Projects
LACCD LAPC Child Development Academic Facility
Project Info
LOCATION
Los Angeles, California
STATUS
Completed in 2025
SIZE
14,000 SQ. FT.
ROLE
Architect
MARKET
Higher Education
EXPERTISE
Architecture
Envisioned as a forward-thinking academic environment
The LACCD LAPC Child Development Academic Facility (CDAF) is a landmark design-build project delivered for Los Angeles Pierce College in collaboration with Suffolk Construction and joint venture partner Hawkins Brown. Envisioned as a forward-thinking academic environment, the project redefines early childhood education facilities within the campus fabric.
The ground-up development includes three one-story academic buildings totaling approximately 14,000 square feet, unified by a distinctive canopy system and supported by over 56,000 square feet of landscaped outdoor learning environments. The facility accommodates five classrooms, administrative offices, two multi-user restrooms, and one gender-inclusive restroom, all carefully integrated with nature-based learning areas that extend instruction beyond the classroom walls.
One of the project’s central challenges was reconciling the distinct functional priorities of LACCD and Pierce College stakeholders. Through extensive programming workshops, design charrettes, and iterative visual studies—including narrative diagrams and 3D renderings—the team consolidated a shared vision that balanced pedagogical goals, operational feasibility, and campus standards.
Sustainability was embedded throughout the design process. Originally targeting LEED Silver and Net Zero Energy benchmarks, the completed facility achieved LEED Gold certification. Sustainable strategies include photovoltaic integration, natural ventilation corridors, daylight-optimized classroom orientations, low-water-use landscaping, and energy-efficient building systems—all carefully integrated within the district’s architectural language of clay tile roofing, stucco walls, and terracotta palettes.
RACAIA led full architectural services from programming and schematic design through construction documentation, DSA coordination, and construction administration. The project successfully navigated pandemic-era cost volatility through collaborative value engineering while preserving core design intent. Construction was completed six weeks ahead of schedule, and DSA closeout was efficiently achieved.
The LAPC Child Development Academic Facility exemplifies RACAIA’s expertise in educational design, sustainability leadership, multi-agency coordination, and design-build delivery—resulting in a resilient, student-centered campus environment that sets a new precedent for early learning facilities.
Check out our construction photos:
