With a commitment to innovation and global collaboration, we continue to shape the future of learning as the first B Corp-certified school design firm.
YCIS Yew Chung International School of Chongqing Primary and Secondary School CHONGQING, CHINA
This year, our commitment to the values and mission of a Certified B Corporation™ continues to strengthen as we make strides toward our 2024 goals.
In our ongoing journey as the first school design firm to achieve B Corp certification, we’ve not only upheld our standards for social and environmental impact but also set new benchmarks, expanding our reach and deepening our community involvement worldwide.
This year, we embarked on transformative projects in new countries, collaborating with diverse communities to bring future-ready educational environments to life. We’ve also re-engaged with longstanding clients, providing them with renewed support and roadmaps for their future, furthering their vision for innovative and inclusive learning experiences. These partnerships, both old and new, speak to our dedication to creating schools where students and educators alike can thrive.
Internally, our efforts to support our team have been a priority. We’ve introduced enhanced benefits and tailored professional development programs, investing in the well-being and growth of each employee. Our commitment to a collaborative, supportive work culture has always been foundational, and this year we took deliberate steps to ensure our team is recognized, supported, and inspired to grow.
Our social responsibility initiatives also continue to flourish. The Global Learning Commons network has expanded significantly, fostering meaningful connections and shared resources among educators and leaders worldwide. Our Future-Ready Fund has already begun to empower students by providing essential educational resources, needs, and opportunities, with a dedicated focus on broadening its reach and amplifying its impact through public engagement. Additionally, our participation in events across the globe has brought us closer to communities and allies who share our vision for education as a force for change.
Looking ahead to 2025, we are driven by the potential of new opportunities for both our clients and our team. We remain focused on our core purpose of using business as a force for good, with renewed energy to innovate, inspire, and lead by example.
With gratitude for your support and a vision for what’s next,
The Leadership Team at Fielding International
Randy Fielding, AIA Founding Partner
James Seaman, PhD, AIA, ALEP Managing Principal
Jessica Sticklor-Lipson, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Fitwel Design Principal
Isaac Williams, LEED AP Managing Principal
Michael Posthumus, M.Ed Learning Design Principal
We believe learning is the foundation for improving our world.
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9
176 95K
Countries Schools Students Workshops & Engagements
294
Speaking Engagements for National & International Organizations
Driving Impact in 2024
In 2024, we made significant strides in supporting the well-being of our team and the communities we serve, both locally and globally. Some of our most impactful initiatives included:
All-Firm Retreat for Innovation and Purpose
Our summer retreat fostered collaboration, innovation, and purpose-driven action.
Investing in Technology for a Sustainable Future
We have invested in new software and AI tools to enhance efficiency and advance our sustainability efforts.
Expanded Service Offerings
In response to schools' evolving needs, we expanded our services to better support learners and educators.
Professional Development Opportunities
We further empowered employees through growth planning and professional development, equipping them to make meaningful contributions to our mission.
Community Engagement for the Greater Good
We deepened our involvement in initiatives that benefit employees and communities, reflecting our commitment to positive change.
Collective Contributions
Conference Presentations
• Michigan Association of Superintendents & Administrators (MASA) – Conference Presenter
• Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) and Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (MASS) – Joint Conference Presenter
• Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) LearningScapes – Multi-Conference Presenter
• EDspaces Education Conference – Presenter
Leadership and Mentorship
• Environmental Design Research Association (EDRA) –Program Mentor and Conference Participant
• International Coalition of Girls' Schools (ICGS) – Roundtable Session Leaders
• Jury Chair (Randy Fielding) – Colegio Pioneros in Chile
Partnerships and Professional Contributions
• What a School Could Be – Thought Partners
• The American Institute of Architects (AIA) – Members, Volunteers, and Program Board Participants
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Garden City School
Cranston Public Schools
CRANSTON, RHODE ISLAND, USA
We are mission-driven.
We exist to make the world better by improving environments for learning. We remain dedicated to aligning every project with our mission and values, equipping clients with the tools and strategies to shape the future of education.
In 2024, we celebrated impactful collaborations, responded to evolving educational needs, and embraced innovation to create thriving learning environments.
Continuing the Journey
We deepened our partnership with Cranston Public Schools (CPS), expanding Learning Design services and introducing Welcome to Garden City: The Future of Education – A Short Film Series, showcasing transformative, student-centered design at Garden City Elementary.
Reconnecting with Purpose
After 12 years, we reengaged with the International School of Tanganyika to update their Facilities Master Plan. Through an immersive Discovery process, we uncovered opportunities to enhance learning, well-being, and community connection.
Meeting the Moment
In response to schools' evolving needs, we introduced Vision Alignment for Capital Planning and Learner’s Representative services. These initiatives ensure student voices inform design decisions and align with strategic goals.
Driving Change Through Innovation
We implemented cutting-edge tools, including AI-powered processes and sustainability-focused software, to foster healthier, more collaborative, and futureready learning environments.
These initiatives reflect our unwavering commitment to creating spaces where all learners thrive and communities flourish.
“Garden
City: The Future of Education – A Short Film Series”
This short film series offers an immersive look into the groundbreaking design and pedagogy of Garden City Elementary. From sweeping visuals of the school’s innovative facilities to intimate, documentary-style moments with students and teachers, the series highlights how a shift from traditional classrooms to vibrant learning communities has redefined education.
The films explore key themes of collaboration, creativity, and wellness, revealing the ways Garden City supports these essential elements for all learners. The series concludes with a guided school tour, hosted by the Global Learning Commons, Fielding International’s social network of schools and educators. This tour positions Garden City as a model of innovation for schools worldwide, inspiring a broader audience to reimagine the future of education.
Left: Take an awe-inspiring drone fly-through of Garden City School in "The Future of Education – A Short Film Series," where cutting-edge design meets transformative learning. Witness vibrant, student-centered spaces in action and see how innovation sparks collaboration, creativity, and joy in this groundbreaking educational environment.
Expanding Learning Design Services
Our ongoing work with Cranston Public Schools (CPS) builds on the strong foundation of collaboration established in 2018. In 2024, Fielding’s Learning Designers are partnering with educators across the district to maximize the impact of these future-ready spaces.
• At Garden City Elementary, we continue to support educators in using the building’s dynamic features to elevate teaching and learning through project-based learning and collaborative teaching practices.
• At Gladstone Elementary, the district’s next new build, we are empowering students to become authentic co-designers of their educational experience, ensuring their voices shape the learning environment.
A Legacy of Transformation
From our early work at Eden Park Elementary to the celebrated opening of Garden City Elementary in 2023, our partnership with CPS exemplifies what is possible when a shared educational vision drives design and planning. The opening of Garden City marked a milestone in this journey, and its recent recognition as a 2024 Green Ribbon School underscores the district’s commitment to equity, wellness, and inclusion.
Fielding International remains deeply honored to be part of this ongoing transformation. As we continue our work with CPS, we are inspired by the district’s dedication to creating learning environments that serve as catalysts for innovation, student empowerment, and community connection. Together, we are shaping the future of education—one school, one story, and one vision at a time.
Above: Fielding’s Learning Designers work with educators to maximize the impact of future-ready spaces.
A Lasting Partnership
Fielding International & the International School of Tanganyika
Fielding Interna tional’s journey with the International School of Tanganyika (IST) began in 2012 when we partnered with the school to develop a comprehensive Facilities Master Plan. Located on two vibrant campuses in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, IST faced challenges from decades of ad hoc growth, outdated classroom designs, and aging shared facilities. Our work established a transformative vision that aligned with IST’s financial capabilities and educational goals, leading to eight strategic projects to modernize their campuses and reinforce their commitment to 21st-century learning.
Reconnecting and Deepening Understanding
In 2024, we were honored to reconnect with IST to update their Campus Master Plan. In August, our team of architects and educators traveled to Dar es Salaam for an immersive Discovery visit, which allowed us to dive deeply into the school’s community, culture, and daily operations. These visits are integral to our approach, enabling us to build genuine relationships with students, staff, and leadership. By observing how learning spaces are used and engaging directly with the school community, we identified opportunities to enhance student-centered learning, collaboration, and wellness for both students and staff.
Left: Fielding collaborates with the IST's Design Advisory Group to help align the school’s vision, goals, and physical spaces for a future-ready learning environment.
A Roadmap for the Future
Building on the foundation we helped create in 2012, the updated Campus Roadmap focuses on the following priorities:
• Reimagining elementary school spaces with flexible learning environments that support personalized learning and teacher collaboration.
• Addressing pain points to enhance well-being and create spaces that inspire both students and staff.
• Refining the remaining projects from the 2014 Master Plan for the secondary campus to ensure alignment with IST’s evolving needs.
In addition to creating a physical roadmap for future development, we are supporting IST’s leadership in preparing teachers to fully embrace these dynamic new spaces, fostering collaboration and innovation in their teaching practices.
A Commitment to Global Education
Our partnership with IST reflects Fielding International’s commitment to building lasting relationships with schools and designing environments where all learners thrive. By combining our historical knowledge of IST’s campuses with fresh insights from nearly a decade of additional experience, we are helping the school create a sustainable, forward-thinking vision for the future.
This work exemplifies our dedication to celebrating and understanding the unique cultures of the communities we serve, ensuring that every school we design reflects the values and aspirations of its students and educators. We consider it a testament to our passion for creating thriving educational environments and fostering meaningful connections worldwide. Right: Students provide insights into the spaces that inspire, engage, and resonate with how they learn best.
Redefining Impact: Transforming Educational Environments in 2024
Evolving Services for Growing Needs
In 202 4, Fielding International recognized the increasing demand for tailored services to help schools effectively plan and align their future learning environments. Strategic planning, a cornerstone of our work, has taken on even greater importance as we adapt our process to address the shifting needs of students and communities. By emphasizing its transformative impact, we’ve empowered schools to create actionable plans that lead to meaningful change. Alongside this, we introduced innovative offerings such as turning capital improvement initiatives into catalysts for educational transformation and acting as a "Learner’s Representative" to prioritize the voices of students and educators in every decision.
Transforming Capital Investments into Opportunities
Fielding In ternational continues to redefine how schools approach Vision Alignment and capital improvement initiatives, shifting the focus from infrastructure fixes to transformative educational change. By starting with a compelling educational vision rather than a traditional facilities assessment, we are guiding districts and schools to envision spaces as innovative hubs for collaboration, wellness, and student-centered learning. This reimagined approach has driven several impactful projects in Michigan, aligning capital efforts with bold, future-ready teaching practices.
Advocating for Learners
Our Learner’s Representative service places the needs of students and staff at the forefront of planning and design. By collaborating closely with clients like Ann Arbor Public Schools (AAPS), we are ensuring that each project aligns with their futureready educational vision. Acting as advocates for learners, we guide other architects, designers, and consultants to create spaces that foster collaboration, innovation, and academic success. This approach guarantees that every decision is rooted in the best interests of those who will use the spaces, creating environments where all learners thrive.
Above: In response to schools' evolving needs, we are ensuring that student voices shape design decisions and align with strategic goals.
In 2024, we introduced cutting-edge systems, including an innovative software platform to enhance our processes and promote sustainability in building design, along with AI tools to engage and empower students.
Investing in Healthy, Sustainable, and Collaborative Learning Environments
Fielding International has embraced innovation and sustainability by integrating Lightstanza, a climate-based daylighting and glare analysis tool, into our design process. This cutting-edge software allows our team and clients to collaboratively analyze the quantity and distribution of natural light within Fielding-designed school environments, providing actionable insights into how daylight can enhance both the functionality and sustainability of learning spaces.
We have already begun using Lightstanza in our work with Ann Arbor Public Schools, ensuring their learning spaces align with both their educational and environmental goals. Moving forward, this tool will be applied wherever it supports our clients' needs, fostering healthier, more sustainable, and more engaging educational environments.
By using Lightstanza interactively with our clients, we empower them to be active participants in shaping their learning environments. This investment reflects our deep commitment to sustainability and to creating thriving, future-ready school communities where health, productivity, and environmental stewardship flourish.
Above: SDA (Spatial Daylight Autonomy) Mapping daylight availability to ensure occupant comfort and energy efficiency.
Above: ASE (Annual Sunlight Exposure) Identifying excessive sunlight and glare to guide shading and window design improvements
From Ideas to Reality: Leveraging AI with Students
In 2024, Fielding International embraced the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize our Discovery and Vision Process with schools, particularly in collaboration with students. AI has become an integral tool in our mission to create transformative, future-ready learning environments that reflect the aspirations of students, educators, and communities. By integrating AI thoughtfully, we can better understand and articulate ideas, foster innovation, and expand our ability to communicate with diverse audiences.
How AI is Transforming the Way We
Connect and Design:
Visualizing Ideas and Understanding Students
AI enables us to quickly and effectively visualize what is in the minds of students and stakeholders, helping us move from ideation to actionable concepts with greater clarity and speed.
Prototyping of Inspiring Design Features
AI s erves as a source of inspiration by aiding in the prototyping of design features and generating creative ideas that push the boundaries of traditional school design.
Expanding Storytelling Capabilities
AI enhan ces the way we communicate, enabling us to craft compelling stories that resonate deeply with our audiences and showcase the transformative power of our designs.
Developing Responsive Visual Styles
With A I, we can create culturally and demographically responsive visual styles, ensuring our designs connect meaningfully with specific user groups and reflect the unique character of the communities we serve.
This past year, we applied AI-driven tools in projects with Ann Arbor Public Schools, Portage Public Schools, and the International School of Prague. These tools helped us engage students and school leaders, transforming abstract visions into actionable designs that inspire curiosity, collaboration, and joy.
By leveraging AI, we continue to expand the possibilities of student-centered design, fostering deeper connections while embracing socially responsible practices that enhance equity, accessibility, and sustainability in education.
Above : In workshops led by Fielding, Ann Arbor Public School students shared their vision of ideal learning environments, resulting in AI-generated images that showcase the key features they believe foster joyful and engaging experiences. These visuals offer leadership valuable insights, helping them better understand and address the needs and aspirations of their learners.
Left: Examples of AI-generated spaces, created with student input, provide valuable insights and help us better understand the environments that truly connect with students.
The Fielding Team
Firm-wide Retreat 2024
We are employee-driven.
At Fielding International, our team is at the heart of everything we do. We embrace an employeedriven mindset, fostering a culture where personal growth, professional development, and empowerment take center stage.
A Year of Growth and Connection
In 2024, w e reaffirmed our commitment through initiatives designed to prioritize the well-being and success of our team.
In July, our annual firm-wide retreat brought us together for team building, reflection, and forward-thinking planning. We listened to employee feedback and introduced wellness-focused initiatives like “light Fridays” and began exploring expanded PTO options to better support work-life balance. Our monthly Whole Team Meetings continue to provide meaningful opportunities to align on critical topics and strengthen our collective vision.
To further empower growth, we rolled out a Professional Development Opportunities Policy, offering financial support for activities such as conferences, workshops, and continuing education.
Additionally, we celebrated the achievements of our team, recognizing the milestones and contributions that make Fielding International a place where people thrive. Together, we are building not just great schools but also a great place to work.
3 Days
3 Days dedicated to the growth and well-being of our team
SMART Goals
Employee Driven: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound
4 PLCs
The creation of Professional Learning Communities underscores our commitment to internal growth, reinforcing our mission to balance purpose and profit while advancing education on a global scale
Fielding's Firm-wide Retreat / July 2024
Our Retreat in Minnesota was structured for team building and reflection as one united firm.
New Growth Plan Cycle Initiative with SMART Goals:
Our new Growth Plan Cycle initiative empowers employees to set and achieve Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals that align with Fielding International’s mission. Through this program, each employee partners with a Growth Cycle Mentor—a designated Firm Principal or Partner—and forms a 360 Review Team consisting of a peer in a similar role and a colleague from a different role with whom they collaborate.
This initiative incorporates mentorship, supervision, and peer feedback to foster professional growth and accountability. At the end of each cycle, employees engage in a structured review process, including a self-assessment and constructive peer evaluations. These discussions are designed to recognize strengths, identify areas for growth, and ultimately build a personalized development plan.
Formalizing PLC Topics for Aligned Growth & Innovation
At our firm retreat, Fielding International's Partners led a workshop to formalize topics for our Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). This workshop provided an opportunity to collectively identify key areas for professional development, innovation, and collaboration, ensuring that our PLCs are aligned with both individual growth and organizational goals:
Designing for Everyone to Thrive
A deep dive into design strategies, focusing on equity, sustainability, and creating developmentally appropriate spaces.
Communication: Storytelling & Audience Engagement
Discover best pr actices in storytelling, visual journeys, and impactful communication.
How Schools Work: Child & Adult Experience s
Reflect on supporting schools as systems, addressing the unique challenges behind the scenes.
The Creative Process: Framing & Solving Challenges
Explore innovative ap proaches to identifying core issues and advancing projects toward success.
Enhanced Employee Wellness Benefits
We’ve introduced “light Fridays” as part of a wellness benefits Pathfinder, designed with direct input from employee surveys. Our leadership is also exploring ways to expand PTO options, ensuring our policies reflect the needs and well-being of our team.
Whole Team Meetings
O ur Whole Team Meetings bring everyone together to engage with thoughtfully crafted agendas and dive into critical topics. Through group discussions and breakout sessions, we explore essential themes like Learning Communities, School Safety & Child Safeguarding, and integrating co-curricular activities with core curriculum.
Empowering Growth with Professional Development Opportunity
At Fielding International, we are dedicated to fostering continuous learning and professional growth for our employees through our new Professional Development Opportunities Policy. This policy offers financial support for development activities such as conferences, workshops, and continuing education that align with both individual goals and company objectives. Each year, employees can apply for funding by submitting a proposal outlining the value of the opportunity, how it aligns with their professional growth, and a plan for sharing gained insights with the team. Our aim is to empower staff to enhance their skills, benefiting both their roles and the organization. This structured approach to professional development ensures that employees' growth aligns with the firm’s mission while maintaining high-quality project delivery.
Above: At Fielding International, every team member has a voice in shaping our future. Together, we brainstorm, collaborate, and chart the course for what’s next.
Inspiring Achievements & Awards
We were proud to celebrate Allyza Danica Valino, who was named AIA Detroit Associate Member of the Year and earned her Architectural Registration, becoming the youngest female Registered Architect in Michigan. As an associate designer at Fielding, Allyza is committed to creating educational spaces that empower school communities and advance social change through architecture. Her impact extends beyond our firm, as she also serves as a board member of the International Design Clinic, contributing to socially responsive projects worldwide, from Michigan to South Africa.
Balancing professional excellence with meaningful volunteer work, Allyza exemplifies our mission to create spaces where all learners thrive. Her achievements, including passing four ARE exams before completing her Master’s degree and leading community-driven initiatives, reflect her passion for empowering underserved communities, promoting equity in architecture, and fostering innovation in the field.
Above: Allyza hosts an architectural firm visit, presenting the intricacies of architectural practice to AIAS students from Lawrence Technological University.
Left: The Fielding International team celebrates Allyza’s achievement as AIA Detroit's Young Architect of the Year.
2024 EduForum
Design Patterns Workshop
BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA
We are purpose-driven.
We are dedicated to strengthening communities through a purpose-driven strategy centered on partnerships, collaboration, and shared success.
In 2024, we expanded our impact by fostering global connections, advancing educational equity, and empowering individuals to thrive. From launching transformative initiatives to deepening community engagement, our efforts reflect our commitment to creating vibrant, inclusive, and future-ready communities.
Expanding Global Impact
The Global Learni ng Commons network grew significantly, fostering collaboration among schools and leaders while solidifying its role as a hub for educational innovation.
Investing in Educational Equity
We introduced the "Future-Ready Fund" sponsorship program, providing students with essential resources, mentorship, and opportunities to align with our mission of empowering the next generation of leaders.
Inspiring Each Other to Thrive
Our team embraced Volunteer Time Off (VTO), dedicating time to students and schools, building meaningful connections, and experiencing the mutual rewards of giving back.
Elevating Learning in Architectural Practice
Becoming an AIA Continuing Education Provider marked a milestone in advancing architectural innovation and professional growth. We celebrated this achievement with dynamic courses at our Minneapolis Design Studio.
These efforts reflect our commitment to fostering strong connections within communities and working toward a brighter, more equitable future.
Global Learning Commons
Monthly Topics
JAN Structured Unstructured Time: Professional Learning Communities and Playlists
FEB Flexible Furniture
MAR 21st Century Skills and Implementation
APR AI and Tech
MAY Restructuring Time and Schedule
JUN How to start the year strong in a Learning Community
AUG Shifting Mindsets
SEP Changing Culture
OCT Implementation Science Introduction
NOV Hexagon Tool, Implementation Science
DEC Model for Managing Complex Change in action
Program Growth and 2024 Trip to Cranston Public Schools
In 2024, Fielding International's network of schools and school leaders, the Global Learning Commons (GLC), experienced substantial growth and engagement, reflecting its rising impact and significance in educational collaboration. Interest in the monthly meetings more than doubled, climbing from 26 to 68 invitees, while full membership tripled, increasing from 11 to 33 participants. These meetings, held monthly, spanned diverse, critical topics ranging from AI and flexible learning environments to restructuring educational time and shifting mindsets. Highlights included expert-led sessions such as “21st Century Skills” by Amy Thompson and “Implementation Science Introduction” by Curt Mould, which provided valuable insights for educational transformation.
Additionally, the GLC hosted a successful twoday event in Cranston, Rhode Island, featuring elementary school tours, teacher and student panels, and an implementation workshop, engaging 15 educators and administrators across three school districts and four industry partners.
The year also marked the formation of two small group cohorts and the development of a growing virtual resource library. These efforts underline the Global Learning Commons’ commitment to fostering a dynamic, collaborative platform for education leaders, further solidifying its role as a hub for innovation and best practices in learning.
Join us! Learn more at fieldingintl.com/network
Support for Public Education
Fielding International proudly donated over $8,000 to U.S. public schools this year, reinforcing our commitment to fostering student success and advancing educational opportunities.
Left: Our shared time with those we support is invaluable, fostering mutual learning about the importance of education. The joy we bring to one another strengthens our collective hope for enhanced learning experiences and meaningful growth.
Future-Ready Fund: Trenton High School
Equipping Students for Success
Launching the Future-Ready Fund
In 2024, Fielding International proudly launched the Future-Ready Fund, a sponsorship program dedicated to empowering students with the resources they need to thrive. Designed to uplift the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators, this initiative aligns with our mission as a Certified B Corporation to create a brighter, more sustainable future. With a focus on educational resources, mentorship, global outreach, and community engagement, the Future-Ready Fund ensures students around the world have the opportunities they need to reach their full potential.
Making a Difference: Trenton High School Esports Initiative
One of the program's inaugural successes was supporting the launch of Trenton High School’s first-ever Esports program in Michigan. In April 2024, Fielding International donated over $2,600 worth of essential gaming equipment, including high-performance consoles, controllers, games, and hardware. This contribution enabled students of all grade levels and genders to compete on an equal playing field, fostering inclusivity and digital literacy. By providing resources to this underrepresented group, Fielding helped establish a foundation for long-term success and growth, ensuring that the program will serve students for years to come.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Access and Opportunity
To further amplify the program's reach, we developed a dedicated Future-Ready Fund section on our website, complete with an overview, awardee stories, and application details. Through social media, we extended a Call for Proposals, inviting schools, educators, and communities to share their needs and join us in making a difference. In the year ahead, we will continue promoting this impactful program, ensuring more students have access to the tools and opportunities they need to excel. Learn more and get involved at fieldingintl.com/future-ready/overview/
Volunteer Highlights:
Strengthening Schools & Communities
Inspiring Young Designers
An all-women team from Fielding embraced Volunteer Time Off (VTO) to visit a Girl Scouts of America troop at Thurston Elementary School in Ann Arbor, Michigan. During this interactive session, the team led a visioning activity where troop members imagined and designed features for schools of the future. Working in groups, the girls collaborated to create imaginative concepts for their chosen spaces, using both digital tools and traditional sketches to bring their ideas to life.
Ellen Duff, Allyza Danica Valino, and Sydney Strawser guided the session, fostering creativity and curiosity while encouraging the girls to dream big. By combining innovative technologies and thoughtful design, the activity inspired the troop to explore how their ideas could shape the future of education. This engaging experience empowered the next generation of leaders to see the impact of their creativity in building better learning environments.
Guiding a High School to New Heights
Senior Learning Designer Nathan Strenge used his Volunteer Time Off (VTO) to serve as Board Chair for Exploration High School during a pivotal year for the institution. Under his leadership, the school celebrated its first graduating class and secured a new location to accommodate its growing student body and innovative programs. Nathan’s commitment to relationshipbuilding and empowering others fostered an environment that supports both learning and learners, leaving a lasting impact on the school’s community and mission.
Above: The women of Fielding International collaborate with local Girl Scouts on a school design activity, sparking their imaginations and encouraging creative thinking.
Left: Nathan speaks at Exploration High School's first graduation ceremony.
Designing a New Community Hub
An underutilized space at Anna Murray-Douglass Academy (AMDA) School No. 12 in Rochester, New York, has been transformed into the Douglass Family Campus HUB, a dynamic makerspace that opened in January 2025. Designed to foster project-based learning and collaboration, the HUB reflects Ellen Woodsbie’s dedication and ingenuity. Using Fielding International’s Volunteer Time Off program, Ellen’s dual role as a designer and AMDA parent brought unique insights, ensuring the space met the needs of students, families, and educators.
With flexible furniture, parent-friendly amenities, and an inviting design, the HUB connects the school, library, and recreation center. Ellen’s thoughtful planning laid the foundation for this transformative space, creating a resource that inspires creativity and connection for years to come.
Fielding International Becomes an AIA Continuing Education Provider
In 2024, Fielding proudly became an American Institute of Architects (AIA)-approved provider of Continuing Education System cre dits, aligning with its mission to transform learning environments worldwide. This milestone reflects the firm’s commitment to advancing architectural innovation and professional development.
To commemorate this achievement, Fielding hosted two dynamic courses at its Minneapolis Design Studio :
• The Ethics of Designing Future-Ready Schools (April 2024): This interactive session brought architects and educators together to explore layers of school design beyond conventional approaches, questioning how to create environments that meet evolving educational needs. By selecting lenses such as sustainability, adult collaboration, and holistic safety, participants explored comprehensive frameworks for designing schools that transcend "what do you want" to unlock their true potential.
• Holistic School Safety (December 2024): This immersive course introduced a comprehensive approach to safety, encompassing physical, socialemotional, and intellectual dimensions. Through handson activities and guided discussions, participants engaged with innovative strategies to ensure that school environments consider all domains of safety to create the ideal conditions for learning and learners.
These initiatives exemplify Fielding International’s leadership in shaping the future of educational design and fostering professional growth within the architectural community.
Left: Excitement fills the new Douglass Family Campus HUB, a once-underutilized space.
Global Learning Commons
Garden City Elementary School Tour
CRANSTON, RHODE ISLAND, USA
We are thought-driven.
Advancing Our Mission & Impact
At Fielding International, we strive to be the best school designers in the world. As systems thinkers, innovators, collaborators, and problem solvers, we are committed to continuously improving our work and its impact.
This year, we aim to further amplify our social contributions through impactful initiatives that reflect our core values:
Supporting Socially Responsive Design
We are proud to partner with the International Design Clinic, contributing our knowledge, time, and expertise to projects that address the needs of underserved communities worldwide.
Expanding the Future-Ready Fund
Through enhanced social media engagement, storytelling, and strategic partnerships, we will connect with more students and schools, ensuring access to the tools and resources needed for success.
Driving Our Mission Through Participation
We’re sharing our expertise and championing student-centered learning at key events:
• Association for the Advancement of International Education (AAIE) Global Leadership Conversation
• Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) Midwest Conference: Hands-On Learning
Inspiring School Leaders Through Video
We are producing short educational films to share innovative strategies, insights, and practical solutions with education leaders worldwide.
These initiatives reflect our unwavering dedication to designing thriving learning environments and creating a brighter, more equitable future for all.
What’s Next? Goals for 2025
Designing with Purpose: Partnership with the International Design Clinic
In 2024, Fielding International initiated discussions with the International Design Clinic (IDC), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating socially responsive designs that address the needs of underserved communities worldwide. With missions and values closely aligned, both organizations envision a partnership where Fielding contributes knowledge, time, and expertise to support IDC’s impactful projects planned for 2025.
Since 2006, IDC has completed numerous community-focused projects, blending local resources and collaborative processes to ensure lasting, meaningful outcomes. Fielding is excited to bring its expertise in education design to this collaboration, leveraging shared talents to create innovative, sustainable solutions that empower communities and make a positive, long-term impact. Together, we look forward to advancing purposeful design.
Growing the Future-Ready Fund
Fielding International is dedicated to building on the momentum of the Future-Ready Fund, taking it to a higher level to create an even greater impact. Building on the program's success in 2024, including the launch of Trenton High School’s Esports initiative, we plan to amplify awareness and connect with even more students and schools in need. By increasing promotion through social media, sharing success stories, and fostering partnerships, we aim to inspire school communities to take part in this initiative and extend its benefits globally.
Our goal is to ensure that every student, regardless of circumstance, has access to the tools and opportunities they need to excel. Whether through providing essential resources, mentorship, or support for innovative programs, the FutureReady Fund reflects our dedication to advancing education and creating a brighter, more sustainable future. We will continue to foster transformative educational experiences and uplift the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators.
Events That Will Drive Our Mission Forward
Student-Centered Learning Summit
Fielding International is proud to sponsor and present at the 2025 Pennsylvania Educational Technology Expo and Conference (PETE&C) , a premier statewide event focused on advancing educational technology. New to this year’s program is the inaugural Student-Centered Learning Summit , a groundbreaking initiative designed to put students at the heart of every learning experience. Tailored for educators and leaders, the summit will showcase innovative strategies, tools, and frameworks for creating personalized, engaging, and empowering learning environments.
As part of this exciting new addition, Fielding International will present a session titled "Architecture for the Future of School." Led by Michael Posthumus and Jessica Sticklor-Lipson , the session will explore how innovative school design fosters well-being, collaboration, and personalized learning pathways, equipping schools to meet the evolving needs of students and educators. We look forward to making new connections, sharing our insights, and supporting a shared vision of learner-centered education at this transformative event.
Connecting with Global Education Leaders
Fielding International is excited to participate in the AAIE 2025 Global Leadership Conversation in Washington, D.C., as an exhibitor and participant. This premier event brings together international education leaders to share innovative practices and advance cultural understanding. At AAIE, we aim to foster new global connections while introducing our latest tools, including our Design Patterns Cards and DIY Visioning Kit—resources developed to spark conversations and inspire actionable ideas among education leaders and stakeholders.
Our Design Patterns simplify the complexity of school design by focusing on the essential elements of how spaces function, offering accessible and impactful frameworks for creating effective learning environments. With the DIY Visioning Kit, we empower educators to envision and articulate the future of their schools in collaborative and creative ways. By engaging with this global audience, we look forward to sharing insights, learning from others, and furthering our mission to design environments where all learners thrive.
Above: Designed to inspire innovative thinking about future-ready learning spaces, this new DIY Visioning Kit empowers educators and school leaders to reimagine the possibilities for their communities.
"Hands-On Learning" for Future-Ready Schools
The Fielding International team is thrilled to participate in the 2025 A4LE Midwest Conference in Detroit—right in our own backyard. In alignment with the conference theme, HandsOn Learning, we’ve submitted four presentation proposals designed to share key insights into planning and designing future-ready learning environments . These proposed sessions will feature perspectives from school leaders, current students, and our own team, including Ellen Duff, a local A4LE board member.
In addition to presenting, we are honored to have designed the official conference logo, contributing to the event's creative identity. We look forward to making a meaningful impact at this event, deepening connections within the Midwest educational community, and showcasing the transformative power of collaborative design.
Exploring New Connections with School Leaders Through Video
As part of our ongoing commitment to advancing global education and supporting school leaders, we are expanding our efforts to produce short, educational films that inspire and inform . These videos will serve as accessible resources for education leaders around the world, providing innovative strategies, insights, and practical solutions to foster thriving learning environments.
In exploring new ways to connect with school leaders and address the challenges they face every day, we aim to create engaging films that not only identify space and usage issues within their schools but also offer thought-provoking content and creative solutions. By leveraging the power of storytelling through concise and impactful video content, we aspire to amplify our reach, share best practices in education design, and empower leaders to make meaningful changes in their communities.
This initiative reflects our dedication to making a positive impact on education and aligns with our mission as a certified B Corp to contribute to a better, more equitable future for all learners.
