Malvern Preparatory School sought a new performing arts center that would blend harmoniously into their existing 100-acre suburban campus. The scale and traditional design of the Reverend David J. Duffy Center for the Arts allow it to blend into the Georgian Revival architectural context, while also creating a new quad that helps transition between the academic core and playing fields beyond.

The 600-seat theater at the core of the new building is wrapped by music classrooms and art studios. An 80-seat band rehearsal room, 50-seat chorus room, state-of-the-art recording studio and large-set design studio comprise the performance ensemble, while 2D and 3D fine arts and ceramic studios round out the curriculum. The generous lobby doubles as a gallery and reception space. Although the client chose not to pursue LEED certification, the design incorporates many green features including on-site stormwater management, high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, low VOC interior finishes, and more.