Library Design
McMillan Pazdan Smith stands alone among library programmers, planners, and architects in the Southeast, and much of the nation. From branch libraries to regional headquarters to modern student centers, our extensive experience with library planning and design represents a strong history and deep knowledge of library design principles, best practices, and evolving service models.
Our Team
If you’re interested in learning more about our ALA presentation or discussing your library design and space planning needs, contact David or Elisa, today.
David Moore, II
FAIA, ALA, LEED AP BD+C
Principal, Library Specialist / Higher Ed. Director
(ALA Moderator)
Contact DavidDavid is a Principal at McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture, leads the firm’s Library Design Studio, and is co-author of the book, Planning Optimal Library Spaces: Principles, Process, and Practices. Working exclusively with libraries for nearly 25 years, David has designed beautiful award-winning libraries throughout the Southeast, is an accomplished speaker on library planning + design, and has also authored numerous library building programs, feasibility studies, and master plans with an emphasis for identifying strategies to increase efficiency, functionality, and capacity.
Contact David
Elisa Walker
IIDA, NCIDQ, Associate
Lead Interior Designer / Space Planning Expert
(ALA Speaker)
Contact ElisaInterior Designer and Studio Leader for the Library Design Team at McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture, Elisa (BS Interior Design UT-Knoxville) has been a part of numerous planning, renovation, and new construction projects throughout the Southeast. Elisa often calls on her previous experience in healthcare design to ensure optimal durability and cleanability on her projects. She also has extensive experience in furniture design, specifications, and procurement. Her passion for libraries paired with her unique design background fuels creative design solutions with a focus on inherent resiliency and adaptability without sacrificing quality or user experience.
Contact Elisa
Our ALA Presentation
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Our Ideas
From publications to white papers and community discussions, McMillan Pazdan Smith is expanding ideas and thought leadership for the built environment.
Designing Libraries for Safety, Flexibility, and Sustainability
Return to the Workplace: Re-Occupancy Design During COVID-19
Cleaning Strategies for Public Spaces
Redefining Emergency Department and Hospital Surge Preparedness
COVID-19 Sparks Innovative Designs for ‘Ideal’ Fire Station
4 Ways Schools Can Improve Indoor Air Quality to Reduce COVID-19 Transmission
Creating a Safe Campus: The Power of Environmental Design
Recent Projects
Greenville County Library, Five Forks Branch
This new 28,000 SF library serves an expanding suburban community and is central to six local elementary schools, all within a 3-mile radius. The design showcases a large central volume that houses the primary public spaces. The interior is designed to maximize flexibility by using large, deep trusses that create a column-free floor area throughout the library.
Augusta-Richmond County Public Library, Jeff Maxwell Branch
This renovation / addition brought new life to an older facility and created an inspiring environment for patrons. An entry vestibule leads directly to the welcome desk, and patrons are greeted with new furnishings, finishes, and lighting throughout. Staff areas were redesigned for greater efficiency, and the library gained two group study rooms, a designated teen area, a quiet reading area, and technology spaces.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, North County Regional Branch
The updated program reflects the changing needs of the library and its community. Our facility assessment resulted in a complete renovation of the 24,700 SF building, including a 1,000 SF building addition. Flexible seating and book displays encourage conversation and a large community space is used for hosting lectures, performances, library programs, and other community events.
Sewanee / The University of the South, duPont Library
McMillan Pazdan Smith was commissioned by the University to develop a Master Plan for the entire library to guide its evolution. When donor funding became available, the Learning Commons became the first phase of renovation work. The space includes individual technology stations, group study rooms, a new café, and a presentation preparation / rehearsal area.
Related Resources
* For the most updated information on health and safety related to COVID-19, please refer to the CDC guidelines, here.