The Barrington School Committee voted unanimously to enter contract negotiations with Tecton Architects to spearhead the district’s ongoing construction design work.

The Committee voted 5-0 during its meeting on Thursday night, June 22, based on the recommendation of the Barrington School Building Committee. 

Tecton stood out with its community engagement efforts, said Committee member TJ Peck during Thursday night’s meeting. 

District officials also praised Tecton’s ability to design educational spaces that “inspire learning” and the firm’s “varied experience creating building design plans that include renovation, rehabilitation, and replacement of old buildings.”

The Barrington School Building Committee had earlier narrowed down the list of possible firms to Tecton and SLAM Collaborative.

Tecton has offices in Hartford, Conn. and Westerly. According to a press release from the district, Tecton has provided architectural design services to many school districts across southern New England.

According to its website, the firm has 44 years of experience in the industry, is licensed in nine states, employs a staff of more than 50 people and has designed numerous public schools. 

“We are a passionate collection of architects, interior designers and professional staff, driven by a shared commitment to improving the built environment and cultivating a progressive work environment,” stated the Tecton site.

The Barrington School District issued a press release on Friday morning announcing the decision to hire Tecton. 

“The firm has previously supported districts with developing inclusive plans for dynamic buildings that meet the physical, social, and emotional learning needs of twenty-first century students,” stated the release.

“As the architectural firm supporting BPS (Barrington Public Schools) and the Barrington School Building Committee during preparation of its Stage II Necessity of School Construction application for the Rhode Island Department of Education, Tecton will perform key design services for BPS including developing a school construction plan that provides Barrington students and educators with safe, equitable, and enriching environments for learning and teaching.”

The district has already hired Downes Construction to serve as its owners project manager on the upcoming construction work.