I have been impressed by the design team’s ability to actively listen to the needs of our teachers, staff, community and students, and to translate those ideas into thoughtful, imaginative spaces that embody our values and forwardthinking STEAM curriculum.
– John Puglisi Superintendent, Rio School District
Architecture for Education plans and designs environments that inspire every student to excel, supporting a lifelong love of learning that is encouraged by multiple educational pathways.
We are passionate about our work, believing that our designs have significant social purpose; influence that reaches beyond individual buildings and campuses to positively impact neighborhoods and communities, while celebrating education’s fundamental importance. In close partnership with our clients, we build one-of-a-kind facilities reflective of their unique goals and aspirations; contemporary learning environments that evoke community heritage and traditions while adapting to new uses and evolving program strengths. Our complete approach to education-based architecture promotes curiosity, imagination and wonder in every indoor and outdoor space – today and tomorrow.
Architecture / Interior Design
Visioning / Stakeholder Workshops
Master Planning
Existing Facilities Assessment
Strategic Planning
Pre-Design & Programming
Educational Specifications
Design Guidelines
ADA & Barrier Removal Projects
Construction Administration
Rachel Adams aia leed ap Partner | Managing Principal
Olivia Graf Partner | Design Principal
A4E’s design took a bare bones school and made it an attractive campus.
– Elliot Duchon Superintendent, Jurupa Unified School District
Since its founding in 2002, A4E has focused exclusively on educational facilities, with an emphasis on Early Childhood and K-12 projects. In 2017, after 15 years in business, A4E transitioned to a woman-owned and operated small business under the leadership of partners Rachel Adams and Olivia Graf.
A4E designs learning environments that carry social purpose and celebrate education’s essential role, extending beyond individual buildings to positively impact communities.
In close collaboration with our clients, we create one-of-a-kind facilities that reflect each client’s goals and aspirations. Our designs for contemporary learning environments honor community heritage while adapting to new uses and evolving programs. We take pride in creating spaces that inspire curiosity, imagination, and wonder. Our team of designers and technical leaders is dedicated to delivering innovative schools of the highest quality.
I can’t understate the impact of being able to work in an environment where it’s immediately evident that it’s designed for form and function. From the color schemes that subtly separate the individual and collaborative zones to the thoughtful integration of technology throughout, it’s a workspace in which our team takes great pride!
– Justin Lim Online Learning Director,
El Monte Union High School District
At A4E, we believe that every project, building, or site should tell a story that is specific to the traditions of the students, the history of those who came to the area before us, or the culture of the community. For example, a new school can be designed to celebrate local history or tradition, reflect environmental sensitivity, or even celebrate the life of a hero.
As thought leaders in engagement strategies, we are committed to telling your unique story. We believe it is important to look beyond immediate stakeholders, and also work with citizens and community groups, incorporating their priorities into the design process alongside District goals and values.
TEXTURE
COLOR INTENSITY
MASSING CIRCULATION
THE GROWTH PROCESS OF A TREE = DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE ATMOSPHERES FOR EVERY GRADE LEVEL
THE LIVING LAB THE GROVE
OBSERVATION DECK
RIVER OF KNOWLEDGE
BUILDING FORM RELATES TO DEVELOPMENTAL AGE KG TO HIGH SCHOOL
WINDOW SIZE INCREASES WITH DEVELOPMENTAL AGE SMALL PUNCHED OPENINGS TO CURTAINWALL
RIVER OF KNOWLEDGE
CIRCULATION PATH GUIDES STUDENTS FROM KG TO HS, LEARNING ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT + SUSTAINABILITY AS THEY GROW
MATERIALITY & CONSTRUCTION TYPES CHANGE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL AGE WARM TRANSFORMS TO INDUSTRIAL
COLOR THEORY BASED ON DEVELOPMENTAL AGE BRIGHT TO DARK
With our focus on education architecture, A4E recognizes that physical environments can have a significant impact on learning. We view our role as facilitators of our clients’ vision; we create learning environments that inspire. Our design philosophy emphasizes the following concepts:
` We design schools that reflect community values, promote sustainability, and inspire curiosity and imagination.
` Through our interactive Futures Conference process, A4E gathers input and expands the imagination of all participants, including teachers, students, administrators, maintenance staff, parents, and community members, working together to shape each project’s vision.
` We delivers exceptional facility design and client service as inseparable parts of every project’s success, creating educational environments that provide immediate impact and support long-term operational goals.
` Our team is constantly researching opportunities for innovation in methods and materials concerning the design of learning environments.
` We actively seek out and present new ideas that can spark exciting changes for our clients’ facilities and campuses.
` Students learn best when their environment is a memorable experience. Our architecture connects physical spaces to curriculum, inspiring curiosity and imagination while promoting active participation and unexpected learning opportunities.
Jurupa Unified School District | Riverside, CA
Rio Unified School District | Oxnard, CA
Alhambra Unified School District | Alhambra, CA
El Monte Union High School District | El Monte, CA
Gateway Community Charters | Sacramento, CA
Jurupa Unified School District | Riverside, CA
El Monte Union High School | El Monte, CA
El Monte Union High School District | El Monte, CA
Flintridge Preparatory School | La Cañada Flintridge, CA
Boys Republic | Chino Hills, CA
Colusa County Office of Education | Colusa, CA
Ojai Unified School District | Ojai, CA
Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District | Santa Monica, CA
CAÑADA
La Cañada Unified School District | La Cañada, CA
ROBERT G. FREEMAN CENTER FOR CAREER & COMPLETION
Pasadena City College | Pasadena, CA
Pasadena City College | Pasadena, CA
California State University, Domiguez Hills | Carson, CA
Coalition for Adequate School Housing (C.A.S.H.) Leroy F. Greene Design & Planning Award of Honor
Elliott N. Duchon Concert Hall at Rubidoux High School // 2024
Project of Distinction Award, Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) Planning & Design Awards
Rio del Sol K-8 STEAM School // 2022
Citation Award, Institutional/Educational, American Institute of Architects Pasadena Foothill (AIAPF) Chapter Design Awards
El Monte Union High School District Community Education Center // 2022
Outstanding Design, Student Centers/Service Areas, American School & University Magazine Educational Interiors Showcase
El Monte Union High School District Community Education Center // 2022
Honor Award, New Construction, Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) Southern California Awards of Excellence
Rio del Sol K-8 STEAM School // 2020
Grand Prize, Combined-Level School, New Construction/Addition, Learning by Design Awards of Excellence
Rio del Sol K-8 STEAM School // Fall 2020
Merit Award, Institutional/Educational, American Institute of Architects Pasadena Foothill (AIAPF) Chapter Design Awards
Boy’s Republic Max L. Scott Culinary Arts Center // 2020
Honorable Mention, Specialized Education Facility, New Construction/Addition, Learning by Design Awards of Excellence
Boy’s Republic Max L. Scott Culinary Arts Center // Fall 2020
Citation Award, Institutional/Educations, American Institute of Architects Pasadena Foothill (AIAPF) Chapter Design Awards
Rio del Sol K-8 STEAM School // 2019
Outstanding Project, Combined-Level School, New Construction/Addition Learning by Design Awards of Excellence
Gateway Community Charters, Rancho Del Paso K-12 Campus // Fall 2019
A4E captured our goals perfectly. I love the final design, which was a perfect combination of the options they shared and our feedback.
– Erick Steelman
CCTO, Director of Information Services, El Monte Union High School District
At A4E, we believe in pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation in every project we undertake. We aim to inspire transformation and foster a deeper understanding of the design principles that shape our world.
We are excited to feature an insightful article by Olivia Graf Doyle. Titled “Using Story-Driven Facility Design to Engage Users and Inspire Transformation”, this piece delves into the innovative approach of story-driven facility design. Olivia explores how crafting a narrative within design can profoundly engage users and drive transformative experiences in educational environments.
