Education

SHAC has over 25 years experience in Specialist Education Design. We are one of the leading architects in this field in NSW. A big call, but one backed up by our completed work and educational environmental research.

This is a movement, a new paradigm, and SHAC is helping to define and shape it.

Educational architecture is a privileged discipline and at SHAC our team of collaborative architects, interior designers and project managers take a thorough, holistic approach to teaching and learning spaces. 

 

"To all the team, well done and congratulations. What an achievement! I know the entire team would be celebrating this achievement and also know that the success is very much a team approach. The layout of the SHAC office articulates this team approach. You are very deserving of the award. As an educator I am well aware of the team’s deep understanding of what is required in contemporary teaching spaces and this architectural award speaks volumes about the qualities of yourself and your team."

John Tobin
Project Officer School Improvement, Catholic Schools Office
Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle

 

"The entire team that SHAC have engaged to work on this project have been committed and conscious of all the pressures and risks, along with a good understanding of the project brief. We have found SHAC to be extremely proactive in seeking and proposing issue resolution strategies at this early concept stage. Many times going above and beyond the brief to fully test all options that may assist the client in obtaining the best possible result. I also would like to note that I appreciate that they have been available at any time I have requested their time to consult on specific issues."

Ben Makaroff 
Senior Project Manager, Principle Project Manager - TAFE NSW Project


"I have been absolutely delighted by my dealings with SHAC. Unbelievably creative, professional and personable. At all times they listened to what we asked of them and worked towards an optimal solution. They take enormous pride in their work and desire an excellent outcome. I have been particularly impressed with my interactions with Justin Hamilton and Elizabeth Brown. I believe that we have obtained a building which is both innovative and excellent."

Tim Petterson 
Former Principal, St Philip's Christian College - Port Stephens 


Our framework is efficient, flexible and adaptable architecture provided through an open collaborative discourse with school communities. This opens up the opportunity for technology, innovation, sustainability and future proofing to be incorporated into education facilities with an affordable and financially sound approach. 

 
SHAC practices collaborative, team based design, harnessing the strength of our individuals in a dynamic team environment to offer our schools a honed methodology and fresh thinking.
 


 

Education

SHAC has delivered over 250 Education Centres throughout the Hunter and NSW. Our proud client relationships include:

  • NSW Department of Education, SINSW
  • St Philip's Christian Colleges across 7 campuses
  • The Catholic Schools Office Maitland-Newcastle across 10 campuses
  • The Anglican Diocese across 3 campuses
  • Hunter Christian School
  • Newcastle Grammar School 
  • TAFE NSW 
  • The University of Newcastle 
  • Hunter Wetlands Education Centre 
The SHAC process begins with a school masterplan. Each masterplan is unique and is guided by our 10 point plan framework. This planning framework starts with a detailed briefing process including your functional, emotional, spiritual and aesthetic brief. It also seeks to connect with Country and Community to guide the school to reach its vision by carefully planning, provoking and testing strategies. We include physical components such as buildings, property, parking, pedestrian networks and playing spaces. We focus on the educational rationale and pedagogical principles of the school. We also consider the infrastructure, including energy, waste management, life cycle costs and affordable staging opportunities, as well as value-adds such as cafes, childcare and commercial opportunities. 
 
SHAC has the specialist skills to assist schools to apply for funding grants with successful experience in Block Grant applications, Independent Schools applications, and Schools Own Building Fund Management. We also have positive relationships with urban and regional local councils, right through to Joint Planning Panels and State Significant Development Approval Process at NSW State Planning.

 

Education Education Education Education

Education Work

Schools Infrastructure NSW

A place where students, staff and the surrounding public are invited to find common unity, ‘community.’

St Patrick's Primary School - Stage One & Two

It was important for the project to build upon the regional character while simultaneously presenting a modern face to Catholic education.

Newcastle Grammar School Park Campus - Stage One Development

Designing flexible learning spaces that will create new learning opportunities and inspire students.

St Philip’s Christian College Waratah - Active Learning Centre

Designed to motivate and inspire students and staff to invest in the vision of their future healthy self.