Independence High School in San Jose needed a welcoming new administration office after changing the main entrance from one side of the campus to the other.  Two existing 1970’s era classroom buildings, one of which had suffered fire damage, required a complete modernization to accommodate the new program.

While adhering to a difficult construction schedule, CAW provided a sophisticated design for new administration, counseling, tutoring, and health clinic space.  The modernization opened up the volume of the existing buildings with exposed high wood ceilings, polished concrete floors, and contemporary open-office layouts, improving staff communication and collaboration while bringing an updated look to the interiors.  The new tutoring center has become a hotspot of student activity on campus, giving students a place to gather, study, and learn together.

CAW’s modernization brought out the best qualities of the existing buildings while bring them fully up to code and creating an exciting place for students and staff to work.  The project addressed the needs of the school district, administration staff, teaching staff, and students, while achieving the goal of providing inspiring support space for 21st-century teaching and learning.