Historic Projects at Pitt

Since 1945, DRAW Collective has undergone many names with many talented firm leaders. Although designs and leaders have changed over the past 80 years, one thing remains true to our company: we are experts in educational design.

American universities in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s underwent significant growth and changes primarily due to the creation of the G.I. Bill and growing interest in higher education. With these institutions receiving a mass of new students, they were able to invest in their campuses and upgrade the facilities. Because of DRAW’s educational design expertise, our founders, Kuhn Newcomer and Valentour, established a long-lasting relationship with the University of Pittsburgh in the 1960s to help grow Pitt’s campus. This relationship resulted in the design and construction of some of Pitt’s most iconic buildings to date.

The Hillman Library was designed by our original founders, Kuhn Newcomer and Valentour, and completed in 1968. It was designed with a deep understanding of what students need, how they behave, and what is needed to provide an excellent student environment. Nearly 60 years later, the library remains what is was always intended to be: a supportive learning and collaborative environment. Although it has undergone recent renovations to improve efficiency and maintain a modern aesthetic, key elements of the original design remain intact.

DRAW’s legacy has been and always will be designing places that matter, including higher education institutions. In 1973, the University of Pittsburgh opened the new Chevron Science Center, designed by DRAW’s legacy firm leaders, Valentour English Bodnar Registered Architects. This building, one of the university’s most significant and essential structures, was designed and constructed with the intention of teaching students about science and has since evolved to incorporate modern technology.

The Barco Law Building and Posvar Hall, built in 1976 and 1978 respectively, were designed as a part of Pitt’s dedication to expanding its campus and becoming a key leader in Pennsylvania’s higher education. Posvar Hall is a vital building on Pitt’s campus, connecting it to the Barco Law Building, David Lawrence Hall, and the Litchfield Towers. The main area, known as the Galleria, is adorned with stunning artwork that our predecessors helped design. In 2017, we assisted the university once again to help explore options for additions and renovations to Posvar Hall.

Over the past 80 years, our firm has evolved and changed names several times but we have remained dedicated to providing long-lasting designs for educational facilities. These buildings have taken many forms over the years. In every era, DRAW designs buildings meant for students and learning that are built to last a lifetime.