CASE STUDY

FAITH, PLAY, AND LEGACY ROOTED IN THE LANDSCAPE

CLIENT: St. Cecilia Catholic School
PROJECT: St. Cecilia Catholic School

A local private school reimagined its campus into a vibrant outdoor environment where students learn, play, worship, and grow together.

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The Scene

Since 1956, St. Cecilia Catholic School has stood as a cornerstone of Houston's Hedwig Village and Memorial City community. For more than six decades, this 2.5-acre private school for pre-kindergarten through eighth grade has shaped young lives and strengthened neighborhood bonds; however, time had taken its toll on the campus. Aging playground structures, worn fencing, cracked concrete pathways, tired site furniture, and a courtyard that struggled with drainage all led to a need for change. The school recognized an opportunity to reimagine the entire outdoor experience in a way that honored its guiding tenets and served its community.

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The Project

An open space master plan set the vision, introducing conceptual design ideas and programming that embraced the school's mission. Now fully realized, the transformed campus weaves together education, recreation, and reflection.

At the heart of the courtyard, the Stations of the Cross invite students into quiet contemplation. The school's art teacher illustrated each station, and those drawings were transformed into 14 custom tile mosaics, connecting children to their faith through art. Nearby, a shaded outdoor classroom nestled within a sensory garden encourages hands-on discovery, where students explore native plants and engage their senses among the greenery. Picnic and reading nooks offer inviting spots for quiet study and conversation.

An artificial turf event lawn, complete with a gaga ball pit, provides flexible space for recess and school celebrations year-round. The playground grew by 2,000 square feet, replacing an outdated wooden structure with two new play structures and freestanding components that spark nature-inspired play and musical exploration. A 3,000-square-foot deck offers a place to rest and observe while allowing water to drain naturally beneath.

The sports field received a thoughtful upgrade as well. A permeable paver base and a small retaining wall created a formal viewing area, replacing bleachers that once sat on a muddy grass slope. A shade canopy now shelters spectators from the Texas sun. Throughout the campus, modern hardscaping reimagined walkways and gathering spaces, while new brick walls, fencing, and elegant entry gates gave the grounds a defined and welcoming presence.

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The process

What began as a focused effort to solve drainage problems in the courtyard and open space soon grew into something far greater. Through the master planning phase, a clear set of priorities took shape: replace the 20-year-old playground, create an improved experience for competitive sports, and reimagine the interior courtyard as a multifunctional space for learning, reflection, and rest. Improved drainage also allows the courtyard to be used shortly after rain, giving children more time outdoors to connect with nature.

The design aimed to achieve a net-zero impermeable surface across the site, managing water responsibly while reducing runoff. Permeable concrete pavers deliver durability and drainage, artificial turf keeps play areas low-maintenance, wood fiber mulch adds a natural look and gentle cushioning, and shredded rubber mulch brings safety and resilience. Together, these choices balance everyday function with genuine environmental stewardship.

The result

The most meaningful part of this story reaches beyond design. What started as a drainage fix became a heartfelt tribute to former football coach Zachary McMillian, whose life was tragically cut short in a sudden accident. Known for his kindness, mentorship, and steadfast dedication, Coach McMillian left a lasting mark on countless students. When the school turned to its community for support, the response was extraordinary. Through the generosity of the St. Cecilia family, the entire project was fully funded, a powerful testament to the impact one person had on so many. In his honor, the school dedicated the newly renovated athletic field to his name.

This renovation reinforces St. Cecilia's legacy as a place of excellence, community, and faith. The reimagined campus enhances the daily experiences of today's students while creating a lasting foundation for future generations who will learn, play, and worship here. Rooted in thoughtful design and shaped by shared purpose, St. Cecilia Catholic School stands as a landmark of what a community can build when it comes together.

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