Global integrated design firm Stantec is a six-time winner in Learning by Design magazine’s Fall 2023 Architecture and Interior Design Awards of Excellence program. Recognized for outstanding originality and excellence in architectural design and interior education spaces, Stantec’s winning projects include Kettering University’s Learning Commons, Falls Church County Public School’s Meridian High School, West Chester University’s Sciences & Engineering Center and The Commons, Katy Independent School District’s Martha Raines Academy, Hobbs Municipal Schools’ Career and Technical Training Center, and University of Texas Permian Basin’s Engineering Building.

 Kettering University’s Learning Commons located in Flint, Michigan, was awarded the Grand Prize for higher education projects over 100,000 square feet. The 24-hour student hub is centralized on campus to offer students a variety of unique spaces. From analog work environments to technology-rich presentation accommodations, the facility is an incubator for innovation and creativity. Connecting the ground floor to the existing Campus Center, the new building features a four-story atrium topped by a skylight, filling all interior spaces with natural light. The first and second floors feature public gathering, dining, and collaborative spaces, and the third and fourth floors house additional collaborative spaces and environments for research, support, media, individual focus, and group projects.

Meridian High School in Falls Church, Virginia, also earned top honors with a Grand Prize for K-12 projects over 100,000 square feet. The design of this new seven-story, vertical high school offers flexible floorplans that provide security, efficiency, and adaptability to support programs and educational needs as they evolve. The academic setting, with visual transparency and natural daylighting, encourages creative thought, community building, and individual growth. All aspects of the design, from the space planning to the furniture, reinforces the client’s goals of community and collaboration.

West Chester University’s Sciences & Engineering Center and The Commons in suburban Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, took home an Outstanding Project Award. The new three-story academic and dining facility provides a living-learning environment for the next generation of scientists, physicians, nutritionists, engineers, and other critical-demand positions. Designed as a student-centric facility, the building offers collaborative spaces scattered throughout - ranging from large gathering areas to more intimate nooks for individual or small group study. The building is also home to one of Pennsylvania’s largest green roofs, which is visible from surrounding residence halls and integral to overall stormwater management on campus. 

Martha Raines Academy in Katy, Texas, also earned an Outstanding Project Award. The campus, in Katy Independent School District, offers curriculum, flexible learning opportunities and a learning environment designed for at-risk students. The academy was programmed to inspire confidence and motivate students to have a positive outlook on their futures while preparing them for post-secondary education or entering the workforce. An abundance of natural light and external views support the emotional and cognitive needs of students.

Hobbs Career and Technical Training Center located in Hobbs, New Mexico, was recognized with a Citation of Excellence in the projects under 100,000 square feet category. The design overlaps programs with flexible learning spaces allowing students to understand and apply concepts that are outside of their specific area of study. Learning opportunities are on full display with a shared work yard, entry plaza exhibiting student-built art, and a communal innovation bridge to support socializing and collaboration.

The University of Texas Permian Basin’s Engineering Building in Midland, Texas, received an Honorable Mention for projects over 100,000 square feet. The multi-story building provides space for industrial technology program expansions related to petroleum, mechanical, electrical, aerospace, and chemistry engineering. Designed to be flexible and to meet the needs of evolving engineering curriculum, it includes classrooms, instructional labs, research labs, administrative offices, and student support services.

“Our design teams share a commitment to creating education spaces that engage, inspire, motivate, and comfort. Through collaboration with the many stakeholders, we are able to bring those facilities to communities across the North America,” said Léo Lejeune, sector leader for education at Stantec. “We are honored to have these impressive projects recognized with awards from Learning by Design.”

Projects were reviewed by a distinguished panel of seven architects and education facility professionals. Winning projects are featured in the October 2023 issue of Learning by Design magazine.