EPISODE 198: Collaboration Between Educators and Architects
October 2, 2024
Overview:
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.
Meet Our Guest:
Meet Raymond Bordwell:
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/
Watch on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/Ugt5YfTIBbgTakeaways:
- 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.
- 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.
The Host:
While students may only be 20%-25% of our population today, they are 100% of our future. That is why education is one of the most important investments a country can make and the sole purpose for the existence of the Better Learning Podcast.
The Better Learning Podcast brings on valued guests that talk about ways we can improve education for our kids. Because after all, they are 100% of our future!
Kevin Stoller:
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.
Kay-Twelve
LinkedIn Profile
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If you are interested in being on the show or know someone who would be a great guest, please visit the Better Learning Podcast website.
Our Partners:
Who made this episode possible?
Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) – https://www.a4le.org/
Education Leaders’ Organization – https://www.ed-leaders.org/
Second Class Foundation – https://secondclassfoundation.org/
Be a Guest on the Better Learning Podcast!
Are you rethinking what learning environments can be? We are always looking for thoughtful school leaders, designers, and educators to join the Better Learning Podcast and share real stories from the field.
As a guest, you will take part in meaningful conversations about student centered design, planning, and collaboration and how these ideas show up in real schools. We explore what is working, what is evolving, and what educators can do today to create learning spaces that truly support students and teachers.
If you are passionate about improving learning environments and have insights, experiences, or lessons to share, we would love to have you on the podcast.
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About the podcast
Through in-depth conversations, the podcast highlights how Radically Student Centered™ approaches can make a tangible difference in schools, inspiring educators, administrators, designers, and anyone passionate about the future of learning.