Our Legacy: Education, Equity, and Excellence

Founded by Doug Quackenbush in 2004 and joined by longtime collaborator Barbara Haller, Q+ has grown with intention. With fewer than 15 employees, our team has delivered over 400 projects across South Carolina—from award-winning K-12 schools to university campuses, civic plazas, and regional master plans.

We are especially proud of our nationally recognized contributions to education architecture:

• Over 2.8 million square feet of K-12 projects

• Impacting more than 30,000 students and educators

• More than 25 AIA design awards and numerous honors from the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE)

Our culture is rooted in mentorship, service, and open dialogue. Every team member—from intern to principal—has a voice in shaping both projects and the firm itself.

Design That Inspires

Some of our most celebrated recent projects include:

• USC Football Operations Building: A high-performance athletic facility that sets a new standard for collegiate sports environments

• E.L. Wright Middle School (2023): A collaborative, daylight-filled learning campus with integrated courtyards and playful academic wings

• USC Center for Health & Well-Being: LEED® Gold Certified and nationally recognized for advancing student wellness through architecture

• Boyd Plaza Renovation: A revitalized public gathering space in downtown Columbia, praised for its versatility and civic impact

• James Island Charter High School CTE + Gym Additions: A campus transformation that blends academics and athletics, described as “state-of-the-art” by school leadership

On the Boards: Shaping What’s Next

Design excellence doesn't pause—it evolves. Here's a glimpse at a few of the places we're shaping right now:

• USC Brain Health Center: Advancing research and care in a state-of-the-art interdisciplinary facility

• Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union Headquarters: A dynamic new home reflecting transparency, community, and growth

• CCSD Johns Island Elementary School: An innovative K-5 environment inspired by its coastal surroundings

• CCTC Academic + Student Services Building: A transformative gateway to learning and student success in Sumter

Leading By Example

Our commitment extends beyond design:

• Two past AIA SC Presidents

• Leadership on more than 15 AIA boards, committees, and juries

• Recipient of the 2023 A4LE National Lifetime Achievement Award

• Founding contributors to the Center for Architecture in South Carolina

Team members actively mentor young professionals, serve on community and nonprofit boards, and support causes ranging from public health to contemporary arts to youth leadership development.

A Shared Honor

We view this award not as a culmination, but a catalyst—renewing our commitment to thoughtful architecture and enduring impact.

As noted in a nomination letter:

“Quackenbush Architects + Planners exemplifies what this award represents: outstanding design, unwavering community service, and leadership that lifts the entire profession.”
— Thomas M. Savory, FAIA