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

  • Niles West High School Natatorium Renovation

    Natatoriums are highly specialized spaces, and luminaires in this setting face several unique challenges. Perhaps the most significant is corrosion, which is exacerbated by high indoor humidity, condensation, and pool chemicals, often resulting in material degradation in luminaires not certified to perform in corrosive environments.

  • 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.

  • Spaces4Learning Launches 2026 Education Design Showcase Awards

    Spaces4Learning has opened submissions for the 2026 Education Design Showcase! The awards program launched in 1999 with the goal of celebrating innovative, practical solutions in the planning, design, and construction of K–12 and higher-education facilities. EDS recognizes new developments that help achieve optimal learning environments, as well as the architecture firms that brought the ideas to life.

  • Universities Continue to Launch Multimillion-Dollar Campus Transformations

    What makes the current wave of campus development especially noteworthy is its emphasis on multi-use functionality and community integration. Institutions are no longer investing solely in academic or athletic facilities in isolation. Instead, they are creating destinations that blend recreation, health, housing, and event-driven economic activity.