• Analyze how the spatial progressions concept will support student development across grade levels.
• Implement strategies for balancing competing priorities in school design through examination of real project decision points.
• Evaluate methods for integrating biophilic design elements with technology to enhance learning environments.
• Apply collaborative design processes that successfully engage diverse stakeholders in complex and innovative educational projects.

• Articulate how CTE programs can integrate with construction and building maintenance programs.
• Identify ways to design and leverage spaces to integrate construction and educational operations.
• Discuss practical ways for districts and contractors to overcome obstacles that prevent extending externships, internships, and practicums for awareness and skill development of teachers and students.
• Identify opportunities to support the integration of CTE students and teachers in all design, construction, and maintenance phases for stronger career preparation programs.

• Explore how collaboration between educators, school operations and architects can be leveraged to bridge perspectives and enhance problem-solving and decision-making in educational settings.
• Learn how to use formative assessment techniques to identify and address common project challenges while keeping the students as the driving force.
• Engage in collaborative discussions to develop actionable strategies for creating functional, cost-effective, and inspiring learning environments.
• Integrate session insights with their own projects and leave with practical takeaways that foster meaningful connections between the session content and creating dynamic educational spaces.

• Understand how the change management process improved organizational performance at Capps Middle School.
• Realize how research-informed design is what’s driving the transformation of learning environments.
• Discover the effectiveness of small learning community design for student and teacher engagement.
• Be able to define the difference between ‘research’ and ‘empirical research’ while recognizing the latter is the power behind Evidence-Based Design

• Gain an understanding of key indicators that an aged campus is in need of replacement.
• Take away effective strategies for planning and passing large bonds, including effective communication and engagement with school communities.
• Understand the complexities of designing and building a replacement campus on an active school site.
• Utilize a collaborative approach to decision-making to navigate the complexities of planning, design, and phasing while maintaining a focus on community goals.

• Principles of Complex Problem-Solving:
  • Identify key characteristics of highly complex challenges in school projects and principles to approach them effectively, ensuring health, safety, and welfare are protected.
  • Understand how collaborative problem-solving addresses risks to occupant health and safety, such as environmental hazards, accessibility, and security.
• Engaging Complex Problems:
  • Analyze case studies to understand how resolution strategies can sustain health and safety while fostering equitable access and social interaction.
  • Learn techniques to deconstruct complex problems, balancing district goals with welfare-focused outcomes like sustainability and inclusivity.
• Solution Management:
  • Discover leadership tools to align solutions with educational goals, safe environments, and equitable access while fostering community trust.
  • Understand how to maintain collaborative relationships that prioritize welfare and ensure long-term project benefits for occupants and stakeholders.
• Inquiry-Based Engagement and Survey Insights:
  • Incorporate survey data demonstrating how successful and sometime less than successful outcomes were achieved.
  • Engage in discussions about strategies that prioritize goals and build trust across diverse stakeholders.

• Understand the challenges of developing and implementing successful master plans for academic campuses to thoughtfully grow over time.
• Examine how preliminary master planning and community engagement have facilitated successful bond campaigns and long-term campus development.
• Learn how to establish a framework for guiding future campus growth, considering factors such as enrollment projections and changing educational needs.
• Identify strategies for overcoming common obstacles that arise from a prior piecemeal approach to campus design.

• Lessons learned from post occupancy evaluations involving students and teachers centralizing the voice of the end user.
• Design steps for students in post covid environment to mitigate declining engagement.
• Define steps and processes needed to maximize use of the facility for students and teachers.
• Engaging collaboration among designers, educators, students and communities is key.

Kelly Wells, Instructional Coach, Kingwood Middle School, Humble ISD
Kelly is passionate about working with both children and adults to achieve their potential and working within organizations to build a positive and inclusive culture of growth. As a career Educator and Instructional Coach in both civilian schools and military communities, mentoring others to be resilient and recognize their own strengths and potential is the most fulfilling part of her job.

• Identify and plan for challenges; Attendees will learn how to identify obstacles and challenges and steps that can be taken to strategically plan for solutions.
• Develop a process; Every project comes with a unique set of circumstances. This presentation will provide insight into how to tailor a process that is best suited for the project. From bond planning to building occupancy, what steps are needed to make your project successful?
• Creating community collaboration; Replacing a campus that has a long history within a community can be an emotional journey. Attendees will be provided with solutions for meaningful community engagement and input.
• Building governmental partnerships; Because schools are often hubs of their community, it is essential to be in lock-step with city, county and any other governmental entities that have a stake in the success of a community. Attendees will be given insight into creating successful partnerships with their local government and officials.

• Understand the developmental progression of collaborative learning, from prescriptive models in elementary school to self-directed, flexible approaches in high school and beyond.
• Explore strategies for designing diverse learning environments—both inside and outside the classroom—that support student choice, engagement, and safety at every age.
• Examine how expanding learning across zones and hybrid spaces fosters self-awareness and prepares students for workforce adaptability and lifelong learning.
• Identify ways educators and designers can facilitate collaboration while maintaining the balance between supervision, flexibility, and student autonomy.

• Examine culturally inclusive design strategies that prioritize the needs of diverse communities, guiding the creation of educational spaces that reflect socio-cultural values and enhance learning outcomes.
• Explore how educational facilities can be seamlessly integrated into their communities, fostering collaboration and inclusivity to create spaces that serve both educational and communal needs.
• Investigate innovative design solutions that balance both the physical and cultural aspects of educational spaces, using architecture as a tool for engagement and cultural expression while enhancing student experience.
• Evaluate the tangible impacts of community-centered design by analyzing testimonials from stakeholders, demonstrating how inclusive educational facilities transform learning environments and promote equity.

• Recognize what is essential and what is extra when it comes to designing and LED Video and Video Production system in a facility.
• Investigate the jobs and career paths available for video production CTE students.
• Appraise how Northwest ISD has created an ecosystem of practical training and experience for students.
• Discover new pathways to create unique student and community engagement opportunities.

• Understand the challenges associated with construction projects mainly from an educator perspective.
• Learn about the issues dealing with architects, and understand why knowing your audience is important.
• Learn about tools to use to monitor construction in order to stay abreast of what's happening.
• As a woman, learn how to have a relevant seat at the table.

• Understand the framework for developing effective collegiate and industry partnerships for enhancing PK-12 education, and their benefits for student success.
• Develop an in-depth understanding of region-specific needs and approaches to developing tailored offerings.
• Explore the unique educational and developmental needs of early collegiate and career students.
• Identify and apply design strategies for supporting early collegiate students to create specialized learning environments that facilitate mentorship, growth, and inquiry-driven learning.

• Identify the key pieces of information required in construction impact occupant wellbeing.
• Tools and ideas for Involving students in the design collaboration process.
• Use of critical thinking in design to meet needs of stressed older buildings.
• Analyze how to identify the particular needs of the users and determine the most suitable space to achieve those needs.

• Understanding Equitable Access: Learn to identify and implement strategies that ensure equitable access to programming, facilities, and equipment for all students, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. This includes understanding the barriers to access, such as racial, ethnic, and cultural biases, and developing solutions to overcome them.
• Promoting Diverse Programming: Explore the importance of offering a variety of extracurricular activities, such as JROTC, performing arts, and visual arts, that cater to diverse interests and talents. They will learn how these programs contribute to a well-rounded education and the holistic development of students, emphasizing the need for cultural responsiveness and inclusivity.
• Resource Allocation and Support: Gain insights into the effective allocation of resources, including materials, facilities, and qualified instructors, to support extracurricular programs. They will understand the role of adequate funding, community involvement, and leveraging available resources to sustain these programs.
• Fostering Student Development: Examine how extracurricular activities can foster students' social, emotional, and cognitive skills, as well as student agency. They will learn to advocate for the inclusion of these programs in the curriculum and understand their impact on students' overall well-being and academic success.

• Explore how the early vision and continuous community engagement shaped the design of the new Crockett middle school.
• Analyze the design learning spaces and how these prepare Irving students for the careers for the future.
• Examine how the new Crockett Middle School creates spaces for students’ wellness, by providing spaces to of different scales, different noise levels, and different learning experiences allowing students agency over their learning experience.
• Discover how the design of the new Crockett Middle school celebrates learning-on-display by strategically adding transparency throughout the campus, while developing a safe learning environment for students.

• Bond planning strategies for gaining support for non-school facilities projects.
• Investing in elevated professional spaces as a tool to attract talent to key administrative roles.
• Creative renovation solutions for tight budgets.
• Tangible design opportunities for community-driven collaboration, like a display developed alongside the district’s historical artifact committee.

• Provide context of original renovation strategy of two Fort Worth ISD Middle Schools.
• Demonstrate the District’s need to rethink renovation strategy and consolidate these two middle schools.
• Demonstrate the feasibility of consolidation through community involvement and the political impact of this decision.
• Highlight current design solutions that respect the past while planning for the future.

• How Social and Emotional Learning strategies can be supported by evidence-based design.
• How Trauma-Informed design principles can respond to the psychological dimension of Mental & Behavioral Health by promoting safety, comfort, flexibility and control.
• How Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design principles are redefining School Safety & Security.
• Discussion on conclusions, practical solutions and next steps.

• Provide a general understanding of the “Due Diligence” Process and the typical procedure a school district undergoes prior to purchasing property.
• Using hazard assessment strategies and principles for property evaluation, learn how to anticipate risks and potential hazards to prevent purchasing a “problem child” property.
• Through the Q&A Panel discussion, explore the unique considerations that need to be addressed when purchasing a Greenfield or Brownfield site or when purchasing a property with an existing facility for adaption and reuse. to adapt and reuse.
• Through the Q&A panel discussion, learn how critical thinking and creative planning can address site deficiencies and enhance property selection.

• Understand the Role of Sensory Circuits in Education: Learn how sensory circuits, which include alerting, organizing, and calming activities, can be integrated into educational settings to improve students’ focus, engagement, and readiness to learn.
• Explore the Concept of Audiation and Its Impact on Cognitive Development: Gain insight into how the ability to interpret sound emotionally and musically (audiation) affects learning and cognitive growth, particularly in early childhood education.
• Experience the Power of Soundscapes in Fostering Imagination and Cross-Curricular Learning: Explore how immersive soundscapes can be used to stimulate creativity and imagination, connecting multiple subjects like geography, biology, creative writing, and technology.
• Identify Practical Applications for Sound in Educational Environment Design: Architects and educators will learn how to incorporate auditory experiences into the design of educational spaces, considering the impact of sound on student engagement, well-being, and overall learning outcomes.

• Understand the complexities of designing performing arts learning spaces.
• Discern effective strategies for fostering collaboration between professionals from varied backgrounds to develop a shared vision for arts-focused learning environments.
• Identify common challenges in creating performing arts spaces and how to overcome them through communication, alignment of goals, and a unified approach to design.
• Explore practical tools and methods for creating shared vocabulary between architects, arts educators, and owners to streamline the design process and ensure successful outcomes for performing arts learning spaces.

• Demonstrate how to gather stakeholder support for a unified vision through the utilization of a Master Planning process.
• Recognize what steps and correct implementation methods are necessary to pursue when encountering a hazardous site.
• Identify which factors can be limiting on a design and construction project and how to formulate a phasing plan to work around these constraints.
• Apply design strategies to historical projects that will memorialize their significance.

Sofia Dusek, AIA, Principal, PBK
As a licensed architect with more than 19 years of experience in the industry, Sofia serves in the position of Principal and K-12 Studio Team lead in the PBK Houston office. In addition to overseeing the planning, design and construction of multiple K-12 bond programs during her 12 year tenure at PBK, Sofia is also responsible for the leadership of PBK’s Women’s Leadership group as well as Co-Leadership of PBK’s Collegiate Summer Intern program. With a passion for planning, communities, and design Sofia is a proud member of the Angleton ISD Education Foundation Board of Directors, the Goose Creek CISD Career Academy Advisory Board and the AIA Houston Chapter Urban Design Committee.

• Learn about facility planning and how this drives the budgets for bond planning.
• Understand construction phasing and scheduling for planned facility expansions.
• Learn about interior learning environments and how it relates to wellness.
• Learn about how integrating CTE programs in the learning environment impacts education.

• Understand how leadership in K-12 educational design can push boundaries and reimagine learning spaces.
• Learn how to advocate for inclusive, accessible design projects within school districts.
• Discover strategies for overcoming resistance and turning innovative ideas into actionable plans.
• Gain insights into the collaborative process between educators, architects, and community leaders to create meaningful change.

• Understand the most effective safety measures and protocols that can be implemented in school environments to protect students and staff.
• Enhance Collaboration: Learn how to foster collaboration between school administrators, law enforcement, and facilities management to create a cohesive safety plan.
• Evaluate Safety Technologies: Gain insights into the latest safety technologies and how they can be integrated into school infrastructure to enhance security.
• Develop Crisis Response Plans: Learn how to develop and implement comprehensive crisis response plans that address various emergency scenarios, ensuring a swift and effective response.

1. Community Landmark, venue, gathering, celebration, performance, competition
2. Immersive Experiences for all
3. Showcasing Every Student
4. Integrative Learning
5. Self-Sustaining Community Value
6. Professional Quality Venue creating an environment where our students feel like clients
7. Attract non-district performers
8. Fulfillment through Rigorous and Immersive work and learning

• Scientific Fact: The fine arts provide learners with non-academic benefits such as promoting self-esteem, motivation, aesthetic awareness, cultural exposure, creativity, improved emotional expression, as well as social harmony and appreciation of diversity.
• Accessibility to the Fine Arts many diverse pathways is a beneficial way to give students with required accommodations a sense of belonging and choice.
• Experiences in Fine Arts will boost Students critical thinking, teaching students to take the time to be more selective, thorough and empathetic in how they view the world.
• The importance of Fine Arts Facilities as beloved community venues will lead to outcomes of Holistic Communities will retain more teachers and students supporting the health, safety and general welfare of the entire community.

• Understand how systemic racism impacts school facilities, student achievement, and how equity-focused planning can create a holistic lens for achieving equitable outcomes.
• Discover how creating a shared understanding of disaggregated data, qualitative data, and quantitative data for community members and district staff supports a holistic planning process.
• Explore how a collaborative and holistic planning approach disrupts prototypical recommendations by focusing on people instead of money and buildings.
• Differentiate the theory versus reality of implementing and operationalizing a holistic, multi-departmental long-range plan that addresses pedagogy, resource allocation, facilities, and operations.

• Have a fundamental understanding of the ethical and legal implications of using AI.
• Learn about the capabilities and limitations of various AI tools available to architects.
• Develop a critical understanding of AI's role in the design process, including the potential benefits and risks, such as biases, hallucinations, and the need for human oversight.
• Gain practical knowledge on how to effectively utilize AI tools within an architectural design workflow.

• Learn about the school safety standards, and their impact on campus security practices across districts of varying sizes.
• Explore the financial and logistical challenges of implementing safety measures across different district sizes.
• Discover how school leaders, safety experts, and regulators can collaborate to create effective safety plans that meet both immediate and long-term needs.
• Learn how to balance physical security with emotional and psychological support for students and educators.

• Understanding Human Needs: Gain insight into the core human needs—intellectual stimulation, emotional connection, and physical movement—and how addressing these needs can positively impact student engagement and well-being in thoughtfully designed educational settings.
• Design Principles for Learning Spaces: Be equipped with actionable design principles that can be implemented to create learning environments that promote cognitive, emotional, and physical health, enhancing the overall educational experience. i.e., the connections between healthy buildings and healthy occupants.
• Strategies for Collaboration: Learn effective strategies for collaborating with educators, designers, and community stakeholders to transform traditional learning spaces into dynamic environments that foster holistic development and well-being. Collaboration is an important part of successful design outcomes.
• Inspirational Examples: Leave with a curated list of successful case studies and innovative practices from schools and educational institutions that exemplify the integration of brain, heart, and body in their learning environments, inspiring them to replicate similar models in their own contexts – from material use and special features to sustainability, accessibility, and acoustics.

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the importance of designing schools that foster the success of all learners.
• Learn to prioritize key goals and aspirations in creating inclusive middle school environments, including planning, budgeting, and addressing unexpected construction challenges.
• Explore the importance of CTE courses and hands-on learning experiences and their connection to future career readiness.
• Evaluate best practices for accommodating neurodivergent students within middle school environments.

• Apply a more creative approach to accessible design that focuses on exceeding minimum standards.
• Assess a school facility and identify where greater access in the educational environment is most beneficial and readily achievable.
• Apply a cost-effective approach to accessible design.
• Gain an understanding of which state and federal accessibility codes pertain to schools and about Department of Justice established priorities that clarify where resources should be directed when fulfilling continual barrier removal obligations.

• Understand Decision-Making and Policy Influences: Learn how owners from large and medium-sized districts make informed decisions on executing voter-approved bond projects, considering budget constraints, project timelines, educational needs, and stakeholder input, as well as how local policies and procedures influence construction delivery methods.
• Identify and Manage Constraints During Bond Projects: Learn about common issues encountered by district staff and students during all phases of bond projects on occupied campuses. This includes community engagement during pre-design, aligning community perspectives on project timelines, managing expectations versus approved scope and budget, and co-existing with construction activities while campuses are occupied.
• Plan for School Openings and Activations: Understand the timelines and considerations involved in activating both new and existing schools after construction completion, ensuring that all work is completed prior to staff arrival within shortened summer calendars, and managing end-user expectations.
• Gain Insights on Effective Collaboration: Learn what owners appreciate and find challenging when working with architects and contractors, focusing on effective communication, adherence to timelines, and avoiding common pitfalls such as lack of transparency and budget overruns.