Haude Elementary has been recognized for excellence in school architecture as part of the 2026-2027 TASA/TASB Exhibit of School Architecture, which showcases new and renovated Texas schools and celebrates their excellence in the planning and design of the learning environment.

Haude received two stars of distinction for its architecture, earning them in the areas of value and transformation. The project was submitted by PBK, the architectural firm that helped work on the campus's transformation. 

For Sheryl Hall-Palmer, Assistant Principal of Haude Elementary, the transformation began with a clear vision early on for creating spaces that better reflected the needs and interests of students.

“The planning was a very smooth process as we met regularly to discuss ideas for the remodel,” Ms. Hall-Palmer said. “We started with the initial meeting where I discussed my vision for the school learning areas and the needs for our campus. Each time we met, the vision and solutions were refined until we had the campus that you see today.”

One of the biggest inspirations for the redesign centered around different world biomes, including deserts, oceans, and rainforests. Ms. Hall-Palmer spoke about how the biomes directly tie into the interests of students. 

“Our students always had an interest in science, especially life and earth sciences, and we felt this would support their interests and their learning," Ms. Hall-Palmer said. “The library was an area where we had lots of discussion, because Space is not really considered a traditional Biome, but we decided that it fit with our general theme because it may become a Biome someday.”

The recognition in the value category highlights the project's success in creating an environment that is both meaningful and effective for both students and faculty to thrive, while its transformation recognition celebrates the meaningful changes that the project has brought to Haude. Together, they both showcase how the school's design has gone above and beyond in creating a one-of-a-kind learning environment for the students who use it. 

Ms. Jana Lopez, Principal of Haude Elementary, says she has high hopes for Haude's future through continued planning and collaboration to further strengthen opportunities for students to grow and learn. 

“My vision is for Haude to be a place where every student is known, challenged, and feels that they belong, and every staff member feels valued and empowered to make a difference,” Ms. Lopez said. “Moving forward, we will continue to strengthen instruction, use student data to guide our decisions, and create opportunities for teacher leadership and collaboration.”

Haude was one of 33 projects selected for the 2026-2027 Exhibit of School Architecture, and the exhibit was displayed on Oct. 9-10 during txEDCON 2026 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. 

“Seeing the before pictures and how far the design has brought Haude makes me appreciate the vision and intentionality behind our campus even more,” Ms. Lopez said. “Now, seeing the smiles on our students’ faces as they explore, collaborate, and learn in these unique spaces is priceless.”

Congratulations to Haude Elementary on this well-deserved recognition! These recognitions celebrate more than just a beautiful school; they also recognize a thoughtful transformation that places students, teachers, and faculty in a collaborative environment that, at its core, will continue to inspire for years to come.