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

  • UTampa Breaks Ground on STEM Academic Facility

    The University of Tampa in Tampa, Fla., recently broke ground on one of its largest academic facilities ever, according to a news release. The Dickey Science Innovation Center will measure 153,000 square feet and has a scheduled completion date of fall 2028.

  • Wisconsin District Breaks Ground on New Elementary School

    The School District of La Crosse in La Crosse, Wis., recently broke ground on a new elementary school that will consolidate the students and staff of two existing schools, according to local news. Funding for the school comes from a $53-million referendum approved in 2024.

  • Massachusetts K–12 District Selects Architect for New Junior High

    Swansea Public Schools in Swansea, Mass., recently announced that it has selected Finegold Alexander Architects to design a new junior high school for the district, according to a news release. The firm will create the Feasibility Study and Schematic Design for Joseph Case Junior High School after a lengthy selection process by the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA).

  • 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.