About Us
We’re here to create and shape community spaces that inspire academic excellence and lifelong learning.
For nearly four decades, we have partnered with school districts and higher education institutions
that value innovative, sustainable designs that fit flawlessly into their surrounding communities.
Drawing on our extensive and focused experience, we recognize issues and opportunities that
allow us to design creative and effective solutions.
OUR HISTORY
Gilbert Architects was founded in 1988 by Thomas W. Gilbert, AIA Emeritus, REFP. He had a simple, but powerful vision for the future of educational architecture: “design schools that serve, inspire and encourage our youth.”
Located in Lancaster, PA, our firm’s corporate headquarters occupies a meticulously restored landmark—the 12,000-square-foot John DeHaven Tobacco Warehouse (c. 1876), now listed in the National Historic Register. We also maintain offices in Owings Mills, MD and Newark, DE.
With over 260 major renovations and new facilities, 120 feasibility studies, and 400 capital improvement projects, Gilbert Architects has shaped educational spaces with a total value of more than $3.2 billion.
Our commitment to excellence shines through our award-winning educational and sustainable design work. We’ve earned our reputation by consistently delivering projects on or under budget while meeting critical timelines. Our experience with permanent off-site construction underscores our commitment to innovation. Most telling is our client loyalty: over 75% of our projects come from repeat partnerships, reflecting the trust we’ve built through decades of successful collaboration.
In 2023, Gilbert Architects joined forces with Garmann Miller, a leading Midwest professional design firm specializing in K-12 education. This strategic partnership enhances our capacity to serve educational clients across the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions, combining our expertise with a team of over 90 professionals.
“We are thrilled to enter into this partnership with Gilbert Architects,” says Eric Baltzell, CEO of Garmann Miller. “Together, we have a tremendous opportunity to create inspiring learning spaces that foster creativity, collaboration and student success. Our shared passion for K-12 education design will enable us to provide the highest level of quality and performance.”
OUR MISSION
We listen, then deliver quality visionary design solutions.
We support this mission by integrating our values of credibility,
collaboration, and creativity into everything we do.
CREATIVITY &
INNOVATION
Academic architectural designs need to embody creativity and invention to suit the 21st-century learning environment. Utilizing this approach allows us to implement the best solutions for your specific project and community.
We promote efficiency and stewardship, integrating sustainable and green architectural strategies that optimize your resources today and for decades to come.
COLLABORATION & UNDERSTANDING
The first step in a successful project is listening to and understanding your specific needs. Every project is unique and requires an approach distinctly suited to its community.
From there, we draw strength from our depth of understanding and our strong connections with the talented people with whom we collaborate. This responsive approach allows us to deliver school building designs that are optimized to your challenges and goals.
CREDIBILITY &
EXCELLENCE
We strive to ensure every detail of your project aligns with your vision and goals. From site analysis to design to construction contract administration, our team has the experience and tools needed to deliver an accurate, high-quality project.
We aim to create timeless architectural designs that compliment their surroundings and are carefully attuned to their use. We’ll help you make long-lasting, effective, and memorable spaces.
SERVICES WE PROVIDE
Our Locations
Lancaster, PA 17603 (717) 291-1077
Owings Mills, MD 21117 (410) 356-8856
Newark, DE 19713 (302) 318-1300
LET’S START A CONVERSATION
Whether you have a question, project, or idea to discuss, our educational design team is ready to connect.