A Campus Designed for the Future
When Santa Monica High School (SAMOHI) first broke ground on its new Exploration Building and Gold Gymnasium, it marked more than just the addition of modern facilities—it signified how far K-12 education has come in creating dynamic, future-ready learning environments. With cutting-edge spaces dedicated to arts, engineering, medical sciences, law, and athletics, this project sets a new benchmark for student-focused design.
The newly unveiled Exploration Building embodies the evolution of project-based learning, providing students with specialized spaces that encourage collaboration, creativity, and hands-on experience. From its expansive film and photography studios to its fully equipped darkroom and architectural design labs, the facility ensures that SAMOHI students have access to the latest tools and technology to hone their skills. Meanwhile, the Gold Gymnasium delivers an elite training ground for student-athletes, fostering school pride and performance at the highest level.
The Evolution of School Construction
The transformation of SAMOHI is part of a broader shift in K-12 construction, one that Kitchell has been at the forefront of since the late 1970s. At that time, schools faced skyrocketing costs, lengthy schedules, and quality concerns. In response, Kitchell introduced the construction management (CM) model to the public sector, launching its first major CM project with the Amphitheater School District in Tucson, Arizona. This innovative approach allowed schools to efficiently manage complex projects across multiple campuses, leading to higher-quality outcomes and better financial stewardship.
Building Schools That Build the Future
Today, those early CM principles remain at the heart of Kitchell’s work, ensuring that projects like SAMOHI’s new facilities are not just buildings, but carefully designed environments that empower students to succeed. The success of the Exploration Building and Gold Gymnasium—made possible through the support of Santa Monica voters and forward-thinking school leadership—underscores a continued commitment to reimagining learning spaces for the next generation.
As SAMOHI students step into these new spaces, they’re not just walking into classrooms; they’re stepping into the future. And Kitchell is proud to play a role in shaping that journey.