A4LE Names President of New England Chapter

Regan Shields Ives, AIA, ALEP, LEED AP, Principal and K–12 Educational studio leader with Finegold Alexander Architects, was recently named the President of the New England chapter of the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE). According to a news release, Shields Ives will lead the A4LE New England chapter in promoting membership, collaboration and opportunities for information sharing among learning professionals.

“This accomplishment is a testament to Regan’s passion for creating learning spaces where all students can thrive,” said Rebecca Berry, President and Director of Sustainability at Finegold Alexander Architects. “We applaud Regan on this significant accomplishment and look forward to the connections and collaboration that her time as leader of A4LE’s New England chapter will bring about.”

Shields Ives has been recognized for work on a variety of educational projects with Finegold Alexander, including Methuen High School, Gibbs School, Hardy School, Central Catholic High School’s Wellness and Innovation Center, and the Advanced Math and Science Academy Charter School. She has also received the Accredited Learning Environments Planner (ALEP) designation from A4LE’s Commission on Educational Facility Planning. With more than 20 years of experience, according to a press release, “Shields Ives is passionate about educational design and creating spaces that are welcoming, safe and inspiring for students, educators and the community.”

“I am thrilled to start my term as President of A4LE’s New England Chapter and look forward to collaborating with my peers in advancing the quality of learning environments for students and educators,” said Shields Ives.

The Association for Learning Environments is a nonprofit organization established in 1921 with the goal of improving spaces where students learn.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Northeastern University Breaks Ground on New Housing Community

    Northeastern University recently announced the groundbreaking of a new student housing community on its campus in Boston, Mass., according to a news release. The university is partnering with American Campus Communities (ACC) for development of the project, which will have the capacity for 1,200 students and has a scheduled completion date of fall 2028.

  • University of Pittsburgh to Build New Residence Hall

    The Board of Trustees from the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Penn., recently approved the construction of a new residence hall for first-year students, according to university news.

  • Can AI Help Build Stronger Communities in Student Housing?

    Student housing success is shifting from operational performance to student experience, with belonging now at the center. A recent 2025 report underscores a growing emphasis on student well-being, community, and engagement, signaling that expectations now extend beyond logistics to ensure students feel supported in their living environments. AI is enabling that shift by reducing administrative workload and giving teams more time to focus on meaningful student engagement.

  • Big Horn Academy

    Big Horn Academy

    Established in 1999, the Education Design Showcase is a vehicle for showing off innovative — yet practical — solutions in planning, design, architecture, and construction. Big Horn Academy has been recognized with an EDS 2026 Project of Distinction award in the category of New Construction.