Facility and Campus Solutions for K-12 and Higher Education

Our work touches every aspect of education, from a child’s very first classroom to progressive university-level research facilities.

In the context of the overall environment, we consider the purpose of the project to design functional spaces that spark ideas and inspire learning while maintaining your budget. From campus design to new buildings and from renovations and expansions to capital improvements, we provide integrated solutions for projects of every size.

Creating Spaces for the Next Generation

For over 50 years, GFT has delivered planning, design, construction management, and program management solutions for education facilities of every scale, from early learning and STEM labs to athletics and dining.

Early Learning & K-12

From flexible early-childhood classrooms to modernized science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) labs and community-centered campuses, we design spaces that enhance learning and long-term building performance. Early learning centers and K–12 schools face unique scheduling, programming, and budget pressures as they work to support the needs of today’s learners. At GFT, we help school systems make the most of limited capital dollars while delivering safe, healthy, and engaging environments for students at every age.

Vibrant early-learning classroom featuring small tables, wooden cubbies, blue seating, and colorful flooring.

Laboratory with two researchers wearing protective suits working at benches with scientific equipment.

Higher Education

Modern, well-designed campus facilities play a critical role in attracting students and supporting a vibrant academic experience. Colleges and universities face constant pressure to evolve — introducing new programs, integrating emerging technologies, and meeting ambitious sustainability goals. At GFT, we partner with institutions to create flexible, future-ready learning environments that strengthen campus life, enhance safety, and reduce long-term operating costs. Our integrated design approach and deep expertise in higher education help institutions renovate, replace, or build new facilities with confidence. With more than 80 higher education partners, we deliver spaces that advance academic missions and support student success.

“With GFT’s effective management, the extended project team was able to think outside the box and create a solution that would meet the weight, material availability, and construction schedule restraints. GFT was diligent and responsive, engaging all stakeholders involved in procuring the necessary city permits and sign-offs under a tight schedule. Through their professionalism, effective communication, and overall teamwork, GFT was able to complete this complex project, allowing the SCA to achieve its 2022/2023 school year goal for the 3K openings.”

Gordon Tung, PE
Vice President, Construction Management
New York City School Construction Authority

Featured Projects

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A renovated indoor pool with eight repaired structural steel columns.

Emergency Structural Repairs Restore X425 Bronx School Pool

Bronx, NY

Waterfront view of a domed building set along the shoreline with a city skyline in the background.

Adler Doane Observatory Renovation

Chicago, Ill.

Interactive cosmology gallery at Adler Planetarium with digital screens, exhibit stations, and low-light immersive design.

Adler Planetarium Cosmology Gallery Exhibit Design

Chicago, Ill.

Rendering of an evening view of the American Magic Center showcasing illuminated façade, iconic signage, and waterfront setting.

American Magic High Performance Center

Pensacola, Fl.

Exterior of the Marshall University flight school building with large windows, a parking lot out front, and cloudy skies above.

Marshall University – New Flight School at Yeager Airport

Charleston, W. Va.

A bright library with yellow walls, wood floors, star tables, blue chairs, colorful books, and big windows for young readers.

St. Francis Xavier School Lease Conversion

Brooklyn, N.Y.

A sidewalk view of the 3K Center at Flatbush Avenue preschool exterior.

Brooklyn 3K Center at Flatbush Avenue School Renovation

Brooklyn, N.Y.

The Penn State University Athletic Administration Building's trophy room is filled with multiple trophy displays, including shelves of awards and a "We Are Penn State" sign.

Penn State University Athletic Administration Building Design

University Park, Pa.

Lab equipment in Penn State University’s Ancient DNA Research Laboratory.

Penn State Ancient DNA Biomolecules Research Laboratory

University Park, Pa.

School entrance featuring a stone-clad tower, glazed stair enclosure, and The Chris Galas School signage.

P.S. 47Q Chris Galas School Modernization and Expansion

Queens, NY

Anna Pratt Elementary School classroom with bright overhead lights and windows. Desks sit on the shiny floors that have green, white, and blue tiles.

Philadelphia’s Anna B. Pratt Elementary School Renovation

Philadelphia, Pa.

Five shooting bays facing a bullet trap in a range with black armored walls and a white concrete floor.

Penn State University Wagner Indoor Shooting Range Design

University Park, Pa.

Employee Spotlight

Career Opportunities

Employee Spotlight

Mandar Manjarekar, PE, PMP

Man smiling on a snowy ski slope while wearing ski gear and holding poles during a winter outing.

Employee Spotlight

Francisco Lasta, OTR/L, Assoc. AIA

Employee Spotlight

Farzana Anika

A woman wearing a hat and black polka dot sweater, standing by a fountain, framed by a manicured garden.

Employee Spotlight

Kevin Chafin, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP B D+C, F.SAME

Kevin standing between the American flag and the presidential flag inside the White House, smiling in front of a wooden door beneath the Seal of the President of the United States.

Featured News & INSIGHTS

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Post

How Occupational Therapy Shapes Human-Centered Design in Architecture

A spacious airport terminal with wide corridors, bright white finishes, daylight streaming through clerestory windows, and people walking in the open area.

Post

Architecture Career Insights: Perspectives from Practicing Architects

Person walking down a bright office hallway with glass walls, meeting area, and shelving in a modern workspace.

Webcast

UPCOMING 9/24: Beyond Hollywood: The Reality of Modern Fire Protection

Silhouette of firefighter in raging flames.

Webcast

The Off-Site Advantage: Redefining How We Build

A crane lifting a prefabricated concrete wall panel at a construction site, highlighting modern building techniques and technology.

News

GFT Advances National Standing as a Leader in Architecture & Integrated Design

Expanded Terminal 5 at O’Hare International Airport during sunset, with parked aircraft, ground vehicles, a control tower, and a colorful sky.

News

Gannett Fleming TranSystems Changes Name to GFT and Appoints Mike Orth as Chief Executive Officer

Leadership Team

Huzefa Irfani, AIA

Director of Architecture

Meet Huzefa

Joe Snyder, PE

Director of Mechanical Practice, Buildings & Places

Meet Joe

Sharon Berger, DBIA, CCM, ENV SP

Vice President, Construction Services

Email Sharon

Markets & Core Services

Discover how we bring complex projects to life across various markets.

Complementary Solutions

Explore value-added solutions to complete your entire project lifecycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of educational facilities does GFT specialize in?
We support early learning, K–12, and higher-education projects, from classrooms and STEM labs to athletic facilities, utility plants, libraries, and campus expansions. Our multidisciplinary team delivers solutions for both small upgrades and large capital programs.
How does GFT help schools and campuses modernize facilities while staying within tight budgets?
We align design decisions with long-term goals, prioritize high-impact upgrades, and phase work strategically. Our team helps clients maximize limited capital dollars while improving safety, sustainability, and overall learning environments.
How does GFT make sure the design supports how students learn today?
Our human-centered design approach considers the needs of all learners. We work closely with school leaders and other stakeholders to understand their pedagogical goals to create flexible, modern spaces that adapt to changing classroom needs.

Can GFT complete construction or renovations while facilities remain operational?
Yes. We plan around school schedules, use phased construction, and coordinate closely with administrators to maintain safe access and minimize disruptions during the school day.
Does GFT have experience with emergency response and on-call construction management?
Yes. Our teams have extensive experience providing emergency response construction services to help address urgent, time-sensitive facility needs. We are equipped to mobilize quickly, assess conditions, coordinate stakeholders, and manage repairs or expedited construction efforts that restore safety and functionality with minimal disruption. Take a look at an example of a program we support in New York City.