A Mission-Driven Success Story with ACA and Silo Design Build Studio
“Bottom line—working with Silo was a turn-key experience. If there was an issue, they would take care of it. They were aggressive and handled situations as they arose. They came in under budget and got the job done ahead of time—that’s what matters.”
—Clint Shelton, Chairperson, ACA Foundation
When the Alabama Center for the Arts (ACA) needed to expand, they knew the project's success would hinge on more than just walls and windows. They needed a team who understood the mission behind the space—a team who could move quickly, adapt confidently, and communicate clearly from start to finish.
Silo was brought in early to help ACA evaluate potential properties for expansion in Decatur. Lead architect and owner, Mike Sprader, helped with site selection to identify suitable buildings and offer guidance on what renovations would be required to make them functional for ACA’s growing academic programs.
The result? A purpose-built studio space that was finished ahead of schedule, came in under budget, and supports the next generation of artists and creators.
The Challenge and the Vision
ACA is a partnership between Calhoun Community College and Athens State University that offers students an affordable arts education in a collaborative, hands-on environment. With growing interest in the studio art programs and the recent launch of Athens State’s MFA in Visual Arts, it became clear that more space was needed to support advanced-level student work.
“We needed to provide our MFA students with the dedicated studio space they need to focus on creating a body of work and developing a unique artistic voice,” said Kimberly Parker, Dean of Fine Arts at Calhoun Community College and Executive Director of the ACA.
The goal was clear: deliver high-quality, flexible studio space that could serve MFA students immediately, with room to expand programming in the future.
Choosing the Design-Build Approach
Having experienced a variety of building projects in her role, Parker had seen the challenges that can come with the traditional design-bid-build process—delays, budget overruns, and communication breakdowns. This time, things were different.
“The design-build approach allowed us to work very quickly and modify the design as we progressed,” she said. “This made it easy for us to adapt the original design to our goals as our needs changed.”
From the beginning, Silo embraced the flexibility and momentum that comes with design-build. The integrated approach allowed for real-time decisions, seamless communication, and a shared understanding of the project’s priorities.
The Process: Collaboration in Action
From pre-construction planning to final punch list, Silo approached the project with focus and transparency. Communication was consistently a strong point.
“If we had questions, they were answered right away. If we needed to meet in person, the team made it happen,” said Parker. “It was such a positive experience overall, and we felt secure in the knowledge that the finished product would reflect our needs and goals.”
The team didn’t just deliver the project—they delivered confidence. When challenges came up, they were met with urgency and problem-solving, not delays. The ACA team trusted Silo to act in the school’s best interest, and that trust paid off.
The Result: A Space That Reflects the Mission
Today, ACA’s new MFA studio building is a vibrant space designed for focus, creativity, and collaboration. The open floor plan encourages peer feedback and connection, while still allowing each student to personalize their studio area.
“We are thrilled to be able to provide our MFA students with the space they need to grow as artists,” said Parker. “The design supports both individual expression and the kind of creative community that’s so central to our mission.”
Reflections and Takeaways
This project proved that when the right team is in place, the process can be just as satisfying as the outcome.
“Trust the process and the team. At the beginning, tell them exactly what you want and need, then stand back and let them run with it. You will not be disappointed,” Parker said.
For ACA, the new studio space is more than just an investment in infrastructure—it’s a commitment to the future of the arts in North Alabama. For Silo, it shows that aligning mission, design, and construction from the start is a better way to build.
