A unit of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS), the English Department’s move from a building on the north end of campus to the newly renovated, former law library was one of necessity and opportunity. Constructed in 1991, the facility had several building systems that exceeded their useful life. Kitchell worked with ASU and the design team in addressing infrastructure upgrades and re-purposed the facility to become the home for the English Department. The newly renovated space maintains its original three stories and contains open floor plans divided into “neighborhoods” made up of shared desk spaces for teaching assistants and faculty associates; more private, enclosed enclaves for small meetings and student consultations; large conference rooms; and fixed offices for more established faculty and staff.

Because the building has so many different users — including faculty, staff, alumni, visitors, students, and collaborators — the entire team created areas more conducive to collaboration. The facility now utilizes more natural light in public areas including floor-to-ceiling windows on the first floor and exposed ductwork gives the space a more modern and industrial feel.