From April 28 through May 1, education planners, architects, designers, educators, and thought leaders from across the country gathered in Seattle for the 2026 AIA Committee on Architecture for Education Spring Conference. Centered around the theme Designing Belonging: Reciprocity, Resilience, and Regeneration, this year’s conference invited attendees to explore how educational environments can strengthen connections between people, place, and community across the continuum of lifelong learning.
Set against the backdrop of the Puget Sound region, known for its dramatic natural landscapes, ecological stewardship, cultural diversity, and spirit of innovation, the conference emphasized the growing role of educational design in supporting equity, wellness, sustainability, and resilience in a rapidly evolving world.
A defining aspect of this year’s program was its tour experience, which offered participants direct engagement with projects, communities, and design teams across the region. Guided by architects, educators, clients, and community partners, attendees experienced firsthand how Seattle’s design community is advancing meaningful, place-based approaches to K-12, Higher Ed, and community-centered learning environments.
“The conference experience was both inspiring and grounding — a reminder that the most impactful educational environments are those that foster belonging, strengthen community connections, and support human well-being. Beyond the projects themselves, it was the shared passion, generosity, and exchange of ideas within the CAE community that made the experience so meaningful.” -- Conference participant
“Nothing beats visiting architecture in person, though visiting with a group of your architecture peers and hearing directly from the designers and school leaders who’ve brought a project to life really makes this a conference like no other.” -- Conference participant
Throughout the conference, attendees explored projects representing every stage of the lifelong learning journey. Elementary education projects such as James Baldwin Elementary and Blakely Elementary showcased thoughtful, community-responsive environments designed to support the needs of young learners through belonging, flexibility, and well-being.
For secondary education, projects such as University Prep’s U-Lab and the SAMi Science and Math Institute demonstrated innovative approaches to experiential and interdisciplinary learning, offering students environments that encourage exploration, collaboration, and discovery.
Higher education projects further expanded the conversation, with visits to Seattle University’s Sinegal Center for Science and Innovation and several transformative projects across the University of Washington system, including Discovery Hall, Innovation Hall, and Founder’s Hall. Together, these projects illustrated how campuses are evolving to foster interdisciplinary engagement, research, student wellness, and community connection.
"As a K–12 planner and designer from the Midwest, it was inspiring to see how intentionally outdoor spaces are utilized and valued within the educational environment. Throughout our tours, we encountered numerous examples that generated ideas and sparked meaningful conversations among our group. Northwood was an outstanding example of how a thoughtfully designed courtyard can enhance the learning experience. The water feature—flowing through a concrete trough, over river rock, and into a rain garden—demonstrates in a compelling way how the built environment can actively support and shape pedagogy." -- Conference participant
Importantly, the conference also extended beyond traditional school settings, highlighting award-winning community projects throughout the city that reinforce the idea that learning happens everywhere. Across all tours and sessions, attendees were encouraged to consider how the built environment can support learning not only in classrooms, but across neighborhoods, public spaces, cultural institutions, and civic life.
Many of the discussions throughout the week centered on the interconnected relationship between physical infrastructure and social systems, a topic that feels increasingly urgent as schools and communities continue navigating post-pandemic realities, climate adaptation, and growing awareness around emotional and mental health.
Whether through conversations on neurodiversity, sustainability, community partnerships, student belonging, or regenerative design strategies, the conference reinforced a shared understanding that educational environments must do more than house learning; they must actively support the well-being and success of learners and communities across all ages.
“The future of educational design is deeply human—creating environments that support wellness, foster belonging, inspire curiosity, and strengthen connections between people and place.” -- Conference participant
Beyond the sessions and tours themselves, one of the most valuable aspects of the conference was the opportunity to connect. Informal conversations between colleagues, new professional relationships, and shared moments of reflection all contributed to a strong sense of community throughout the week.
As attendees departed Seattle, many left energized by new ideas, inspired by the projects and people they encountered, and motivated to continue shaping educational environments that are inclusive, resilient, and regenerative.
Thank you to all of the presenters, organizers, volunteers, sponsors, guides, and attendees who made this year’s conference such a meaningful experience. We look forward to continuing these conversations and building on this momentum throughout the year ahead!
Enrico Giori, Assoc. AIA
For the AIA National Committee on Architecture for Education