 | 1 LU | HSW |
| 1 LU | HSW |
Date/Time: November 6, 2026 | 10:15 – 11:15 am
Room: YAKIMA 1
Abstract: A major annual initiative of the Diversity Champions Group is hosting workshops focused on justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in the design and planning of learning environments. This year’s LearningSCAPES 2025 workshop will build on the success of our 2023 and 2024 sessions, serving as both a touchpoint for continued dialogue and a springboard into regional and chapter-level conversations throughout the coming year.
Our objective is to move beyond surface-level awareness—to push toward specific, actionable strategies that embed equity and inclusion into the DNA of school design. This workshop will engage participants in meaningful, collaborative dialogue on the systems and structures that shape our schools—and challenge them to reflect on the biases, assumptions, and opportunities embedded within.
Participants will dive deeper into the key focus areas explored in past sessions while also expanding the conversation. Breakout groups will center on these five evolving topics, with a Diversity Champion facilitating each group to surface new action steps and report back to the collective:
We also welcome emergent topics that reflect participants’ lived experiences and work. Groups will be formed around each topic for facilitated discussion, with summaries shared in a full-group report-out. These contributions will shape a collective report published online, continuing the body of work from prior workshops and offering insights to the broader A4LE network.
We encourage you to bring an idea, challenge, image, or question—whether a sketch, phrase, or snapshot—and join us in exploring how design can be a force for justice.
Learning Objectives:
*Please note this workshop will have an optional 15 minute report out from 11:15 – 11:30 am. Participants taking part in afternoon tours will have time to transition to the pick-up area after the report out.
Lock is a registered architect and accredited educational planner in Chicago, IL, USA, who specializes in educational design. Besides practicing architecture, Lock runs learning environment design workshops for architects, educators, and professionals in related fields, as well as university students in each of those fields.
Julia has been working for school districts for over 20 years to positively impact the learning experiences of the students she serves. She manages the planning of projects transforming existing school sites and leads the effort to align LAUSD’s design standards and educational specifications with its instructional vision. In her professional and personal efforts, Julia advocates for inspiring learning environments that provide all children the opportunity to learn, grow, and dream.
Ross is an architect and ALEP with 28 years creating inspiring learning environments in Canada, the UK, Texas, and the PNW. He’s passionate about culturally relevant designs, the power of storytelling, and creating places of belonging, had three projects recognized by the MacConnell Awards committee and co-chaired A4LE’s JEDI Committee.
Taine, an experienced architect with 40 years in the field, has dedicated 28 years to educational architecture. As the Director of Capital Projects at Edmonds School District, she shapes learning environments that inspire and support student learning. Taine’s leadership prioritizes student well-being, incorporating nature-inspired spaces. She has held all Leadership positions in the A4LE Washington Chapter and served as WA Governor for the Pacific Northwest Region. Her service was recognized with the Al Beck Award for Service. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the College of Build Environments University of Washington, is an Accredited Learning Environment Planner (ALEP), and a LEED accredited Professional. Her commitment to creating welcoming and meaningful educational spaces exemplifies her impact on the field. Taine’s work resonates with the belief that the built environment shapes identity and learning experiences. Her passion for student-centered, inclusive and accessible design and her extensive expertise make her a valuable advocate for educational facilities.
Heidi Neumueller is a Principal, Senior Project Manager, and Architect at Cuningham. She brings a unique blend of commitment, strategic thinking, and sensitivity to every project. Heidi excels at leading immersive workshops and engaging with clients and user groups to transform their vision into dynamic learning environments.
Her recent work includes developing a Trauma-Informed Design framework for all Cuningham projects, inspired by her collaboration with Rise Early Learning. She is also a national thought leader in inclusive restroom design, advocating for key design strategies that enhance safety and security.
A recognized leader in the field, Heidi was honored with the 2018 AIA Minnesota Young Architect Award.
Dawn Brisco, principal at NAC Architecture, brings over two decades of expertise to the AEC industry. Her work at both the Chapter and Regional level for A4LE reflects her belief that every young learner deserves a healthy, quality environment reflecting the careful consideration of the needs of students and families.
Kerrie leads business development and marketing for Perkins Eastman's international K-12 practice. She parlays her background in education and human relations to focus on strengthening relationships between project teams and clients, ensuring challenges become opportunities, needs are met, and design excellence is achieved. Kerrie is an active A4LE member and serves on the Northeast Region board as Diversity Champion.
Kari-elin has practiced architecture for over 27 years, with an emphasis on creating spaces for learning, teaching, and play. She is a Principal with Cuningham in Denver, Colorado and serves as the Executive Director of the Grow Studio, where design for education at all levels is a primary focus. Kari-elin fuels her passion for meaningful design through her work with A4LE and currently serves as the Southwest Region representative to the Global Board.
Margarita’s focus on Universal Design and the creation of inclusive learning environments that promote meaningful access and equitable participation has been a consistent thread throughout her work. She has collaborated with a range of institutional clients across British Columbia and has led the development of accessibility guidelines and implementation plans for two post-secondary institutions.
Margarita is a past Chair of the City of Surrey Advisory Design Panel and currently serves on the Board of the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) BC Chapter.
Jake is an architect and Accredited Learning Environment Planner with the Los Angeles Unified School District. He serves as a Design Manager for educational facility projects, guiding them from early planning and programming through design and construction. With a background in designing and master planning educational spaces, Jake is committed to creating sustainable, student-centered environments that support evolving teaching practices and strengthen school communities.
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Seattle Convention Center
705 Pike Street
Seattle, WA 98101
November 4-7, 2026
Email: donna@a4le.org
+1 480.391.0840