Business Details
22 Years
experience
Award-Winning Architectural Design for Schools, Public Safety & Mission Critical Facilities
Founded in 2004, SCHRADERGROUP is a full-service architecture and engineering firm with offices in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Lancaster, State College, Baltimore, and Raleigh. Our practice focuses on academic, public safety, mission critical, and athletic building design, creating enhanced environments tailored to the needs of students, instructors, first responders, and mission-critical personnel. We employ a consensus-based planning and design process that engages stakeholders and the public through workshops and collaborative sessions. Our team of experienced professionals delivers innovative solutions that align with community needs while maintaining a commitment to design excellence and client service.With expertise spanning K-12 education, higher education, public safety facilities, and mission-critical infrastructure, we prioritize partnership in design to create better environments for clients and the public. Our recent merger with Hord Coplan Macht expands our national reach and service capabilities, offering clients greater resources and a broader portfolio of expertise.
Services
Planning
Programming
Facility Assessments
Architectural Design
Structural Engineering
Interior Design
Construction Observation
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of expertise in public interest architecture through our leadership team.
- Our consensus-based design process ensures stakeholder-driven solutions for community-focused projects.
- LEED-certified professionals integrate sustainable practices into every project phase.
- Expanded national capabilities through our merger with Hord Coplan Macht.
- Specialized experience in mission-critical infrastructure and public safety facility design.
Services
Architectural Design
Our architectural design services focus on creating functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces for educational, public safety, and mission-critical facilities. We collaborate closely with clients to develop tailored solutions that meet specific user needs while incorporating sustainable design principles. With expertise in K-12 schools, universities, and emergency operations centers, we deliver innovative designs that enhance operational efficiency and user experience.
Structural Engineering
We provide comprehensive structural engineering services for new construction and renovations. Our team specializes in concrete, steel, masonry, and wood structures, with particular expertise in forensic investigations and masonry restoration. Our engineers optimize structural systems while ensuring compliance with safety standards and building codes for educational and public safety facilities.
Facility Assessments
Our facility assessment services evaluate existing building conditions to inform renovation or expansion projects. We conduct feasibility studies, code analyses, and structural load ratings to determine optimal solutions. These assessments help clients make informed decisions about facility upgrades while aligning with budgetary and operational requirements.
Interior Design
Our interior design team creates functional, sustainable environments that support educational and operational goals. We focus on space optimization, material selection, and technology integration while maintaining compliance with accessibility standards. Our LEED-certified designers prioritize user comfort and operational efficiency in academic and public safety settings.
Construction Observation
We provide construction observation services to ensure projects meet design specifications and quality standards. Our team monitors progress, reviews submittals, and coordinates with contractors to address field issues. This oversight ensures proper implementation of design intent while maintaining budget and schedule parameters for complex institutional projects.
People
David L. Schrader
Managing Principal
David Schrader leads SCHRADERGROUP's design and business development with over 30 years of experience in public interest architecture. He specializes in K-12 education, public safety, and municipal facilities, emphasizing collaborative design processes that engage stakeholders to create community-focused spaces.
Harry J. Pettoni
Principal
Harry Pettoni focuses on educational facility planning and business development with REFP certification from CEFPI. He brings 30+ years of experience in sustainable design and strategic planning, actively contributing to educational facility improvements across the Mid-Atlantic region.
Thomas E. Forsberg
Principal
Thomas Forsberg leads structural engineering efforts with expertise in concrete, steel, and masonry structures. He specializes in forensic investigations and masonry restoration, maintaining professional licensure and contributing technical knowledge to complex institutional projects across Pennsylvania.
Charlotte A. Stoudt
Director of Interior Design
Charlotte Stoudt directs interior design initiatives with 25+ years of experience in commercial and educational spaces. As a LEED-certified professional, she integrates sustainable materials and technologies while focusing on user-centered design solutions that enhance learning and working environments.
Jennifer Grafton
K-12 Market Segment Leader
Jennifer Grafton leads K-12 educational facility design with over 25 years of experience in school planning. She focuses on creating next-generation learning environments that support student achievement and community engagement through innovative spatial solutions.
Questions
What types of projects does SCHRADERGROUP specialize in?
We specialize in academic facilities (K-12 and higher education), public safety buildings (fire stations, police departments), mission-critical infrastructure, and athletic facilities across Pennsylvania and neighboring states.
How does the merger with Hord Coplan Macht benefit clients?
The merger expands our national reach, adds mission-critical and public safety expertise, and provides access to broader resources while maintaining our local design approach and client service focus.
What is your approach to community engagement in design?
We use consensus-based planning with stakeholder workshops, public brainstorming sessions, and information meetings to ensure designs reflect community needs and user requirements.
Do you offer sustainable design services?
Yes, our LEED-certified professionals integrate sustainable materials, energy-efficient systems, and environmentally responsible practices into all project phases for educational and public facilities.
What geographic areas do you serve?
We operate from offices in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Lancaster, and State College, Pennsylvania, serving clients statewide and through our national partnership with Hord Coplan Macht.
How do you handle complex institutional projects?
Our team combines technical expertise with stakeholder collaboration, using BIM technology and construction management services to deliver complex educational and public safety facilities on time and within budget.
