Career and Technology Education Center

Located near Plano ISD’s Academy High School and Fine Arts Center, the site placement creates geographic equity while maximizing views and shared parking for all users. The one and two-story facility offers state of the art spaces and equipment for Advanced Manufacturing Technology and Robotics, Architectural Design, Carpentry, Construction Management and Inspection, Welding, Automotive Technology and Collision Repair, Accounting and Financial Services, Business Management, Entrepreneurship, Marketing and Sales, Graphic Design, Multimedia Arts, Digital Communications, Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, Cybersecurity, and Emergency Services. In addition to the lab spaces there will be general classrooms and collaboration spaces for instruction. Services to the public will be provided from the culinary kitchen and café, financial services from a bank, and the sale of district-wide merchandise through the school store.

The building’s exterior uses forms and materials that convey a professional aesthetic, fitting for the context and the programs within. Roofs with large overhangs provide cover for outdoor areas at the entries. All instructional spaces and double volume spaces are well lit with natural light from second floor clearstory windows, glass walls and translucent panels. Painted steel structure, masonry, metal panels and glass create a sophisticated look and feel that is also durable and long lasting.
The main entry opens to a spacious double-volume reception and lobby area, adjacent to a multipurpose gallery and dining space. A prominent staircase connects the first and second floor and showcases views into the labs and classrooms. This open concept promotes interaction and collaboration between students and staff across all programs. By placing education on display for all to see, and using natural light as key design elements, the facility supports the community’s goals for a sophisticated, real-life learning environment and collaboration for everyone who enters.