serves high school students who desire acceleration, need evening classes to better fit their personal schedules, or are in at-risk situations. The school was designed to provide maximum flexibility to support varying curriculum and class sizes with flexible and innovative learning spaces, integrated labs, design studios, small group rooms, and a discovery center that replaces the traditional library. A child care center for student parents also doubles as a teaching space for the Early Childhood Education curriculum. The campus features numerous sustainability strategies designed to achieve a LEED Silver rating.

“We are proud of this award that recognizes our partnership with RRISD in designing a progressive and unique educational environment that helps prepare all students for success after high school,” said Amy Jones, principal-in-charge of the Success High School project.

Featured

  • Florida District Completes Construction on New Leadership Institute

    Pinellas County Schools near Tampa, Fla., recently announced that construction is complete on the new Dr. Michael A. Grego Leadership Institute, according to a news release. The district partnered with Rowe Architects for the project’s design and with Skanska for construction services.

  • Designing Third Spaces That Do What AI Can't

    In 2026, education is evolving faster than ever. With AI reshaping everything from lesson planning to personalized instruction, schools and universities are turning their attention to what AI can’t replicate: spaces that foster collaboration, community, and creativity.

  • Johns Hopkins Starts Construction on New Residence Hall, Dining Facility

    The Homewood Campus of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md., recently began construction on a new residence hall and dining facility, according to university news. The work involves demolishing the existing Alumni Memorial Residence Hall I, which was built in 1923, to make room for the new facility.

  • Higher Ed is Betting on New Buildings While Quietly Undermining Their Campuses — Here’s Why

    In this climate, the owner’s representative has changed from a delivery-focused advisor to a strategic campus partner. Institutions are increasingly relying on owner’s reps not just to manage, cope, schedule, and budget, but also help evaluate whether a project should proceed at all.