Designing for Success: How K-12 Learning Environments Foster Soft Skills for the Workplace

AIA Continuing Education Provider

PENDING

Date/Time: October 31, 2025 | 1:00 – 2:00 pm

Room: 153-154

Furnished by: Smith System

Audience: Architects, Engineers, Educators, Facility Personnel, Contractors / Suppliers / Manufacturers, Consultants

Smith System

Call to Action:
Hear proven steps on how to integrate multifunctional and flexible learning environments that encourage adaptability and collaboration; ways to promote active learning and reflection zones through spaces that encourage problem-solving, critical thinking, and self-regulation—key skills for professional success; and opportunities to enhance real-world learning that prepares students for higher education and careers through environments that mimic workplace settings, from maker spaces to project-based learning zones.

Abstract: While schools emphasize hard skills by teaching core knowledge and technical expertise, there remains a critical gap in fostering the soft skills essential for success in professional environments. Current and future workplaces demand critical thinking, adaptability, collaboration, and emotional intelligence—skills that must be intentionally developed through school design. This session will explore how learning environments can be strategically designed to nurture soft skills that prepare students for higher education and professional settings. Attendees will gain insights into design strategies that promote communication, teamwork, resilience, and problem solving to bridge the gap between education and career readiness. By examining real-world applications in K-12, higher education, and workplace settings, this session will illustrate how spatial design can facilitate lifelong skill development.

Case Study: Richmond High School – Designing for Soft Skills Within – the case study of Richmond High School, presenters will explore how flexible, technology-integrated, and wellness-focused spaces cultivate collaboration, communication, and adaptability, equipping students for the workforce. A recent Forbes survey reveals that managers are hesitant to hire Gen-Z workers due to a lack of soft skills, emphasizing the critical need to develop these competencies in schools. By fostering student autonomy and social-emotional learning through dynamic, real-world environments, the design ensures students are better prepared for future success. Regardless of school type, integrating these principles enhances all learning spaces. Attendees can apply these strategies to future projects.

Reference: Elting, L. (2024, December 23). Managers don’t want to hire Gen-Z workers, citing a lack of soft skills—Survey says. Forbes.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Understand the cyclical influence between K-12, higher education, and workplace design in shaping workforce-ready students.
  2. Identify key spatial elements that promote soft-skill development in school environments.
  3. Examine case studies showcasing schools designed to foster communication, collaboration, adaptability and social-emotional well-being.
  4. Learn actionable design strategies that bridge the gap between educational settings and the modern workplace.

Core Competency

Design of Educational Facilities
Aligning Educational, & Community vision with design to support a regenerative mindset for a sustainable and future ready Educational Facility.

Natt Puapornpong, NCIDQ
Natt Puapornpong, NCIDQ
Senior Design Leader, DLR Group

Natt is passionate about designing environments that inspire learning and prepare students for meaningful futures beyond aesthetics. With experience in both the workplace and education sectors, he understands the deep connection between space, engagement, and productivity. Believing that learning environments should foster creativity, collaboration, and real-world readiness, Natt is dedicated to crafting designs that enhance both the student and educator experience. Seeing students thrive in the spaces they create is the most rewarding aspect of their work, reinforcing the power of design in shaping future generations.

Jade Li, NCIDQ
Jade Li, NCIDQ
Senior Interior Designer, DLR Group

Jade is passionate about designing spaces that make a meaningful difference in the built environment. With a focus on building relationships and fostering growth, Jade continuously seeks new knowledge and opportunities to expand their expertise. Drawing from experience in workplace, mixed-use, education, and justice + civic sectors, Jade leads the way in innovative design that transforms how people work, live, learn, and play. Committed to inclusivity, creativity, and social impact, they celebrate diverse perspectives and drive positive change in every project.

Ellen Mejia-Hooper
Ellen Mejia-Hooper
Senior Interior Designer, West Contra Costa Unified School District

Ellen currently serves as Director, Facilities Planning and Construction at West Contra Costa Unified School District. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Interior Design from San Jose State University and has since dedicated her career to the planning, programming, and design of educational facilities.

Carey Upton
Carey Upton
Chief Operations Officer, Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District

Carey serves as the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Chief Operations Officer. In this role he manages the Maintenance & Operations, Facility Use and Facility Improvements programs for the 16 school sites in the district. This includes the Bond Program that has totaled close to $900M of facility modernization and construction. In addition to overseeing all projects, he guides facility planning for the district.

LearningSCAPES 2025 Conference in Phoenix, Arizona

Venue

Phoenix Convention Center
South Building
100 North Third Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004

Dates

October 29-November 1, 2025

Contact

Email: donna@a4le.org
+1 480.391.0840