[ ABOVE: Scott Powell, principal and vice president, Craig Gaulden Davis. ]
An award winning architect and vice president at Craig Gaulden Davis, Scott Powell volunteers his professional expertise to help meet children’s educational needs. He previously served as president of the Greenville chapter of the American Institute of Architects and currently serves as president of the South Carolina Chapter of the Council of Educational Facilities Planners International. Powell is also one of only two architects who serve on the planning committee for the South Carolina facilities department for the State Board of Education. He has been with CGD for 21 years.
Why did you become an architect?
Well, I really enjoyed art and math, and my teachers kept telling me I should become an architect. I didn’t know any architects, but I watched “The Brady Bunch,” and he was an architect, and he had a really nice house, a maid and a great family, so I thought, “Hey, I’ll do this.” [laughs] Little did I know it wasn’t quite like that. I never really considered anything else.
What do you like the most about your job?
The good thing about architecture is even though it’s hard, for someone who’s creative it does allow you an outlet, and you’re always doing something different. I would have a hard time sitting in a cubicle doing the same thing every day. Every day is a different experience.
Even though I’ve done some churches and office buildings, I tend to focus mostly on schools and parks and recreation. It’s fun to see kids and their reactions to the spaces. And to get to sketch an idea and draw it and get to see it come to life – that’s the most rewarding part.
You are very involved in education. Is there anything you would change in the school system or an issue you are passionate about?
I think people don’t really appreciate how we are affected by our environment and that spaces can inspire children to learn. Instead of focusing on cost or maintenance or what’s easiest to clean, think, “What is best for the child?” Children learn best from naturally lit environments, so it’s important in design to have as many windows as possible.
Ideally, classrooms should be designed to how the teachers teach and how the children learn. Teachers who teach in a team environment could have open walls and spaces. Project-based learning really requires a different classroom setup where kids can work in small groups.
Also, hard surfaces might not be best. Studies have found that children can’t learn as well because of all of the background noise, and carpets may be a better option.
What is your favorite project that you’ve done and why?
That’s like picking your favorite child. One of my favorites is the A.J. Whittenburg School. It’s just a unique program and we got to work early on with the superintendent and really designed the building to be a learning tool.
There are several features of the building that allow the children to learn. Photo panels and a green roof to learn about stormwater management. There was also the community aspect by bringing people in.
What current projects are you working on?
I’m currently working on some schools in Anderson Districts 1 and 2, renovations at Westside High School and some schools in Berkeley and Charleston counties. I’m also doing a Starbucks at the library at Lander University and some renovations at Legacy Charter School. There’s a lot of stuff going on right now.
What are your future plans or goals?
My youngest child graduates in a year and a half, and I’ve been asking myself that question quite a bit lately. I can see myself pursuing local politics in the future.
