EPISODE 207: Furniture Should Guide Design, Not Follow It
November 20, 2024
Overview:
In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, host Kevin Stoller welcomes Amanda Hastings, NCIDQ, ALEP, IIDA, Senior Interior Designer at SLAM Collaborative. Together, they dive into the critical role of furniture in shaping educational environments and its impact on students, teachers, and communities.
Amanda’s passion for creating dynamic, student-centered learning spaces shines as she shares her approach to furniture design in schools. With nearly two decades of experience and a client-centered philosophy, she emphasizes that furniture should do more than complement design—it should guide it.
Meet Our Guest:
Meet Amanda Hastings:
Amanda’s approach to interior design is both thoughtful and deeply client-centered. With almost two decades of experience in designing inclusive environments, she brings a wealth of expertise to her work, particularly in the public-education sector. Amanda’s design philosophy is rooted in connection—she prioritizes building relationships with clients to understand their unique needs and visions and values understanding the “why” behind every design decision. Her designs are conceptually grounded, blending creativity with the personality of the client to create engaging, dynamic spaces where everyone will thrive.
Her recent completion of the ALEP program in 2023 was driven by her passion for designing educational environments, and equipped her with expert knowledge and an enhanced desire to not only create student-centered spaces that enrich their learning experience but also to bring this knowledge to the clients and communities she works with.
Sound Bites:
“Furniture should guide the design, not just follow it.”
“We need a cultural shift in education.”
“Seeing furniture in person makes a huge difference.”
“The furniture world can be confusing.”
“The transformation of schools is the best part.”
Follow Amanda Hastings on Social Media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-hastings-shea-ncidq-alep-iida-ba603755/
Learn More About The SLAM Collaborative
Website: https://slamcoll.com/
Instagram: theslamcollaborative
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-s-l-a-m-collaborative/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSLAMCollaborativeArchitecture
X: https://x.com/SLAMcollab
Watch on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/YA-sOENFpfwTakeaways:
- Furniture should guide the design, not just follow it.
- Engaging teachers early in the design process is crucial.
- Quality furniture impacts student learning and engagement.
- Educating decision-makers on furniture value is essential.
- Community involvement can drive educational improvements.
- Building a positive school culture is as important as the physical space.
- Collaboration among designers, educators, and communities is key.
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
Twitter Profile
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!
Do you have a favorite school-related movie that left a lasting impact? Join us as a guest on the Better Learning Podcast, where we dive into iconic films, break down memorable moments, and hand out fun awards—all while connecting them to real-world education.
From standout teachers to unforgettable one-liners, we’ll explore how these movies reflect (or totally exaggerate!) school life. Plus, you’ll get to share your own insights and experiences in education.
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About the podcast
With humor, analysis, and reflection, each episode celebrates the fun, flaws, and impact of these films while sparking nostalgia and insights. Whether you’re an educator, student, or movie buff, join us to relive the movies that shaped how we see school life, and share your favorites.