Winston Churchill once said, "We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us." This is nowhere more true than in our schools. SUM aims to design these buildings to go beyond a response to the necessary program. An architecturally sensitive learning environment will conditions psychologically to foster better learning and ultimately test scores. Further, with good design and smart urbanistic positioning, these public buildings can reach long-lasting symbolism and become the source of pride that can bring a community together. Together with its sister companies in the Armada Group, SUM can not only design, but consult on choosing a location, site layout, civic strategy, and community identity.