LifeChurch Christian Academy is a new ground-up educational facility located on the existing LifeChurch campus in Reno, Nevada. Designed to serve students from kindergarten through eighth grade, the academy reflects LifeChurch’s mission to provide a Christ-centered learning environment that nurtures academic excellence, spiritual growth, and community engagement. The architectural vision was to create a space that is both inspiring and functional—where faith and learning intersect in a setting that supports the whole child. The 15,179 square-foot building includes flexible classrooms, administrative offices, a multi-purpose assembly space, and outdoor learning environments. The design emphasizes openness, natural light, and connectivity to the surrounding campus. Classrooms are arranged to foster collaboration and adaptability, with operable partitions and integrated technology supporting a variety of teaching styles. A central corridor acts as a spine, linking learning spaces with shared amenities and creating intuitive circulation. The project was delivered on a modest budget of $4.5 million, requiring strategic design decisions to maximize value without compromising quality. Durable, low-maintenance materials were selected for longevity and stewardship, including fiber cement siding, polished concrete floors, and thermally efficient glazing. Low-VOC finishes and acoustic treatments contribute to a healthy and focused learning environment. Site constraints included limited buildable area and the need to maintain uninterrupted church operations during construction. The design team responded by orienting the building to preserve open space, optimize solar exposure, and create a seamless connection to existing campus infrastructure. The academy’s placement also enhances pedestrian flow and safety, with dedicated drop-off zones and secure outdoor play areas. Sustainability was woven into every aspect of the design. The building envelope features continuous insulation and high-performance windows to reduce energy consumption. Mechanical systems are zoned for efficiency and comfort, and drought-tolerant landscaping reflects the high desert ecology of Northern Nevada. The academy also includes provisions for future solar integration and rainwater harvesting, aligning with LifeChurch’s long-term stewardship goals. Contextually, the architecture balances modern simplicity with warm, inviting materials that echo the spiritual and communal character of the campus. The building’s form is intentionally modest and integrates with the architecture of the existing worship center and sunday school buildings while allowing the activities within—learning, worship, and fellowship—to take center stage. LifeChurch Christian Academy stands as a testament to the power of purposeful design. It is a place where students are encouraged to grow in wisdom and faith, supported by an environment that is safe, inspiring, and deeply rooted in community values.