ASHES TO ACTION

Rebuilding with Purpose: Delivering AGBU + Sahag Mesrob’s New Classrooms in Pasadena, CA

As a proud alumnus of AGBU and the newest project manager at Environmental Contracting Corporation, it was an honor and privilege to help deliver a project so close to my heart—the recent completion of the AGBU + Sahag Mesrob expansion in Pasadena, CA. This fast-track initiative exemplifies what’s possible when a community unites after adversity to create opportunity for future generations.

In response to the heartbreaking devastation caused by the Eaton Fire, our mission was clear: restore learning spaces and support the Armenian community’s resilience. Over the course of just eight weeks, ECC’s construction team—working closely with architectural studio, DOMM and the steadfast leadership of Raffy Mardirossian—transformed over 6,500 square feet on campus. ECC modernized five classrooms, each able to accommodate up to 20 students, and converted the library into an additional flexible classroom.

This project is more than the completion of physical spaces. It represents a commitment to education, community, and continuity. Coordination with stakeholders—from campus administration to community leaders—ensured we delivered spaces that meet immediate needs, while remaining scalable and adaptable for the future. As with all ECC projects, sustainability guided our practices, with robust waste management and ongoing recycling integrated throughout the demolition and build phases.

As a member of the Armenian community, I’m deeply invested in what these new classrooms represent: a safe, inviting, and inspiring environment where our youth can learn and grow—even as the broader community heals. For me, giving back in this way is both a professional milestone and a personal mission.

Thank you to everyone involved—especially AGBU Faculty, DOMM Architecture, and my colleagues at ECC.  Together, we have built more than classrooms; we’ve contributed to a legacy of resilience and hope for the next generation of students. 

Written by ECC Project Manager, Shant Deyirmencian.