Better Learning Podcast

In this episode, Matt Rogers interviews architect Tracy Hucul from Quinn Evans Architects. Tracy shares her insights on radically student-centered design, emphasizing the importance of listening to students, creating diverse and inclusive learning environments, and giving students agency in shaping their educational experiences. The conversation explores how educational spaces are evolving, the im...

In this episode, Matt Rogers welcomes guest Dave Broz , professor at Columbia College Chicago and former global educational space designer. They discuss the importance of radically student-centered design, the shift away from "average" solutions, and how flexible, adaptable environments can better support diverse student needs. Dave shares insights from both his teaching and design experience, hig...

In this episode, David Cupolo shares insights on designing student-centered learning environments. The conversation explores the importance of collaboration, flexibility, and listening to student voices in the design process. Key takeaways include the value of creating spaces that adapt to diverse needs and the impact of thoughtful design on student engagement and success. Learn More About Kay-Twe...

In this episode, interior designer Jesse Readlynn discusses the importance of creating student-centered learning environments. He shares insights on giving students more choice and autonomy, the challenges of renovating traditional school spaces, and the value of early collaboration and community engagement in the design process. The conversation highlights the need to break from the status quo an...

In this episode, host Kevin Stoller interviews Jeannie Haubert , Executive Director of LEARN. Jeannie shares insights from her experience in higher education, highlighting how student-centered design decisions—like creating welcoming student lounges—can foster community and improve learning outcomes. The conversation also explores the mission of LEARN, which connects academic research with K-12 de...

In this episode,  Jonathan Stanley Director of Strategy for Tarkett North America, joins Kevin Stoller to discuss the challenges and opportunities in creating radically student-centered schools. They explore the importance of early collaboration, effective storytelling, and community engagement in school design and renovation projects. The conversation highlights how thoughtful planning can help a...

In this episode, Kevin Stoller and Kelsey Jordan discuss the importance of including all voices—students, staff, families, and the community—when designing educational spaces. They explore how thoughtful communication, change management, and understanding diverse needs can help create more engaging, student-centered environments. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities in tran...

In this episode, Robin Randall , director of the learning practice at Legat Architects, discusses the importance of radically student-centered design in educational spaces. She shares insights on creating inclusive, evidence-based environments that support all learners, including neurodivergent students. Robin highlights the impact of thoughtful design on student well-being and behavior, and empha...

In this episode, Matt Rogers interviews Stephanie Matthews , Executive Director of A Tribe for Jazz. Stephanie shares how her nonprofit uses jazz and arts integration to create culturally relevant, hands-on STEM learning experiences for students. The conversation explores the importance of centering student voices, embracing technology, and connecting education to real-world career paths. Stephani...

In this episode, Victoria Morlan speaks with Ashley Gould and Carol Crutchfield from Beaufort County School District about radically student-centered design in education. They discuss the importance of prioritizing students' needs in classroom and facility planning, involving the community in school projects, and creating flexible, play-based learning environments. The conversation highlights memo...

In this episode, Matt interviews Lauren Frye , an architect and educator at Forsyth Country Day School. Lauren shares her unique perspective on radically student-centered design, drawing from her dual roles in education and architecture. She discusses the importance of involving students in the design process, listening to their needs, and creating flexible, inclusive learning environments. The co...

In this episode, Matt Rogers interviews Samantha Blum , a senior interior designer at FGM Architects and recent Next Gen award recipient. Samantha shares her journey from healthcare to education design, emphasizing the importance of people-focused, experiential spaces that support student well-being and learning. She discusses the concept of radically student-centered design, offering insights and...

In this episode, Dr. Noel Schmidt discusses his radically student-centered approach to school design and education. He emphasizes the importance of involving students in the planning process, from visiting other schools for inspiration to actively participating in design meetings. Dr. Schmidt shares innovative features implemented based on student feedback, such as slides and ninja gyms in element...

Challenged to plan and design sustainable and resilient learning spaces that encourage innovation, critical thinking and collaboration, these young designers have broadened the potential of a school by connecting excellence in design with excellence in education. Their rigorous research, exceptional teamwork and eco-friendly solutions not only meet the needs of students, but address the economy an...

In this episode, architect Rebecca Baibak of Integrus discusses her approach to designing Radically Student Centered™ learning environments. Rebecca shares how listening to students of all ages shapes innovative school spaces, from outdoor courtyards to flexible indoor-outdoor areas. She highlights the importance of involving both students and educators in the design process, encouraging site visi...

In this episode, Matt Warren, Deputy Superintendent for Lexington School District Two in South Carolina, discusses what it means to be radically student-centered in education. He shares his commitment to prioritizing student well-being and individualized support, and reflects on the importance of strong relationships within schools. Matt also recounts the challenges and successes of leading a dist...

In this episode, Dr. Krystal L. Clemons , founder of Our Village Consulting, discusses the importance of centering students, families, and communities—especially those who are marginalized—in educational planning. She shares her strength-based approach to engagement, the need to truly listen and partner with communities, and highlights her successful youth leadership program that empowered student...

In this episode, Carey Upton, Chief Operations Officer of the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, shares his insights on radically student-centered learning. Carey discusses the shift from traditional, teacher-driven education to empowering students to find their own ways of learning. He highlights the importance of flexible learning environments, the challenges of change among teachers,...

In this episode, Colleen Martinez , president of Visions In Planning, shares her journey from architectural design to educational planning, emphasizing the importance of radically student-centered spaces. She discusses the need to listen to all stakeholders, especially in rural communities, and highlights the value of inclusive, future-focused school design that meets the needs of both students an...

In this episode, guest Philip Riedel, an architect and global board member for A4LE, discusses the importance of radically student-centered design in schools. He shares insights on involving students in the design process, learning from post-occupancy evaluations, and adapting spaces to better serve both students and teachers. Philip highlights innovative approaches to privacy and safety in school...

In this episode, Peter Sharma, a sustainability consultant with Stantec, to discusses radically student-centered design in educational spaces. Peter shares his approach to creating inclusive, sustainable environments by focusing on the unique needs of every student and integrating sustainability from the earliest stages of design. The conversation covers the importance of addressing embodied carbo...

In this episode, interior designer Katherine Wiley shares her journey from growing up abroad to designing educational spaces in Texas. She discusses the importance of creating learning environments that are truly student-centered, emphasizing empathy, emotional well-being, and community involvement. Katherine explains how thoughtful design—considering factors like lighting, acoustics, and flexible...

In this episode, architect Michael Kelly of KCBA Architects shares insights from his decades of experience designing educational spaces in Pennsylvania. Michael discusses the evolution of school architecture, emphasizing the importance of creating flexible, student-centered environments that foster excitement and collaboration. He reflects on lessons learned from past projects, the value of commun...

In this episode, Ryan Orr , principal at KCBA Architects, talks about his career journey from intern to leader and his perspective on creating radically student-centered learning environments. Ryan shares insights from his experience in education-focused architecture, emphasizing curiosity, mentorship, and the importance of empowering students to take charge of their learning. The conversation als...

In this episode, architect Aaron Jobson shares how he designs flexible, student-centered learning environments that adapt to changing needs. He discusses the importance of engaging students and communities in the design process, creating spaces that support a variety of programs, and building for long-term sustainability. Aaron also highlights the value of real-world learning opportunities and the...