Akiba Yavneh is one of the rare/unique opportunities that came upon us.  Approached as architect of record, we were asked to take over the lead designing role for the private Jewish academy shortly after schematic design phase started.  Planned as a renovation-addition project, we convinced the stake holders that a seven-building campus would be more appropriate for their long-term vision, and better embodying the ideals of Modernist Orthodox Judaism.   

The buildings house grades Pre-K through 12, each representing phases of academic transformation the students go through.  The design team’s goal was to provide a timeless campus environment fostering 550 students for high level of spiritual and academic learning.    

The 8.4-acre site consists of 114,000 sf of conditioned learning space, and a beautiful learning garden furnished with water feature, natural stone, and lush landscape.    

The campus / buildings are planned in sequence, anchored by the “Biet Mikrash (Holy House)” in the center, so that students are reminded daily that spirituality is the foundation of their wisdom.   The plan is also oriented towards Israel so that students are always facing that direction during worship.  The material selection of the campus took after color palette that are commonly found in Jerusalem.    

Working in conjunction with world-renowned Israeli artist David Moss, we have jointly created a world-class school where not only does everyone that attends have a voice, but also has a permanent part of his or herself on display throughout the entire tenure.  Murals, artifacts, and sculpture were carefully curated/incorporated throughout the campus during early design phases, holistically carrying out the Judaism faith ideals with the architecture.