Advice from an architect: PLAN FOR THE FUTURE

It’s common for building construction to take two years, from the initial planning phase to project completion.

You don’t want to find yourself in the all-too-common situation of having outgrown your facility before it is finished construction.

A few pieces of advice:

There’s no such thing as “too much storage”

Storage is needed in classrooms for teachers to have easy access. Lockable storage is needed for personal belonging and cleaning supplies that should stay out of children’s reach.

Car seat storage should be located near the entry and check-in areas. You get the idea.

Scale everything for children

To encourage independence and acceptance, everything within the youth wing should be scaled to a child’s size.

At the check-in area, a portion of the counter should be low enough that a child can see over it to the adult greeting them.

In the corridors, include creative room signage at child height. Within the classroom, tables, chairs, window sills, sinks and restroom equipment should be child-sized.

Create a consistent church brand

Your church has a brand, whether you’re being strategic about it or not. Your “brand” is what you represent and how you’re connecting to your community.

So, be consistent throughout the youth spaces, and include them in your overall brand. Having a minimalistic church with a Disney-like youth area will send a mixed message, and vice versa.