The Steam School in Syracuse represents a visionary repurposing of a historic county building into an inspiring, modern learning environment that celebrates both science and the arts. To honor the building’s heritage while creating a fresh, contemporary aesthetic, the flooring design centered on Tarkett iQ Optima in a terrazzo‑inspired palette. Custom LaserJet‑cut medallions were strategically placed throughout the school to introduce moments of visual interest and reinforce the spirit of innovation woven into the curriculum. These elements work together to deliver a high‑performance, low‑maintenance solution that beautifully bridges the old and the new.
Supporting the school’s artistic programming, a Tarkett Sports dance floor was installed to create a dedicated space for movement, expression, and performance—further enriching the students’ collaborative, creative experience. Given the age of the structure, subfloor moisture posed a critical challenge, effectively mitigated through a robust system of Ardex moisture‑control products and Bostik adhesives and prep materials. This comprehensive approach ensured longevity, safety, and long‑term value. The result is a transformed facility where flooring not only enhances durability and performance but also plays a central role in shaping an engaging, interdisciplinary learning environment.
Nancy Thiel, founder and principal of Thiel Architecture + Design, is a licensed architect and an interior designer. With 40+ years’ experience working with luminaries in the architecture world, including Michael Graves, Robert A.M. Stern, and Rockwell Group, where she served as a studio leader, Thiel’s extensive portfolio includes single-family homes and multi-story residences, hotels, restaurants, retail, fitness clubs, offices, theaters, schools and shopping centers. She is a member of the AIA, holds NCARB certification and is a LEED accredited professional. Prior to her career in architecture, Thiel was a dancer and choreographer.
Thiel Architecture + Design is an award-winning multi-disciplinary architecture, interior design, planning, and product design firm with offices in CT and NY. The firm’s work focuses on high-end residential design as well as hospitality, contract, and retail projects. Thiel Architecture + Design’s work has been featured in Interior Design, Architype, New York and Connecticut Cottages and Gardens, Connecticut Magazine, Archello, and Fast Company magazines. In 2022, the firm received a Connecticut AIA Excellence award for Interior Architecture. Thiel earned a BA from Penn State University and her Master of Architecture degree from Syracuse University.
