The Faison Center originated in 1999 when the parents of 18-month-old Brittany Faison opened a basement classroom for her and three peers, planting the seed for what would become a pioneering educational experience for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Today, the learning hub reflects over 15 years of collaboration between the nonprofit organization and Baskervill.  

Designed with a deep sensitivity to the sensory, emotional, and social needs of those with ASD, the campus is anything but institutional. Its masterplan centers on a green space, creating a village-like layout that encourages intuitive wayfinding. Each of the campus’s five buildings reflects a commitment to different aspects of lifetime support, with bold, color-coded facades that make navigation easy for students, staff, and visitors alike. 

The site’s original building, initially designed by Baskervill in 1961 for Robert Shaw Controls, was completely reimagined as the center’s main building in 2006. Completed in 2018, the “blue building” is an extension of this original center and features both flexible classrooms, expanding Faison’s reach, and interactive spaces designed to support real-world skill building for older students (ages 15–22). 

The “green building,” a gymnasium and event space named the Flo and Tony Guzman Community Center, includes features like retractable basketball goals and an exposed acoustic roof deck to accommodate both physical activities and community events. The two-story Early Education Center, known as the “yellow building,” houses four classrooms and a shared play area for Faison’s Early Education Center that opens to a playground, while the second floor includes administrative offices and a flexible boardroom with access to a terrace.  

The newest addition, aptly named Pioneer Hall, offers flexible spaces for adult programming, with acoustically considered classrooms and private alcoves to minimize sensory overload. This 12,000-square-foot structure, clad in orange, expands the Faison Center’s capacity for adult services by 200%. 

Designed as a supportive extension of the campus, the Faison Residence is a four-story multifamily community for young adults with ASD alongside market-rate apartments. Its 45 one-, two-, and three-bedroom units intentionally mix residents with members of the compassionate care workforce—such as nurses and teachers—pairing inclusion with independence.