From July 25-26 2012, Paul Bunton exhibited on behalf of his firm BCA Architects at the annual Small School District Association’s new superintendent’s symposium. Paul Bunton used the opportunity to share the advantages of successful master plans. Paul Bunton also advised attendees on the various ways master plans assist school districts in how to receive project funding.

“Ultimately, the goal is to establish an environment in which the students can achieve and the community can share in that success,” commented Paul Bunton, AIA, president of BCA Architects.

Paul Bunton and BCA were among 70 school districts and private businesses at the symposium. The SSDA is a resource for small school district governing boards and superintendants. They provide legislative advocacy, professional development, and support services. In California, more than 75 percent of the school districts are small. Visit http://www.bcaarchitects.com to learn more.

San Jose, Calif.-BCA Architects has begun schematic design work on a new 95 unit Assisted Living project in San Jose, CA.  The new 4-story facility is being designed on a site within one block of Valley Medical Center and will provide an outstanding living environment for residents in need of moderate assistance in their daily lives.  Common amenities will include many social gathering spaces such as a theater, physical fitness facility, a live entertainment venue, and outdoor gardens for the residents of the housing complex allowing them to live fulfilled lives amongst other residents in a supporting and stimulating environment.  Paul Bunton, President of BCA Architects stated that “BCA’s design of this Assisted Living development is exciting, and goes beyond the traditional and historic approaches to these types of facilities.  I believe that the current generation of residents entering their senior years want more than what is presently available in the marketplace.  This generation is more active than past generations, and has different interests that need to be captured and expressed in their living environment“.

Mendota, CA – Citing ongoing state budget cuts and the need to relieve overcrowding of their schools, Mendota Unified School District Board members have unanimously agreed to place a $19 million facilities improvement bond measure on the November ballot. The Long Range Facilities Master Plan prepared by BCA Architects identifies the need for a third school along with a series of other facilities goals to accommodate the current and projected growth in this central valley community.

The district’s short term goals are to relieve overcrowding in their elementary schools through the construction of a new 800-student elementary school (Cost – $25 million).  In addition, the Master Plan calls for the modernization of their two existing elementary schools ($18.8 million) to align with the 21st Century Learning Environment standards.  Additionally, a new building at the district’s high school is planned for 2017 (Cost – $4.5 million).  The District is also budgeting for “technology refresh” and deferred maintenance funds to ensure their school facilities continue to support their outstanding teachers well into the 21st Century.

Long term, the Master Plan calls for the construction of a fourth elementary school along with modernization and expansion of their district’s high school and junior high school.  The Master Plan also identifies joint use opportunities with the City of Mendota for a new Performing Arts Center and an Aquatics Center at the High School.

Through a series of well thought out construction phases, the forward looking plan calls for the construction of the new elementary school by 2014 followed by the modernization of their existing elementary schools in 2015 and 2016.  The plan also calls for applications to the State Allocation Board for matching State funds for growth and modernization funds ($24 million) as well as developer fees from pending residential growth in this central valley community ($7.5 million).

Superintendent of Schools Mike Crass, said, “We are fortunate in the Mendota Unified School District to have a forward thinking Board of Education that have the incredible foresight to invest in the learning environments of their students which clearly demonstrates their commitment to their students and community.  It also shows their full understanding that excellent facilities can greatly assist the teaching staff to increase the academic achievement of their students.”

At the same Board meeting, the Mendota Unified School District Board of Trustees unanimously voted to select BCA Architects to implement all of their identified Short Term objectives including the design of the District’s third elementary school and modernization of its two existing elementary schools.

District Board President Jose Zavala said “We are excited about implementing this outstanding Master Plan for our district and community.  Our schools are the hub of our city and it is important to us that we provide the very best learning environment for our students and teachers – the need is there, and they deserve the best.”

BCA Architects partners with clients on a mission to achieve excellence in design. Since 1989, BCA strives to strengthen communities through projects to: design facilities, help define partnerships, locate financing, and save energy or present alternate delivery methods. BCA goes above and beyond the task at hand to ensure their clients succeed. http://www.bcaarchitects.com

San Jose, Calif. – Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal, a leading regional business weekly listed BCA Architects among its top 25 architecture firms in the Silicon Valley and San Jose business community in 2012. BCA Architects ranked number 10 on the list this year, marking the fourth consecutive year the firm has been recognized by the business publication which focuses on news and key trends in various industries, including real estate, engineering, architecture, construction, technology, and retail.

“We are very proud that as with previous years BCA Architects is on the list of top architecture firms in the region because they really are among the best firms we have worked with,” said Ron Galatolo, Chancellor of San Mateo County Community College District. “They consistently provide first-rate service; create designs that are visionary; and deliver innovation to their clients that help transform communities.”

Since 1981, Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal has identified and ranked the top architecture firms in the region according to revenue and data for the previous fiscal year. This year’s top architecture firms list will be added into the publication’s Book of Lists which ranks the most dynamic companies in the area across various fields.

“We are thrilled to be ranked so highly by such a reputable media source. Our headquarters strength in San Jose reflects the strength all of our offices in California,” said Paul Bunton, AIA, president of BCA Architects. “Our clients can depend on consistently receiving the highest quality of design work from us regardless of the requirements, the economy or other challenges,” Bunton added.

BCA Architects partners with clients on a mission to achieve excellence in design. Since 1989, BCA strives to strengthen communities through projects to: design facilities, help define partnerships, locate financing, and save energy or present alternate delivery methods. BCA goes above and beyond the task at hand to ensure their clients succeed. Visit:  www.bcaarchitects.com.

Merced, Calif.-After a widespread architectural selection process across Central Valley, BCA Architects was one of two firms selected by the Weaver School District to lead the implementation of the district’s long range facilities master plan. The initial projects will consist of a new 800-student elementary school and the modernization of their existing schools. Paul Bunton, AIA, President of BCA Architects stated that “I am thrilled the Weaver School District selected us. We are excited to share our over 23 years of award-winning educational design experience with this great community.”