Meet Scott Austin '97, Project Manager of the Lower School Build

As a Severn alumnus and with over 24 years of construction experience, including ten years at Marani, Scott is the ultimate cool-under-pressure, nose-to-the-grindstone, do-what-it-takes-to-get-it-done-right kind of person and an ideal choice to head up the Chesapeake Lower School build. Scott graciously took the time – but not too much time – to answer questions about the build and his experience as a Severn student.

I graduated from Severn in 1997 and studied civil engineering at Bucknell. At the time my parents wanted a private school education for me, and to be honest, I did not have a choice! But I cannot imagine how different my life would have been without Severn, the education I received, and the values that were instilled in me.  It was a much different looking campus back then -- the old gym and the Boone [Alumni] House are really the only buildings still standing since then, and we had not merged with Chesapeake Academy yet. Fast forward to 2015, there was an opportunity for a superintendent role on the Teel Academic Center project that I jumped at immediately. Given all that Severn had done for me, I was more than ready to help. When this Lower School project came to fruition after more than six years of planning and multiple iterations, it was a natural fit for me and Marani since we have such a long-standing relationship and history. 

With so many workers, contractors, and subcontractors working side by side every day, there are always surprises along the way.  One thing that I did not expect was how quickly the old building came down once we started. It was built as a residential single story structure – while it served its purpose it wasn’t meant to last, and that was clear on demo day when we were able to remove the wings in a single day and get things moving quickly.

The whole building is thoughtfully designed and the architect has created an amazing plan with every detail considered.  If I had to pick one thing, the use of the outdoor space is unprecedented. There is an incredible courtyard in the middle of the building and elements around the perimeter to maximize the outdoor space. Every classroom will overlook the outdoors in some capacity, and the two-story wing also offers an outdoor science terrace, which is very unique for a school. The ability to bring the outdoors in and easily access the areas really stands out and provides an opportunity for activity and creativity like nothing I have seen before.

I think parents are going to be wowed and welcomed from the minute they walk in – the spaces and all of the well thought-out details make this such a special place. For example, the lobby of the old building was a bit awkward with the receptionist looking down and visitors or parents having to climb two sets of stairs to reach someone. In the new building, you are welcomed immediately by a person and the warm feel of the space. The glass alone in the entryway features nature and scenes from the Chesapeake Bay for all to enjoy, again bringing the outside in.  The use of texture throughout the building, graphics on the floor, entrance doors, cubbies and walls....the special perforated panels featuring nature scenes around the exterior courtyards...the Severn compass rose in the flooring...all of these "little" details are so well thought out and speak to Severn. Parents are going to love it.

We started demolition as soon as school let out, and there are between 40 and 50 workers here on any given day. Over time and when the building is under roof that number will ramp up. We anticipate finishing the underground work of the two-story wing and starting the structural steel toward the end of the month. We have a great game plan and a list of things to accomplish every day, but you never know what is going to come up on any given day. Today, everyone is a unique trade -- a concrete worker who does sidewalks is not the same trade as a worker who creates concrete walls, for example, so it's a lot of scheduling and phases.

I look at this from a big picture perspective and milestone events. For example, the structural steel is a milestone.  I try not to micromanage every single day, but reflect on the schedule, see times and trends, and gauge how we react. Right now, we are working weekends and have had favorable weather -- hopefully that will continue!

I have a tremendous amount of pride as an alumnus to be creating the new Lower School for my fellow Admirals.    As a Severn graduate, it’s great to be part of history with this incredible build, and I am always happy to give back to Severn. When I am not working at the Lower School or spending time with my wife and daughter, I have had the chance to be a mentor in Dr. Baugh's American Public Address seminar. I have also helped out with the design and permit for the construction of the accessible ramp at the Alumni House for a student’s Eagle Scout project supported by the Partnership Program.  I am happy to give back to Severn any way that I can. Being part of a team that is dedicated to creating a campus and community that is the best it can be is something that I am very proud of – go Admirals!