The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) Architectural/Engineering (A/E) Guideline exists as a companion document to the CMS Facility Programs and CMS Master Specifications.  The A/E Guideline provides very detailed information that pertains to CMS’s design theory that would not otherwise be found in the Facility Programs or the CMS Master Specifications. Topics range from site design to building materials, design and construction, IT, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing. The A/E Guideline has been developed to assist the design teams in the planning and designing functional, cost-effective and durable educational facilities that are attractive and enhance the educational experience for their students. Designers are encouraged to develop a facility’s exterior straightforwardly by utilizing standard building materials and details with a minimum of ornamentation and special treatments. The highest priority should be placed on developing the interior learning environments. The A/E Guideline incorporates experiences and lessons learned from past building improvement projects and has been organized per Construction Specification Institute's (CSI) master format. The A/E Guideline is not intended to limit or control opportunities for innovative design but rather to assist the design teams in understanding certain planning requirements, design criteria, and concerns regarding reducing energy consumption.

Nevertheless, whenever the design of facilities varies from the requirements and considerations of the A/E Guideline, the Designer shall obtain prior approval in writing from CMS. The A/E Guideline is a great benefit to design teams and CMS. The A/E Guideline simplifies the design and construction processes for each project design phase and approval. The A/E Guideline will continue to evolve through CMS' experience and desire to improve projects. Comments and recommendations are invited for future revisions. Note that separate Facility Programs, A/E Guidelines and CMS Master Specifications will be issued for each Capital Improvement Project (CIP).

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) has developed and maintains Facility Programs (formerly known as Educational Specifications) that define the characteristics of all the spaces in a new school.

Each school level (Elementary, K-8, Middle, and High) has a unique Facility Program. Spaces are grouped into various categories such as (using an elementary school as the example) General Classrooms, Support Spaces, Elective Classrooms, Media Center, Physical Education, Administration, Cafeteria/Nutrition, Building Support and non-assignable.  Additional space designations are used for K-8, Middle and High Schools.

Information such as space quantities, title and square footage is found on the one-page program of spaces which is a part of each Facility Program. Supporting pages for each space in the Facility Program describe attributes of that space, for example, preferred finish materials, the quantity of electrical outlets and computer drops, ceiling height of spaces, plumbing needs, furniture, use of the room, preferred agencies, etc.

In addition to architects using the Facility Programs to design new schools, the Facility Programs are also used to guide renovating or constructing additions at existing schools within the constraints of the existing building(s) and site.

Note that separate Facility Programs, A/E Guidelines and CMS Master Specifications will be issued for each Capital Improvement Project (CIP).

Resource Documents:

• Elementary School Facility Program
• K-8 Facility Program
• Middle School Facility Program
• High School Facility Program

The Architecture, Campus Planning, and Design Team provide guidance and project management services to install commercial playground equipment for all campuses housing elementary school students. In addition, we work in conjunction with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools' (CMS) Environmental Health & Safety, Maintenance, and Property Management Departments and Capital Program Services and Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation to ensure that playgrounds on our campuses comply with applicable safety and design specifications.

Schools generally acquire new playground equipment through various ways. Examples include a capital project, routine facility maintenance and sustainment, and gifts from the Parent/Teacher Association (PTA) or other donor organizations.  All new playground equipment installed on CMS property must be:

• Commercial grade
• ADA compliant with the 2010 Department of Justice Standards for Accessible Design
• Certified by the International Playground Equipment Manufacturers Association to ensure compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and ASTM safety guidelines
• Inspected by a 3rd party Certified Playground Safety Inspector upon completion of the installation
• Connected to a school entrance via an accessible path of travel

CMS must approve gifts and donations of playground equipment through the Giving of Gifts Procedure.

The Architecture, Campus Planning & Design team, provides space planning input and direction for internal Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) administrative moves and re-organizations. This input is based on established space planning guidelines intended to provide a consistent district-wide allocation of workspace and furniture layouts. The team also works with CMS’ Manager of Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment (FF&E) and the Director of Warehouse Operations to coordinate workspaces. Here are the Office Space Planning Guidelines.