When called upon by Institutions of Higher Education, Highland Associates focuses on designing inspired buildings that exemplify the culture and prestige of the campus and its history. We understand that each institution is unique while bringing forward the latest in design solutions fully supporting leading edge trends in learning delivery, technology and research environments, student experience, health and wellness, and relationship to community. Highland Associates is fortunate to have worked with numerous institutions of private and public higher education clients. Our broad experience has included architecture, engineering and interior design services for minor renovations, building expansions, and health/life/safety improvements to adaptive reuse and new construction projects. Highland’s success is built upon our understanding that each institution possesses qualities that are unique and influenced by individual campus and regional communities. At Highland we pride ourselves of our ability to gather feedback from key stakeholders as an integral component to our design process.

Testimonials

“Highland Associates was involved at the very conceptual stages of what is now known as Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine.  When the idea of creating a regional medical college founded on a community-based, patient-centered, inter-professional and evidence-based model of education was first entertained, the founders turned to Highland Associates to carry out their vision. The Highland team designed an innovative, flexible and sustainable facility that serves our students, faculty and community members. Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine is proud of our integral role in the NEPA health sciences community as a hub for excellence in education, medical research and patient care.  We highly recommend Highland Associates as a professional and comprehensive architectural, engineering and interior design firm that understands the design process and how to deliver a dynamic and sophisticated learning environment that encourages collaboration and discovery.”

Steven J. Scheinman, MD, Former Dean
The Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, PA

“The Dominican Center project was the culmination of many years of effort associated with property acquisition coming full circle to the “Crown Jewel” of our campus. Working with a 1927 Neo-Gothic structure, the architectural character of the building was by nature challenging, however Highland Associates successfully delivered a 21st century, multifaceted living and learning environment. Through their depth of professional staff, and comprehensive experience in all areas of architectural and engineering design,  the existing conditions associated with the building’s age, historic architectural elements and previous life as a convent, were easily overcome. Highland Associates paid homage to the past with their creative and respectful reuse of historically significant architectural elements while simultaneously moving the campus community forward in accordance with Mount Saint Mary’s mission and vision. 

Throughout the project, the Highland team demonstrated their creativity in properly retaining and honoring the deep history of the building while being mindful of our project budget and expectations. Their team worked seamlessly with the Dominican Sisters of Newburg, faculty, staff, and students in creating a new Dominican Center - a place of pride and the most desired place to be.

I would highly recommend Highland Associates to any place of higher educational learning. Their knowledge in pedagogical and living trends across institutions of higher education made this project easily visioned and ultimately achieved.”

Maryann Pilon, Executive Director of Facilities and Liaison for Strategic Planning
Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh, NY