Columbia Elementary School

K-12

Location

Decatur, Georgia

Client

Dekalb County School District

SIZE

19,400 SF

Year

2002

Columbia Elementary School includes a two-story classroom addition designed to respond to site constraints while supporting expanded educational programming and improved campus circulation. The design addresses a significant grade change across the site through the strategic use of retaining walls and stair connections, allowing for safer and more efficient bus queuing and student drop-off areas while minimizing disruption to existing play spaces. Academic program elements include specialized instructional environments such as music, science, and art labs that enhance opportunities for hands-on learning and creative engagement. A separate gymnasium structure is connected to the existing school through covered walkways and a bridge, allowing students and faculty to move safely between buildings while maintaining protection from weather conditions. The architectural approach balances functional requirements with durable materials and efficient spatial organization that supports long-term use. Through thoughtful site planning and integration with the existing campus, the project improves accessibility, enhances program capacity, and strengthens the overall learning environment for students and faculty.

Atlanta

GEORGIA

The Goode Building
409 John Wesley Dobbs Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30312

Phone: 404-523-5525
Email: information@gvsa.com

Greensboro

NORTH CAROLINA

6905 Downwind Road Suite K
Greensboro, NC 27409

Phone: 336-645-8810
Email: information@gvsa.com

Raleigh

NORTH CAROLINA

150 Fayetteville Street, Suite 300
Raleigh, NC 27601

Phone: 919-670-5590
Email: information@gvsa.com

Austin

TEXAS

2025 Guadalupe Street, Suite 260
Austin, TX 78705

Email: information@gvsa.com

GVSA

© 2026 GVSA All rights reserved.

Atlanta

GEORGIA

The Goode Building
409 John Wesley Dobbs Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30312

Phone: 404-523-5525
Email: information@gvsa.com

Greensboro

NORTH CAROLINA

6905 Downwind Road Suite K
Greensboro, NC 27409

Phone: 336-645-8810
Email: information@gvsa.com

Raleigh

NORTH CAROLINA

150 Fayetteville Street, Suite 300
Raleigh, NC 27601

Phone: 919-670-5590
Email: information@gvsa.com

Austin

TEXAS

2025 Guadalupe Street, Suite 260
Austin, TX 78705

Email: information@gvsa.com

GVSA

© 2026 GVSA All rights reserved.

Atlanta

GEORGIA

The Goode Building
409 John Wesley Dobbs Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30312

Phone: 404-523-5525
Email: information@gvsa.com

Raleigh

NORTH CAROLINA

150 Fayetteville Street, Suite 300
Raleigh, NC 27601

Phone: 919-670-5590
Email: information@gvsa.com

Greensboro

NORTH CAROLINA

6905 Downwind Road Suite K
Greensboro, NC 27409

Phone: 336-645-8810
Email: information@gvsa.com

Austin

TEXAS

2025 Guadalupe Street, Suite 260
Austin, TX 78705

Email: information@gvsa.com

GVSA

© 2026 GVSA All rights reserved.