Build together
Explore Best Spaces Certified projects
Image of the design process for Norman-Sims Elementary provided by Kirksey Architecture. Best Spaces Certified in 2025.
Arkansas School for the Deaf and Blind
Image courtesy of Mackey Mitchell Architects.
Currently under design by Mackey Mitchell Architects in partnership with the school community and SCM Architects, the 90,000 SF facility in Little Rock will bring together students from the Arkansas School for the Deaf and the Arkansas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. One of the project's core challenges—and opportunities—is designing a single, unified space that intentionally and thoughtfully supports Deaf and Blind students from Pre-K through 12th grade.
To date, the design team has conducted engagement activities with over 250 students, families, teachers, and administrators to ensure real-world insights shape every aspect of the school's design. The project is currently pursuing Best Spaces Design Certification.
Architect
Mackey Mitchell Architects
Best Spaces Experience Certified
Pending
Client
Mackey Mitchell Architects
Best Spaces Design Certified
2025
Norman-Sims Elementary
Norman-Sims Elementary is the first project to be both Best Spaces Design and Best Spaces Experience Certified. The project was a school modernization and consolidation effort aimed at bringing a quality 21st-century learning environment to East Austin, Texas. Faculty, administrators, and students were involved in the design process. The student body of Norman-Sims is comprised of 38.2% Black students, 49.1% Latinx students, 4% Asian students, and 3.6% mixed-race students; 94.9% are economically disadvantaged and 33.8% are English language learners. Norman-Sims was completed for first occupancy in January 2021.
Architect
Kirksey Architecture x
Best Spaces Experience Certified
2025
Client
Austin Independent School District
Best Spaces Design Certified
2025
The Memorial at Harvey Milk Plaza
The Memorial at Harvey Milk Plaza is the first-ever project to receive a Best Spaces Design Certification. The project aims to renovate the existing Harvey Milk transit stop in the San Francisco Castro neighborhood. The effort was spearheaded by the LGBTQIA+ community and the Friends of Harvey Milk Plaza to honor Harvey Milk, the city’s first openly gay elected official, and to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community. The memorial is currently under design; the project is slated to pursue Best Spaces Experience Certification post-construction.
Architect
SWA Group xxxxxxxxxxx
Best Spaces Experience Certified
Pending
Client
The Friends of Harvey Milk Plaza
Best Spaces Design Certified
2024
