Corning, IA – Before the first bell rings, before students find their cubbies or teachers unpack a single box, there’s one last step that brings a building project full circle: The Punch List.

Recently, members of Schemmer’s Des Moines office headed down to Corning, Iowa, to walk the halls of the soon-to-be-finished Corning Elementary School. Leading the charge was Project Manager Seth Shannon, who’s been involved in the project since day one.

“We’re not really looking for mistakes,” said Seth. “We’re making sure everything that was planned gets done right.”

That means checking doors, hardware, paint, light switches and even making sure swings in the sensory room are placed correctly. It’s part quality control, part collaboration, and part peace of mind for the school district.

And it’s not just architects doing the checking. Mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and other trades are all involved. With 14 prime contractors onsite, communication and coordination are key.

“It’s a tag-team effort,” said Seth. “We’re going room by room to help the construction manager and contractors finish strong — and make sure everything’s ready for Day One.”

One important stop on the walkthrough? The new safe room located in the Early Childhood Center. Built to meet strict design and safety standards, it’s one of the many critical features reviewed before the project wraps up.

Joining the walkthrough were a few interns and emerging professionals from Schemmer’s Des Moines office, getting hands-on experience with the final stages of a project.

“It’s invaluable,” said Seth. “They’re learning how a design turns into a real, functional space — and what to look for with an expert eye.”

Corning Elementary is scheduled to open to students in August 2025. And when that day comes, Seth hopes there’s a little magic in the air.

“When the kids walk in, I hope there are a lot of oohs and aahs,” he said. “They deserve that.”

SCHEMMER – DESIGN WITH PURPOSE. BUILD WITH CONFIDENCE.

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