Teachers as Designers
tive teaching practices. With maximum
flexibility as a guiding principle, the space
successfully supports the innovation and
change integral to the school’s culture and
mission.
Hindsight always provides such clarity
and wisdom. Observations on the process,
coupled with post-occupancy evaluations
are critical in informing professional prac-
tices for designers and educators engaging
in a project of this magnitude, and the
educator-design team gained much from
the experience of Phase 1 of the campus
rebuild. With Phase 2 to break ground
in 2019, much of the wisdom gained
from the designer-educator partnership
from Phase 1 is being incorporated into
a process for the secondary building that
promises excellent outcomes and fewer
sleepless nights!
Interior Design Process
Observations and Tips
• Start early in design
Being included in the schematic design
phase allows for critical opportunities to
listen and for teams to develop trust.
• Include teachers in the planning
and programming
Teacher input at the schematic design
phase is the expert voice in the use and
functionality of spaces and furniture.
28 essentials | winter 2019
• Hire experienced professionals with
education experience
Design professionals with education
experience have an enhanced capacity
to listen “behind and underneath” what
teachers are saying.
• Include teachers and designers in
professional development
The team learns and discovers together
and ensures expertise of both teams is
utilized.
• Experiment with samples
Hypotheticals or drawings are inade-
quate for choosing options that best
work in spaces and with children as oc-
cupants. Teachers must have a chance
to use samples with their students.
• Specify budget and what
teachers want
Include sizes, colors, and finishes. This
saves time during the bidding process.
• Engage the facilities manager during
purchasing, installation, and transfer of
ownership
Include warranties, cleaning instruc-
tions (especially fabrics), and mainte-
nance requirements.
• Focus on keeping everyone “on board”
A new facility is such a great cele-
bration! Make sure everyone feels
that way!
School Leadership Observations
• Teaching and learning continues
to evolve
Furnishings chosen for maximum flexi-
bility can be reorganized annually as
teachers and students learn and grow
into the space.
• Teachers need walls
Display spaces and teaching walls are
essential for supporting student learn-
ing and celebrating student work. Don’t
underestimate how much!
• Storage needs are vital
Teachers and students have “stuff”
and it all needs to go somewhere.
• Teaching and learning shift in
response to architecture
They don’t shift on their own. Pro-
fessional learning and commitment
are critical to staying the course and
changing the future for our children.
This article is based on the EDspaces 2018
presentation by JULIE HENDERSON,
Director of Communications at P.K. Yonge;
LYNDA HAYES, Director at P.K. Yonge;
ASHLEY PENNYPACKER HILL, Director of
Student and Family Services at P.K. Yonge; and
JENNIFER RAMSKI, Principal at Ramski &
Company.