Perkins School for the Blind

Watertown, MA

Samiotes provided civil engineering and land surveying services to support the next generation of facilities at Perkins School for the Blind, including the Lower School Building (LSB) and the Grousbeck Center for Students and Technology (GCST).

​

A Pond with Purpose: Saving Costs, Supporting Sustainability
For the new Lower School Building, Samiotes reconfigured existing parking to add capacity and provide emergency access/drop-off, while developing an inventive “country drainage” approach that leverages the campus pond for stormwater management. This solution reduced costs compared to traditional detention systems and earned commendation from the local Conservation Commission. Additional approvals included the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Historic Commission.

​

The GCST expands Perkins’ ability to integrate technology into academics, music, art, life skills, recreation, and mobility training. Samiotes also performed a comprehensive campus-wide parking study, exploring existing and proposed layouts with multiple reconfiguration alternatives. Together, these efforts help ensure Perkins’ facilities reflect its mission of accessibility, innovation, and student empowerment.