Mount Tamalpais School, Mill Valley

Under the visionary leadership of Head of School Andrew Davis, Michael Heacock Architects transformed the Mount Tamalpais School campus through a master plan that balanced breakneck speed with sensitive, high-performance design. The project’s success hinged on a coordinated Use Permit update with Marin County Planning—led by Michael Heacock Architects' land use attorney Riley Hurd—and a relentless construction schedule managed across two distinct phases.

Phase 1 tackled the heart of the campus: a 15,000-square-foot renovation and addition to the original 1956 public school building. In a feat of logistical mastery, West Broadway Construction completed this massive overhaul in just 2-1/2 months over a single summer. This initial phase included extensive site work and critical utility upgrades, setting the foundation for the campus modernization.

The momentum continued the following year with Phase 2, the construction of a new 4,600-square-foot middle school building, completed in only six months. This second phase also introduced dedicated outdoor nature-play areas and an outdoor classroom vegetable garden, further integrating the curriculum with the campus landscape.

Throughout both phases, the design prioritized the interior experience, utilizing natural lighting and advanced sound attenuation to create a calm, focused learning environment. A key component of this modernization was the integration of gender neutrality, specifically reflected in the Phase 1 restroom design, which ensured an inclusive and equitable environment for all students. To create a unified campus character, the new structures were designed to harmonize with the existing architecture and the surrounding natural beauty. Materials were meticulously selected to meet strict W.U.I. (Wildland-Urban Interface) requirements, setting a modern standard for durability and safety while allowing the original buildings and finishes to remain. Delivered on time and under budget, the project stands as a testament to what dedicated leadership and precise project management can achieve on an unprecedented timeline.