Designing With, Not For: What We Learned While Reimagining the White Sox Dominican Academy
When our team was asked to help reimagine the Chicago White Sox Academy in the Dominican Republic, we began the way we always do…by listening.
Not just in a conference room or over Zoom screens, but on the ground, in classrooms, dugouts, kitchens, locker rooms, and hallways — with the people who bring this academy to life every day.
Over many months, our team met with various stakeholders: educators, administrators, trainers, caterers, coaches, scouts, operations staff, and players. We sat with those who have served the academy for over a decade, as well as players who leave home as teenagers to chase their dream.
The goal wasn’t just to gather feedback, but to understand the human system that powers the academy: how it flows, how it connects, and what it needs to nurture the next generation of talent.
Below is a look at some of the key insights that shaped what’s next for the academy.
Education Needs Space, Safety & Flexibility
The current education spaces have served players well for many years, but they were not built for the scale or modern learning needs of today’s academy. The new design introduces a larger, more flexible classroom environment with improved acoustics and better layout planning. This creates a space that supports focused learning and extends seamlessly into life skills, English immersion, and digital education.
Coaches Need Dedicated Spaces to Lead
Coaches spend long days planning, reviewing video, and developing talent, yet much of this work happens in shared or multi-purpose spaces. The new academy creates purpose-built offices and work zones that elevate communication, privacy, and preparation, creating a modern player-development model.
Player Housing Should Feel Like Home
Player housing has historically been functional and efficient, but growing and diversifying rosters mean today’s athletes need more room to rest and recharge. The future layout expands living spaces, increases personal storage, and enhances communal areas, ensuring that each player has a comfortable, dignified home base as they develop both on and off the field.
Performance Areas Must Match Modern Player Development
As training methods evolve, so do the spatial and technical requirements that support them. The new academy incorporates state-of-the-art gym and training equipment, the latest medical equipment, updated agility fields, improved tech integration on the fields, in the batting cages, and on the pitching mounds.
Kitchen & Dining Flow Impacts Daily Wellness
The culinary team shared valuable insights into how service flow, temperature control, and storage organization can enhance both nutrition and efficiency. With a reimagined kitchen layout, improved food-safety planning, and upgraded dining circulation, the next iteration of the academy will support holistic health and wellness.
Listening Builds a Better Academy
The strongest insight wasn’t tied to a specific room or feature; rather, it was the pride and vision shared by the entire staff. Every conversation contributed to a design that honors their experience and elevates what the academy can become. The result is a future home that reflects the community it serves and a development environment the organization can be proud of.
Designing with them, not for them, is what makes the difference, and NOVA is proud to be a part of this legacy.
