Skip To Main Content

Sixth Graders Showcase Architectural Design Skills

four students and two architects

On April 10, sixth-grade GATE students at Eden Hall Upper Elementary School made their final presentations as part of the 11th annual Architectural Apprenticeship program.

In this year’s project, students were tasked with honoring the history of Eden Hall Farms while creating a new, modern community space. Students worked under the direction of a mentor architect and client while creating plans for sustainable buildings.

Students in group one were assigned to work with Ms. Angelica Bondy, artistic director of The Seedbox Theatre Company. They worked under the guidance of Mr. Rob Zoelle, architect with PWCampbell. They were asked to create a community theater space on the Eden Hall campus. Students were thoughtful about seating design, relaxation spaces and even merch areas.

Students in group two were assigned to work with Mr. Derek Eshbaugh, STEAM coordinator of ProtoStars, Inc., and retired Eden Hall teacher. Students were mentored by Mr. Thomas Wippenbeck, architect, SCHRADERGROUP, as they created a futuristic STEAM learning space. Students planned spaces for robotics, collaboration and outdoor engagement.

three boys stand in front of a white board

A third group of students worked with Mrs. Janice Bagnato, environmental educational coordinator for Green Co., and retired Eden Hall teacher. They worked under the mentorship of Grant Heinauer, president of construction at Barrington Homes. The environmental center is intended to be a place where people of all ages can come together and learn about nature and sustainable structures, experience nature with a hands-on approach, and learn to love the environment.

The project spanned the 2025-2026 school year, and throughout, students worked under the supervision of Mrs. Sovek, Mrs. Kopach and Mrs. Wincko. Students were asked to follow the design process of an architect: bubble diagrams, scale drawings, ¼” scale blueprint, section drawings, elevations and concept statements as they performed their job roles as LEED architect, project manager, landscape architect, interior designer, and historical preservationist. The final presentation consisted of ideas, drawings and models using TinkerCAD, a 3D digital design platform. Students had frequent check-in meetings with clients and architects to meet the expectations of the project.

Students were recognized for best designs, most sustainable, best presentations and other accolades at the end of each set of presentations.

Congratulations to all students who participated in the project!

Seedbox Theater Company

Two adults and three boys
  • Sustainable Architecture Co.—Braya, Sydney, and Emily
  • Architecture Innovators—Owen, Isaac, and Adam
  • Systematic Architecture—Molly and Mackenzie
  • Evergreen Associates—Allen, Ashmi, and Sophia
  • Turbo Design Architecture—Braedyn, Joey, and James
  • Evolve Design Company—Addy, Lily, Olivia, and Mirabel

ProtoStars, Inc.

  • Infinitect Architectural Firm—Eric, Rocco, Sid, and Toby
  • Eden Hall Architect Firm—Henry, Owen, and Will
  • United Architect Co.—Tyler, Caroline, and Charlotte
  • Flash Forge Architecture—Sameer and Dylan
  • The Modern Arc—Max, Ayaan, and Andrew

Earthkeepers’ Learning

  • Green Habitat Architects—Eva, Maya, and Karrington
  • Steel City Architecture—Mike, Greyson, and Nate
  • Cozyhomes.co—Ziggy, Nathaniel, and Robert
  • Prime Architecture—Arry, Hans, and Anderson