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

  • Construction Begins on 100+ Acre K–12 Campus Designed for Lakota Culture

    The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe (CRST) and the Cheyenne-Eagle Butte School District in Eagle Butte, S.D., recently broke ground on a new K–12 campus that will cover more than 100 acres and serve students and families across 1,600 square miles, according to a news release.

  • Rethinking K-12 Schools as a Continuous Learning Experience

    Most students move through three or more separate facilities during their K-12 journey, yet the built environments they encounter at each stage have traditionally been designed in isolation, with little continuity in spatial language, learning philosophy, or physical resources. Each new school is a reset with different layouts, learning models, expectations, and ways of moving through a building. The next generation of school design is making the case that the first day of kindergarten and the last day of high school can and should feel connected through common support systems and infrastructure in the physical environment.

  • ed tech conference calendar

    Upcoming Awards, Events & Webinars

  • Longwood University Hits Construction Milestone on New Music Education Facility

    Longwood University in Farmville, Va., recently celebrated the topping out of its new music education and performance facility, according to a news release. The university partnered with development and construction firm Skanska on the 63,800-square-foot facility, which began construction in August 2025 and has an estimated completion date of fall 2028.