Perry Traditional Academy New Cosmetology Center

DRAW Collective worked with Pittsburgh Public Schools to relocate the Cosmetology Lab from Oliver High School to Perry Traditional High School. The move provided an opportunity to reimagine the lab as a salon-like space to better support the school’s cosmetology program. Renovations were completed while the building remained occupied, requiring careful coordination of egress routes and adjacent space usage to minimize disruption. Since Perry is a Historic building, the design team also coordinated the location of new rooftop equipment with the additional requirements.

The goal was to create a salon-style environment that closely replicates a professional setting, giving students the most authentic experience possible. Guided by the programming needs, our team designed a thoughtful flow of spaces to accommodate key functions such as specialized lighting, group instruction, and storage. The layout included a traditional classroom alongside dedicated areas for hair washing, cutting and styling, pedicures, and manicures, as well as lockers, changing rooms, and support storage spaces.

In addition to serving as a training lab for students, Salon Perry operates as a fully functional commercial salon, offering services from barbers, stylists, and hair and nail specialists to the surrounding community. A waiting area and reception desk with display shelving completes the professional salon experience.