Education
Designing for Learning. Planning for the Future.
IDS Group partners with school districts, community colleges, and universities across Southern California to create spaces that support learning, safety, and growth. From K–12 campuses to higher education institutions, we deliver solutions that meet today’s needs while anticipating tomorrow’s challenges.
Our work ranges from targeted classroom renovations to full campus infrastructure upgrades—always with a focus on functionality, flexibility, and long-term value. We understand the unique demands of educational environments and work closely with educators, administrators, and facilities teams to keep projects on time, on budget, and aligned with student success.
Our experience includes:
K–12 modernization and expansions
Community college and university facility upgrades
Utility infrastructure and distribution systems
Science labs, libraries, athletic and multipurpose spaces
ADA, safety, and energy compliance improvements
Various Project Types include:
Teaching Classrooms & Offices
Auditoriums, Performing Arts Centers, and Cultural Facilities
Libraries
Athletic Facilities
Food Service Facilities
Student Housing
Conference Rooms
Laboratories
Medical Facilities
Energy Management and Storage Facilities
Subterranean Utility Distribution
Parking Structures
Whether it’s reimagining a single classroom or transforming an entire campus, IDS brings proven expertise, responsive service, and a deep commitment to the communities we serve
LA Trade Technical College Campus Wide Electrical Upgrades
University of California Irvine Student Health Structural Assessment and Roofing Replacement
Los Angeles USD CalShape Ventilation Program | Various Campuses
LA Pierce College Stormwater Implementation
Mt. San Antonio College Sow-Barn and Sheep Pen
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona Arabian Horse Center Restoration
Carson High School Gymnasium Building Upgrade
East Whittier City School District HVAC Replacement Project
Topanga Canyon Charter School Maintenance Vehicle & Pedestrian Access Way Design, Paving, & Drainage Repairs
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona Lyle Center Upgrades
LA Valley College Athletic Field Lighting
Mt. San Antonio College Buildings 18C and 18D Modular Relocation
Palmdale Academy Charter School DSA Conversion
Sweetwater UHSD L Street Facilities Assessment & Development
74th Street Elementary School Main Building Repairs & Renovations
LA Community College District Districtwide Central Plant Analysis
Los Angeles Community College District
LA Pierce College Stormwater Implementation
IDS is providing civil engineering design services for a stormwater biofiltration capture and use program as part of the On-call task order contract. The project includes two campus sites. The Northeast area includes underground detention chambers, biofiltration, and subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) for updated sports fields. The detention chambers will capture stormwater from a majority of the entire campus and reuse a portion for SDI on the campus Northeast fields.
The Stadium Parking Lot 5 includes parking lot reconstruction, ADA upgrades, landscape improvements, biofiltration planters between parking aisles, stormwater treatment, as well as electrical and lighting improvements throughout the park, to create a more accessible, aesthetically pleasing, and environmentally sustainable public space.
SERVICES PROVIDED:
BEFORE
Sweetwater Union High School District
L Street Facilities Assessment & Development
IDS Group supported Sweetwater Union High School District in exploring strategic options to relocate and consolidate its District Headquarters to better serve administrative needs and future growth.
The existing Fifth Avenue facilities, located in a residential neighborhood, faced significant constraints in terms of space, access, and expansion potential. IDS conducted a comprehensive feasibility and relocation study focused on moving operations to the District-owned L Street site, a 20-acre parcel with the capacity to support over 380,000 SF of building space.
Study Objectives Included:
Evaluation of multiple relocation and consolidation scenarios
Site analysis and capacity planning for the L Street Facility
Strategic reuse of existing buildings to address critical needs efficiently
Identification of opportunities for future growth and centralized administrative functionality
Alignment with long-term District priorities and operational efficiency goals
By focusing on adaptive reuse and cost-effective planning, IDS provided a roadmap to help Sweetwater UHSD modernize its headquarters, maximize District-owned assets, and streamline operations across departments.
SERVICES PROVIDED:
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Lyle Center Upgrades
Originally designed as a net-zero carbon complex, the Lyle Center for Regenerative Studies was built in two phases and includes classrooms, faculty offices, The Commons, and student housing (Sunspace and Riverfront Dormitories). Over 25 years later, many of its systems required modernization to meet current performance standards and support year-round use for instructional programs, public events, research, and residential life.
IDS Services & Project Scope
IDS continues to provide comprehensive architectural, civil, mechanical, electrical, structural, and landscape architecture services for a full upgrade of the seven-building campus, with a focus on achieving zero-carbon performance.
Key project elements include:
ADA-compliant upgrades, including new accessible restrooms and Path of Travel to the nearest public bus stop and parking
Bus turnaround design featuring a 120-foot radius for student and guest drop-offs
New monument signage to enhance site identity at the turnaround
Energy and systems modernization to align with the Center’s regenerative and sustainable mission
Supporting the Mission of Regeneration
IDS is also providing construction administration services throughout the active 1-year construction phase. This project underscores our role in helping institutions realize forward-thinking goals through resilient, sustainable, and inclusive design.
SERVICES PROVIDED:
Mt. San Antonio Community College
Sow-Barn and Sheep Pen
IDS provided engineering and stormwater improvements for the existing Swine Unit and Sheep Sorting Pens, addressing runoff treatment challenges at an agricultural facility where on-site infiltration was not feasible due to site constraints.
Sustainable Stormwater Strategy
To meet Los Angeles County LID (Low Impact Development) requirements, IDS proposed an alternative compliance approach that included:
On-site biofiltration of 1.5x the stormwater treatment volume, using a Contech Modular Wetland System to filter the “first flush” and improve water quality
Installation of hydromodification controls, including underground detention systems, to slow and manage runoff volume before discharge to a nearby drainage ditch
Results & Benefits
Compliance with local stormwater quality and volume control standards
Enhanced site drainage performance in a constrained environment
Environmentally responsible runoff treatment supporting campus sustainability goals
This project demonstrates IDS’s ability to design cost-effective, regulatory-compliant stormwater solutions tailored to unique site conditions—especially in active, specialized-use facilities.
SERVICES PROVIDED:
LA Unified School District
Carson High School Gymnasium Building Upgrade
IDS Group was retained by LAUSD to design and implement a cooling system upgrade for a gymnasium previously served only by ventilation units. The project aimed to provide a full heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) solution, while also addressing associated fire alarm, structural, and architectural improvements. Project scope includes:
Investigation of all viable cooling solutions, including rooftop HVAC systems
Demolition of existing hot water heating and ventilation units
Installation of gas/electric rooftop packaged units
Structural reinforcements on the roof to support new equipment
Routing of a new gas line from the existing meter to the rooftop units
Electrical service upgrades to power new mechanical systems
Development of a zoned HVAC control system with environmental control and energy management features
Fire alarm system upgrades to meet current code and safety standards
Modifications to mezzanine/interstitial ceiling and roof spaces to accommodate new infrastructure
Outcome
This project reflects IDS’s ability to deliver comprehensive MEP upgrades in K–12 facilities, ensuring energy efficiency, code compliance, and significantly improved comfort and usability for students and staff.
SERVICES PROVIDED:
LA Community College District
LA Trade Technical College Campus-Wide Electrical Upgrades
IDS provided comprehensive electrical and control systems engineering services for a major upgrade to the campus-wide 4160V electrical distribution system and Energy Management System (EMS), enhancing both power reliability and smart building integration across the campus.
4160V Electrical Distribution Upgrade
Engineered a 4160V solid di-electric medium voltage distribution system using three-loop switching stations
Designed a new underground duct bank system, fully coordinated with existing duct banks and manholes
Extended service from the LADWP Equipment Yard Campus Electrical Room at West 23rd St. & Olive
Decommissioned the outdated LADWP substation and metering equipment at Flower Street
Maintained minimal campus downtime during system transitions
Campus-Wide Energy Management System (EMS) Upgrade
Coordinated with campus facility managers to assess integration vs. replacement of existing building controls
Performed extensive field survey and network analysis to validate use of existing EMS components
Implemented open-protocol BACnet-compatible devices across buildings
Used fiber-optic network links to establish a high-speed, IP-based EMS backbone
Deployed advanced EMS software with tools for:
Controller programming
Graphic development
Alarm and trend data visualization
System compatibility via Haystack point database integration
Developed custom graphical interfaces for 13 buildings, providing near real-time system monitoring
Delivered complete system schematics and operational sequences, hosted on centralized servers for quick access by engineering staff
This project demonstrates IDS’s deep capabilities in high-voltage electrical infrastructure and smart energy systems, supporting campuses with scalable, efficient, and future-ready utilities.
SERVICES PROVIDED:
East Whittier City School District
HVAC Replacement Project
IDS provided mechanical, plumbing, electrical, structural engineering, and architectural design services for critical HVAC system upgrades across seven school campuses. The project aimed to modernize infrastructure, improve energy performance, and address aging components.
HVAC Upgrades
Replacement and upgrade of existing HVAC systems at all campuses
Design support for equipment placement, structural reinforcement, and utility integration
Coordination of electrical systems for new HVAC units
Plumbing & ADA Compliance
New condensate lines designed to accommodate HVAC system updates
Replacement of outdated restroom fixtures to meet current standards
Relocation of utility lines to ensure ADA compliance in all upgraded restrooms
This project highlights IDS’s ability to deliver multi-campus infrastructure improvements that align with school district goals for safety, accessibility, and long-term performance.
SERVICES PROVIDED:
University of California Irvine
Student Health Structural Assessment and Roofing Replacement
IDS was retained by UC Irvine to perform a comprehensive condition assessment of Student Health Centers I and II, with the goal of evaluating the overall integrity, performance, and code compliance of both facilities. The assessment included a detailed review of:
Structural and architectural components
Mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems
Roofing conditions, including material performance and drainage
Code compliance, including seismic, accessibility (ADA), and energy standards
Opportunities for modernization and energy efficiency improvements
Specific Focus Areas:
Student Health Center I (Built circa 1968): One-story structure with two primary roof levels.
Student Health Center II: One-story structure partially embedded into a hillside, with a history of water intrusion at irregular skylights and a metal panel roofing system. IDS performed destructive water intrusion testing to identify leakage sources.
Deliverables & Outcomes:
Identification of ongoing deterioration, deferred maintenance, and aging equipment
Documentation of code deficiencies and system inefficiencies
Prioritized recommendations for repairs, replacements, and upgrades
Development of an opinion-of-cost aligned with priority levels to support future planning and capital improvement budgeting
This project showcases IDS’s multidisciplinary expertise in facility assessments for higher education, providing clear, actionable insights to guide both short-term repairs and long-term capital planning.
Let me know if you'd like this formatted as a downloadable project profile or paired with other UC campus work.
SERVICES PROVIDED:
LA Unified School District
74th Street Elementary School Main Building Repairs & Renovations
IDS Group was retained to assess and design repairs for the main campus building, which houses classrooms, the library, and school administration offices. The facility exhibited significant structural and interior distress, prompting a comprehensive, multidisciplinary response.
Scope of Services
IDS provided Structural, MEP, and Architectural services to support a full rehabilitation effort. The design scope included:
Structural foundation repair to address settlement or cracking issues
Interior renovations, including:
New flooring and ceiling systems
Wall repairs and finishes
MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) system design to update aging infrastructure
ADA upgrades and path of travel improvements for full accessibility compliance
This project reflects IDS’s integrated approach to facility restoration and code compliance, ensuring safe, functional, and modernized learning environments for students and staff.
SERVICES PROVIDED:
LA Community College District
LA Valley College Athletic Field Lighting
IDS is providing architectural and engineering services for the design and installation of new lighting systems for Los Angeles Valley College’s existing baseball, softball, soccer, and adjacent practice fields.
The project’s goal is to increase field usability for both the college and the surrounding Valley Glen community, extending play time while enhancing safety and performance standards.
Key Features:
Dark sky-compliant lighting to reduce glare and light pollution
Design sensitive to nearby residential neighborhoods and the college’s planetarium
Energy-efficient, code-compliant lighting solutions to support long-term sustainability and community engagement
This project reflects IDS’s commitment to smart, community-conscious design that balances functionality with environmental responsibility.
SERVICES PROVIDED:
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Arabian Horse Center Restoration
IDS Group completed a comprehensive drainage system study for the 70-acre Arabian Horse Center (AHC) at Cal Poly Pomona. The study involved field surveys, data analysis, and direct engagement with AHC staff to assess existing drainage challenges and inform the design of an effective stormwater management solution.
Key Recommendations & Design Solutions
System Upgrades and Expansion
IDS recommended replacing outdated underground storm drain systems and improving flow direction by installing new catch basins to efficiently capture and manage stormwater runoff across the facility.Stormwater Treatment
To address potential pollutant concerns, the design incorporates appropriately sized channels and catch basins equipped with filter inserts, enhancing the quality of discharged water and aligning with environmental standards.Drainage System Maintenance
A key component of IDS's solution is a robust Operation and Maintenance Plan, including regular monitoring and upkeep of the drainage infrastructure and Low Impact Development Best Management Practices (LID BMPs) to ensure long-term system performance.
Current Status
IDS Group is currently in the design phase of the new drainage system, applying sustainable, low-impact solutions tailored to the unique needs of the Arabian Horse Center.
Palmdale Academy Charter School
DSA Conversion
IDS Group is providing engineering design services for the rehabilitation of an 87,000-square-foot private school campus originally designed and constructed under the 2013 California Building Code (CBC) for commercial use. The Palmdale School District has acquired the property and is in the process of converting the existing non-conforming structures for public school use in accordance with the Field Act and 2019 CBC.
Scope of Work & Compliance Strategy
Rehabilitation Design
The project is being executed under CEBC Section 319.1 Exception 2, using the third design method as permitted for converting non-conforming buildings. IDS is addressing all relevant requirements, including DSA amendments to the 2013 CBC.Non-Structural System Compliance
All non-structural components—such as anchorage and bracing systems—will be brought into compliance with the 2019 California Building Code and ASCE 7-16 standards to meet current safety requirements.Engineering Documentation and Support
IDS is preparing a comprehensive Evaluation and Design Criteria Report (EDCR), along with a detailed data collection program involving material testing and condition assessment. IDS is also producing full rehabilitation construction documents for review and approval by the Division of the State Architect (DSA).
SERVICES PROVIDED:
Mt. San Antonio Community College
Buildings 18C and 18D Modular Relocation
IDS Group provided design and engineering services for the relocation and repurposing of two existing 2,400-square-foot modular buildings—originally used as classroom and resource spaces—on a school campus. The project supported temporary construction operations while maintaining code compliance and accessibility.
Scope of Work
Modular Relocation
Buildings 18C and 18D were carefully removed from their original locations and reinstalled on new foundations elsewhere on the campus to serve as temporary construction office space.Renovation & Accessibility Improvements
Building 18C was renovated to include an accessible restroom with dedicated access for use by occupants of both buildings, ensuring compliance with ADA standards and providing functional support space during campus improvements.
SERVICES PROVIDED:
Los Angeles Unified School District
CalShape Ventilation Program Various Campuses
The CalSHAPE Ventilation Program, established under Assembly Bill 841, provides grant funding for HVAC system improvements in California’s K–12 public schools. The program supports assessment, maintenance, filter replacement, carbon dioxide monitor installation, and eligible repairs or upgrades to improve indoor air quality and energy efficiency.
IDS Group is partnering with LAUSD to provide architecture and engineering consultant services required to support grant-funded HVAC improvements across multiple school sites.
Scope of Services
IDS is delivering full-service design, cost estimation, assessment, implementation, documentation, and reporting in compliance with CalSHAPE requirements for the award and administration of state funds. Services include:
HVAC system evaluation and baseline condition reporting
CO₂ monitor integration and filter upgrades
Maintenance recommendations and implementation oversight
Cost-effective repair or replacement planning
Regulatory compliance and funding documentation
LAUSD Campuses Served:
Anton Elementary School
Jaime Escalante Elementary School
Dr. Lawrence H. Moore Academy
South Gate Middle School
Southeast Middle School
South Gate High School
South East High School
King/Drew Magnet High School of Medicine and Science
SERVICES PROVIDED:
Los Angeles Community College District
Districtwide Central Plant Analysis
LACCD was experiencing widespread operational issues with mechanical systems across multiple campuses, including nonoperative boilers and chillers, faulty sensors and pumps, corrosion, leaks, and inaccessible valves. Some sites also reported broken control switches and equipment performance failures that impacted overall system reliability and energy efficiency.
IDS Group was engaged to provide a comprehensive field-based assessment and scoping design for mechanical systems at each affected campus.
Scope of Services
Site Visits & Field Assessment
IDS visited each campus to perform detailed on-site inspections of boilers, chillers, sensors, pumps, valves, and associated components.Document Review & Serviceability Analysis
Findings were cross-checked against as-built drawings to evaluate serviceability and identify deviations or inaccessible system configurations.Condition Evaluation & Recommendations
IDS assessed the condition of each system to determine whether equipment should be replaced, re-commissioned, redesigned, or repaired.Load Profiling & Temporary Setup Planning
Where available, IDS analyzed campus load profiles based on trend data and provided temporary system setup strategies to maintain operations during future repair or replacement work.Scoping Design & Cost Estimation Support
IDS developed scoping-level design documents to guide in-house cost estimation and inform the next phase of capital improvement planning.
SERVICES PROVIDED:
Topanga Elementary Charter School
Maintenance Vehicle & Pedestrian Access Way Design, Paving, & Drainage Repairs
IDS Group is providing civil engineering and construction support services for the development of a shared access way at Topanga Canyon Charter School. The project involves the design and construction of a combined maintenance vehicle drive approach and pedestrian walkway to improve safety, accessibility, and functionality on campus.
Scope of Work
Site Evaluation
IDS began by reviewing topographic surveys, as-built records, and previously prepared design concepts to understand existing site conditions and constraints.Collaborative Design Development
Working closely with the project architect, IDS developed design concept drawings and full construction documents for the shared-use access way.Dual-Use Design Consideration
The proposed access solution accommodates both pedestrian traffic and maintenance vehicles, ensuring safe circulation while addressing the school’s operational needs.