June 2025 - Learning By Design magazine, with the support of Tarkett recognizes The 2025 ICON in Education Design Award recipients. By illuminating the spirit, vision, and actions taken by these maverick change-makers we encourage others to challenge norms and utilize the design of the built environment to enhance the entire educational experience from pre-kindergarten through higher-education.
Award nominees are individuals with a strong record of leadership and change-maker demonstration specifically for improving education despite obstacles perceived unsurmountable to others. This includes positively impacting the cultural, social, emotional, economic, academic, and well-being outcomes for the communities they serve that were spurred or influenced by the improvement of the built environment.
Each year The ICON in Education Design Award jury, comprised of a diverse committee of educators, facilities executives, and design professionals evaluate nominees based on six key criteria. These criteria emphasize innovation, measurable contributions to education environments, professional development, dedication to the field, attention to detail, and philanthropic impact. Ultimately, the jury selects the top nominated individuals whose work exemplifies excellence in education design to receive the prestigious award.
The 2025 ICON IN EDUCATION DESIGN Winners Are:
ARCHITECT / EDUCATOR / RESEARCHER - AWARD RECIPIENT
Shannon Dowling, MA, AIA, LEED AP
Principal
Ayers Saint Gross
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.
EDUCATOR / SUPERINDENDENT - AWARD RECIPIENT
Dr. Joel Herbst
Assistant Dean and Superintendent of Schools
Florida Atlantic University’s College of Education
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.
ARCHITECT - AWARD RECIPIENT
Caroline Lobo, AIA
Principal
suoLL Architects
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.
PLANNER / DESIGNER / RESEARCHER - AWARD RECIPIENT
Dina Sorensen, Assoc. AIA
Founder and Design Director
d.studio, llc
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.
ARCHTECT / CONSULTANT / C.O.O - AWARD RECIPIENT
Roy Sprague, AIA, NCARB, ALEP, LE FELLOW
Senior Vice-President
Prolégo Consulting Solutions
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.
ARCHITECT - AWARD RECIPIENT
Rob Winstead, AIA, ALEP, LEED Fellow
Principal
VMDO Architects
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
To read more about their accomplishments, visit the Summer (June) edition of Learning by Design online.
Special Thank you to:
The 2025 ICON in Education Award Jurors, who each devoted many hours reviewing, scoring, and debating the merits of all submitted awards nominations.
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Kathleen Benton, Associate Director of Strategic Alliances & Advancement (Retired), The Society for College and University Planning (SCUP)
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Jeanne Jackson, FAIA, LEED, AP, Partner, VCBO Architecture
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Mary E. M. Lee, M.Ed., ALEP, Educational Facilities Planner (Retired), School District of Philadelphia District’s Office of Capital Programs
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Dr. Traci Rose Rider, Associate Professor and University Faculty Scholar, North Carolina State University, College of Design
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Jonathan Stanley, Director of Education and Government Strategies, Tarkett North America
