January 2026
Spaces Designed for Learning
From the first day of school to graduation day, DBVW Architects believes that thoughtful design shapes far more than the buildings in which learning takes place — design also influences the daily experiences, aspirations, and long-term success of students, faculty, and administrators alike. We view educational environments as powerful tools that can foster curiosity, collaboration, and a lasting sense of community. With decades of experience designing educational facilities across Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut, DBVW has partnered with institutions to create transformative spaces that support evolving pedagogies, reflect institutional values, and advance academic missions. For more than 25 years, we have collaborated closely with a broad range of academic clients, developing a deep understanding of the needs of end users at every level. Our work focuses on modernizing learning environments while respecting context, function, and identity — bringing campuses thoughtfully and purposefully into the 21st century. The following projects highlight a selection of DBVW’s recent educational work:
A New Look For Westerly Elementary Schools
In October, the Town of Westerly celebrated the completion of additions and renovations at both Dunn’s Corner and Springbrook Elementary Schools with a ribbon cutting ceremony. DBVW worked closely with the Town and Westerly Public Schools to design interior upgrades with updated finishes and paint, new project labs supporting collaborative learning and STEAM, playground improvements, and upgraded fire protection. Improvements at Dunn’s Corner Elementary School also included a new cafeteria and kitchen addition, along with improved site circulation for parent and bus drop-off, while Springbrook Elementary School received an expanded media center and new small group learning spaces.
Renovating Vanderbilt Hall at Yale University
Located on Yale University’s historic Old Campus and constructed in 1894, Vanderbilt Hall is a five-story brownstone dormitory distinguished by a central tower flanked by two symmetrical wings. DBVW recently completed an overall renovation that included interior upgrades to enhance the residential suites, as well as improvements to the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. On the exterior, the historic brownstone façade was carefully restored and complemented by a new roofing system at the tower.
Breaking Ground For Middletown Schools
Following initial work with Middletown Public Schools in 2021, DBVW Architects partnered with HMFH Architects in 2022 for a project to create a new middle/high school for approximately 1,100 students in Grades 6-12. The new facility is 214,000 square feet and will be located at the existing middle school campus along with the existing district athletic complex. The new school will include specialized spaces for career and technical education, and a combined auditorium and gymnasium. Work also includes renovating the existing high school building to accommodate two elementary schools, the existing learning academy, and district administration offices.
Additional phased work in the existing high school over three summers includes ADA and code improvements, MEP upgrades, restroom renovations, a new nurse’s suite, and a new fire suppression system throughout. Improvements to educational spaces include creating two new learning commons.
Building the Papitto Pavilion at Salve Regina University
DBVW Architects was asked by Salve Regina University to design a flexible new space to accommodate lectures, gatherings, and campus events. Located in a former sunken garden to the south of Wakehurst Mansion (now Gerety Hall), the Papitto Pavilion is a new building designed to suggest a garden pavilion nestled into the landscape. The building features multiple arched window and door openings, a hipped metal roof, and a bracketed cornice reminiscent of greenhouse architecture. New gardens will surround and embrace the building to further strengthen the feeling of a garden pavilion. Support spaces are located in a simple, flat-roofed section of the building that is tucked into the hillside on the west.
