Learning By Design magazine, with the support of Tarkett, recognizes the six 2025 ICON in Education Design Award recipients. The 2025 ICON in Education Design Awards recognizes significant Educators, Administrators, Architects, Interior Designers, and Industry Consultants who are "change agents", who "go beyond the norm", and who "step out of the box" for their body-of-work that was influenced and shaped by the learning environments they have created.
Learn more about each of the winning nominees in the Summer 2025 issue of Learning by Design magazine
ARCHITECT / EDUCATOR / RESEARCHER - AWARD RECIPIENT
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Shannon Dowling
MA, AIA, LEED AP
Principal
Ayers Saint Gross
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Shannon Dowling is a distinguished architect, educator, and researcher celebrated for her expertise in student-centered learning environments. Shannon leverages her profound understanding of educational trends to shape planning, programming, and design, with a particular focus on promoting belonging and student success, especially for historically underserved college students. Her impactful contributions to the field have been recognized with the 2023 Virginia AIA Award for Distinguished Achievement. Through her research, advocacy, and design work, Shannon continues to significantly influence the future of higher education.
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EDUCATOR / SUPERINTENDENT - AWARD RECIPIENT
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Dr. Joel Herbst
Assistant Dean and Superintendent of
Schools
Florida Atlantic University’s College of Education
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Dr. Joel Herbst’s visionary leadership drives students and educators to embrace continuous learning and development. By connecting corporations, universities, and high schools, he accelerates early STEM modeling. His holistic approach integrates research, collaboration, and experiences, enhancing curriculum with human, material, and financial resources. The spaces he develops are linked with curricula, resulting in partnerships, awards, and recognitions, ensuring every student excels both in school and beyond.
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ARCHITECT - AWARD RECIPIENT
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Caroline Lobo, AIA
Principal
suoLL Architects
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Caroline Lobo is an inspiring architect with over 30 years of experience, dedicated to designing meaningful spaces. As the founding principal of suoLL architects, she champions educational and community development projects, integrating research, creativity, and co-creation. Caroline’s work has earned numerous awards and recognition, including the AIA-AZ Architect’s Medal. Her influence extends through her leadership roles, innovative designs, and commitment to improving neglected communities, making her an exemplary figure in the field of architecture.
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PLANNER / DESIGNER / RESEARCHER - AWARD RECIPIENT
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Dina Sorensen
Assoc. AIA
Founder and Design Director
d.studio, llc
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Dina Sorensen is an internationally recognized design leader known for transforming schools into innovative, healthy, and high-performance environments. As founder of d.studio, she integrates arts, architecture, and research. Her interdisciplinary approach focuses on health-promotion research, cutting-edge materials, and holistic design that prioritizes sustainability and well-being. Dina’s integrated approach to educational planning brings together experts in public health, education, pediatric medicine, design, manufacturing, and neuroscience, leading them to design healthy learning environments collaboratively.
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ARCHTECT / CONSULTANT / C.O.O - AWARD RECIPIENT
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Roy Sprague
AIA, NCARB, ALEP, LE FELLOW
Senior Vice-President
Prolégo Consulting Solutions
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Roy Sprague is a distinguished leader with over 42 years of experience in architecture and interior design. As the former Chief Operations Officer for Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, he oversaw $5 billion in construction projects. Now Senior Vice President at Prolego, he mentors school districts in managing bond programs. Known for his commitment to quality learning environments, he has greatly influenced educational facilities and community planning. Roy has received numerous accolades, including having a middle school named after him, and continues to share his expertise and passion for bettering educational spaces.
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ARCHITECT - AWARD RECIPIENT
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Rob Winstead
AIA, ALEP, LEED Fellow
Principal
VMDO Architects
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Rob Winstead is a thought leader in sustainable, innovative school design with over 30 years of experience. He pioneers net-zero energy schools and actively contributes to industry discourse through national speaking engagements and publications. Recognized for aligning school design with cutting-edge educational practices, Rob’s work influences policies and guidelines, ensuring student-centered learning environments that prioritize sustainability, health, and well-being
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The 2025 ICON in Education Award Jurors, who each devoted many hours reviewing, scoring, and debating the merits of all submitted awards nominations.
- Kathleen Benton, Associate Director of Strategic Alliances & Advancement (Retired), The Society for College and University Planning (SCUP)
- Jeanne Jackson, FAIA, LEED, AP, Partner, VCBO Architecture
- Mary E. M. Lee, M.Ed., ALEP, Educational Facilities Planner (Retired), School District of Philadelphia District’s Office of Capital Programs
- Dr. Traci Rose Rider, Associate Professor and University Faculty Scholar, North Carolina State University, College of Design
- Jonathan Stanley, Director of Education and Government Strategies, Tarkett
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