Collaboration between Educators and Architects

Better Learning Podcast

In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, Kevin Stoller sits down with renowned architect Raymond Bordwell to discuss their personal experiences, the art of architecture in school design, and the importance of collaboration in education. After a light-hearted chat about haircuts and podcast setups, they dive deep into Ray's career, his passion for architecture, and his journey into the field.

Ray shares key insights on integrating operational needs into school design and the significance of creating adaptable, flexible buildings that can meet future challenges. He highlights the power of asking better questions and considering different perspectives to find innovative solutions in educational spaces. Drawing from his experience in both public and private K-12 school projects globally, Ray emphasizes the importance of early collaboration between educators, architects, and furniture partners in the design process.

Ray also reflects on his 30+ years in architecture, touching on some of his successful projects and his approach to planning and programming. He encourages school leaders embarking on new construction or renovation projects to be thoughtful, surround themselves with people who understand their vision, and share success stories that demonstrate the impact of integrated design. The conversation is packed with valuable takeaways for anyone involved in school planning or design.

Takeaways:

• Consider operational needs in school design to create more efficient and adaptable spaces.
• Asking better questions can lead to innovative solutions and a deeper understanding of client needs.
• Incorporate flexibility and adaptability into building design to accommodate future changes.
• The planning and programming stages of architecture are crucial for creating a strong foundation for a project.
• Exploring different perspectives and experiences can lead to new ideas and approaches in design. Be thoughtful and surround yourself with people who understand your vision when embarking on a new school construction or renovation project.
• Involve furniture partners early in the design process to ensure integrated and functional spaces.

Ray has been a leader in planning K-12 schools around the globe for over 30 years. Before joining JCJ Architecture as the National Community Market’s Leader, he led planning and design services for public and private school campuses across the United States and around the globe; building an international reputation as the Global Market Sector Leader at two of the nation's largest architectural practices.

Follow Ray on Social Media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rbordwell/

Learn More About JCJ Architecture:

Website: https://www.jcj.com/

Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.

Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Find out more about Kevin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/.

For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit https://www.betterlearningpodcast.com/

Episode 198 of the Better Learning Podcast

Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.

For more information on our partners:

Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/

Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/

Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/

Kay-Twelve - https://www.kay-twelve.com/

EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/

Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/