The pandemic has fundamentally shifted the reasons we want to meet in shared spaces, whether it be a school, office, or retail establishment. We want destinations to gather, to collaborate in, to have intentional in-person contact – but we recognize that life isn’t going to look the same having collectively experienced the upending realities of COVID-19. Beyond the concept of “safely returning to…” we are seeing a perspective shift that spaces will now be crafted around safely and flexibly interacting as the main objective. For those pondering the future of educational design, the question begs, “What can we learn from the future of the workplace environment?”

Workplaces have historically been focused on flexibility (changes in tenants, equipment, or collaboration styles), but what are today’s industry leaders and tech giants already looking at to anticipate future possibilities? Beginning with a commitment to agility, we’ll hear how occupant wellbeing is playing a role in the design of workplace environments, and how that can directly relate to school design to emerge post-pandemic with plans to innovate and collaborate, not just react to the sterile, utilitarian needs to plan for the unknown. Through the application of research findings, we can work to create where learners, collaborators, and co-creators are inspired and engaged.

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn of the interior design decisions changing in workplace environments and how that is impacting safe, flexible interaction, and be able to draw comparisons to K-12 learning environments.
2. Learn strategies being used to track the health of space and provide transparency by sharing meaningful building data.
3. Learn about tools and certifications for sustainable and WELL health/safety ratings as it pertains to design for holistic occupant comfort.
4. Learn how designs for safety can create environments for welcoming, reassuring, and engaging experiences to support social, emotional learning and student and employee engagement.

Audrey Koehn, ASID, LEED AP, Global Interiors Lead | Principal, DLR Group
Audrey is a client-oriented interior designer, with a passion for experiential space and responsive solutions. She has a broad base of experience, working across the Workplace, Hospitality, Higher Education, K-12 sectors. This has given her an extensive knowledge in process management, space planning, concept development, FF&E and finish selection, document production and construction administration. Audrey’s commitment to responsive design translates to extensive knowledge in matching unique brands and cultures with appropriate and inspiring design details and FF&E selections.

Lisa Johnson, FAIA, LEED AP, K-12 Education Leader | Principal, DLR Group
Lisa is the leader of DLR Group’s Northwest K-12 practice. With over 25 years of professional experience, she has focused primarily on the planning and design of K-12 and higher education facilities. Her passion for leading and managing community involvement during the design process compels the subsequent design to embody the very essence of the community that it serves. Through the framework of a collaborative approach, Lisa ensures exceptional service and high-quality design.

Ariel Mieling, AIA, Assoc. DBIA, K-12 Architect | Senior Associate, DLR Group
Ariel is a passionate project manager and architect, with strengths in independent thinking and thoughtful teamwork. She thrives in a fast-paced setting with tight schedules for problem solving, and enjoys the new circumstances of every project with the possibility to explore a new crop of solutions. Ariel is committed to designing for education and viewing the world from a sustainable perspective. With experience on a variety of projects in K-12 education, retail, and higher education, Ariel is skilled at working with diverse team members and bringing the group together to attain shared goals. Her passion for education in all its forms developed during her year as a Fulbright Fellow teaching in Taiwan.