Perkins&Will Names New Firmwide Practice Leader for K–12 Education

Architecture and design firm Perkins&Will recently announced that it has appointed Aimee Eckmann to the position of firmwide practice leader for K–12 education, according to a news release. Eckmann has been with the firm since 1999 and has served as the Chicago studio’s K–12 practice leader since 2017. Through Perkins&Will, she has produced award-winning designs and educational planning to schools in Chicago, Omaha, Mumbai, Shanghai, and more.

“I’m excited to take on the added responsibilities,” said Eckmann. “The possibilities of education have always resonated with me. Schools are game changers for students and communities, and we must be creative and responsive with the communities we serve. I look forward to continuing to embrace designing sustainable, healthy environments to benefit future generations.”

Eckmann has a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Design from Miami University of Ohio and a Master of Architecture degree from University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, the news release reports. She has also served in both leadership and mentorship roles for the ACE Mentor Program of Illinois, which supports underserved students in Chicago-area public schools.

Her previous projects include the seven-story William Jones College Preparatory High School in Chicago; Westview High School in Omaha, which combined a school and community YMCA; and the STEM-oriented Bezos Learning Center for the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., according to the news release.

About the Author

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

Featured

  • Minnesota District Opens New PreK–12 School

    Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop Schools in Gibbon, Minn., recently announced that construction is complete on a new, $68.9-million school for students in grades PreK–12, according to a news release.

  • University of Mary Washington Selects Builder for New Theater, Dance Facility

    The University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Va., recently announced that it has selected construction and development firm Skanska to lead a series of renovations and upgrades to fine arts facilities, according to a news release.

  • California District Opens New Robotics Center

    The Fremont Union High School District (FUHSD) in Cupertino, Calif., recently held a Grand Opening ceremony for a new, district-wide Robotics Center, according to a news release. The 14,500-square-foot facility was designed by Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA); Landmark Constructors served as the builder and Blach Construction as general construction manager.

  • Year-Round Schools Require Year-Round Indoor Air Quality Planning

    While many schools are out for the summer, year-round schools follow a more “balanced” schedule with shorter, more frequent breaks spaced throughout the school year. Even though this offers educational benefits, these facilities have less downtime for building maintenance. This can become an issue when facilities managers overlook the importance of routine HVAC maintenance and air duct cleaning services.