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.

  • South Carolina District Starts Construction on $50M Middle School Renovation

    The Aiken County Public School District in North Augusta, S.C., recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the $50-million renovation and expansion of North Augusta Middle School, according to a news release. The project’s funding comes from the 2024 renewal of a one-cent sales tax approved by local voters.

  • golden trophies with falling confetti

    Spaces4Learning Launches 2026 New Product Awards

    Spaces4Learning is happy to announce that we’re now accepting entries for the 2026 New Product Awards! The awards program recognizes the outstanding product development achievements of manufacturers and suppliers whose products or services are considered particularly noteworthy.

  • Spaces4Learning Trends & Predictions for Educational Facilities in 2026: Part II

    As education leaders look toward 2026, the design of K–12 and higher education facilities is being reshaped by powerful, converging forces. Survey respondents point to the rapid growth of Career and Technical Education, deeper alignment with workforce and industry needs, and the accelerating influence of AI and emerging technologies.