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Building the future of education, 1 exceptional project at a time.

Caliber 1 Construction partnered with Centria Autism to deliver the Life Skills Autism Academy (LSAA) of Decatur, a specialized tutoring and therapy center designed to meet the unique needs of children on the autism spectrum. The project transformed a former child daycare facility into a modern, supportive learning environment that balances safety, comfort, and functionality.

  • Client: Life Skills Autism Academy – Centria Autism
  • Architect: ADA Architects, Inc.
  • Developer: Zeal Development
  • Completion: 6/10/24 – 10/25/24

Scope of Work

The scope included a full tenant interior build-out and change of use renovation. Key elements included:

  • Conversion of a 15,380 SF single-story building with load-bearing CMU exterior walls, wood truss roof structure, and stucco finish.
  • Complete reconfiguration into therapy rooms, classrooms, and small group spaces designed for 1:1 and small-group instruction.
  • Creation of specialized spaces such as a Gross Motor Room, Assessment Rooms, Parent Meeting Room, and Director/Clinical Offices.
  • Installation of child-accessible restrooms, staff support areas (laundry, staff lounge, storage), and secure controlled-access points for safety.
  • Integration of sprinkler, fire alarm, and security systems in compliance with NFPA, IBC 2018, and Georgia amendments.

Design & Finishes

To create a calm, structured environment, the design emphasized durability, accessibility, and sensory-friendly finishes:

  • Flooring: Luxury vinyl tile and sheet vinyl in child-use areas, with resilient wall bases and FRP protection panels in high-impact zones.
  • Colors & Accents: A palette of Sherwin Williams paints in soothing tones with pops of color to distinguish classrooms and support wayfinding.
  • Safety & Accessibility: Rounded corners, child-height fixtures, ADA-compliant toilets/sinks, and one-way privacy window film in observation areas.
  • Casework: Durable wood cabinetry with solid surface counters for longevity and easy cleaning.

Additional Work

New single-story educational facility including site grading, utilities, parking, sidewalks, and landscaping. Building program features flexible classrooms, kitchens, therapy and activity areas, accessible restrooms, and administrative space.

The Caliber 1 Advantage

This project showcases why schools and institutions across Georgia choose Caliber 1 Construction as their trusted partner:

Proven Expertise

As a woman-owned, Georgia-based general contractor with over 20 years of experience, we understand the unique demands of educational environments—tight schedules, safety requirements, and operational continuity.

Safety Leadership

Our EMR rating of 0.88 and culture of daily safety commitment ensure student, staff, and site safety throughout construction. We maintain rigorous documentation and accountability standards.

On-Time Delivery

Known for meeting non-negotiable timelines, we adapt quickly to challenges while staying focused on successful completion.

Problem-Solving Partnership

We don’t just raise issues—we bring solutions, collaborating with teams to maintain project momentum.

Impact and Results

The LSAA project demonstrates our ability to deliver optimal functionality, uncompromising safety, and innovative design within constrained footprints. This facility serves as a model for specialized educational construction, supporting independent living and vocational training for young adults with special needs.

From Pre-K classrooms to university facilities, we consistently deliver spaces where students excel and communities flourish.