WDA is pleased to announce William Duff has joined the board of The San Francisco School as chair of the Site Committee and a member of the Executive Committee. Founded in 1966, the school is an independent, coeducational day school with a multicultural enrollment of K thru 8th grade students. William will oversee the site committee in creating a long-term master plan for the campus.
“I am excited to apply my service experience and design insights to making an impact on education with my new role at the San Francisco School,” William said.
In his first task as chair William helped lead the school’s progressive approach to the COVID pandemic, working with his committee to plan for students returning to the classroom. With safety a high priority, William worked with the school’s administrative team to implement ways to accommodate social distancing, install touchless fixtures, upgrade the school’s air filtration system and add satellite space to accommodate more room for students.
The school is one of the first in San Francisco to prepare and plan for in-person classes, scheduled to start on Wednesday, 10/14/20. The return to school plan will provide equivalent offerings for both on and off campus learning by students.
William will also lead the site committee in planning for future renovations and reconfiguring campus facilities to better accommodate for STEAM learning.
William founded WDA Architects in 1998 based on his belief that architecture can shape environments and improve communities. He also believes that personal service strengthens ties to one’s neighborhoods and communities. In addition to his service for The San Francisco School, William sits on the Executive Leadership Counsel at Colorado State University and was named to the Affiliate Faculty of their Nancy Richardson Design Center. His past pro bono work as President of the Board of Directors for Young Audiences of Northern California and diRosa Center for Contemporary Art reflects his commitment to championing art to reflect values of access, diversity and inclusion.