Discover how leading architects and designers are helping shape the next generation of inspiring learning spaces by selecting finalists in KI’s fourth annual Classroom Furniture Giveaway.
Now in its fourth year, KI’s Classroom Furniture Giveaway gives educators across the country the chance to reimagine their learning environments with flexible, innovative KI furniture solutions. We believe the environments we build do more than house learning—they nurture it.
This year, we’re proud to take our Classroom Furniture Giveaway to a new level by inviting a panel of visionary architects and designers to help select our 12 finalists.
Educators pour their hearts into shaping young minds. They design instruction, guide growth, and cultivate communities. Our goal is to elevate their efforts by partnering with experts who live and breathe learning spaces, so we can highlight the most inspiring, student-centered environments and support the people who support all learners.
How the Judging Process Works
The process begins by narrowing the field: KI’s Education Team will review all entries after submissions close on October 17, 2025, and select a pool of semi-finalists. Those entries will be passed to our A&D judges, each of whom will score submissions against key design principles (on a 1–5 scale). The judges will look for compelling examples of impact on engagement, creativity beyond traditional layouts, spatial flexibility, diversity of seating and worksurfaces, and attention to instructor comfort.
Once the judges select the 12 finalists, the process will be open for public voting, allowing schools, students, and communities to help choose the grand prize winners.
Each judge brings a deep understanding of educational design and what it takes to create spaces where students and teachers thrive. The addition of a judging panel this year infuses the process with expertise, transparency, and excitement, aligning with our goal to make this giveaway a beacon for design-forward learning environments.
Meet the Design Voices Shaping Learning Spaces
We're pleased to introduce our nine judges. These design professionals bring deep educational insight, creativity, and passion for learning spaces to the table.
Amy Running, IIDA, LEED AP BD+C
Associate Principal, Bora Architecture & Interiors
Amy specializes in flexible, healthy classrooms that support active learning from PreK to PhD environments. With 25+ years of experience, she transforms pedagogical goals into inclusive, adaptable learning environments. As a member of the AIA Materials Pledge working group, she advocates for sustainable, student-centered design that promotes well-being and engagement.
“Today’s students need environments that support critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration skills,” says Running. “Flexibility is essential. Furniture and layouts should shift easily from independent work to collaboration within the same class period. When classrooms are adaptable, they empower both students and teachers to thrive.”
Brian Proctor
K-12 Education Specialist, RATIO Design Architects
With 25 years of experience in public education, Brian bridges the gap between education and architecture. His work focuses not only on the social and emotional well-being of students and staff, but also on purposeful designs that support all learners and inspire connection and belonging while reducing barriers to learning.
“Classroom design directly influences how students learn and teachers teach,” he says. “The right environment boosts engagement, reduces stress, and gives students and teachers the flexibility to thrive, transforming classrooms into places of inspiration.”
Heidi Neumueller, AIA, LEED AP
Principal and Senior Project Manager, Cuningham
Heidi brings a trauma-informed and inclusive design approach to every project, emphasizing dynamic learning environments through collaborative engagement, well-being, equity, and belonging. Her process ensures that students and teachers are active participants in shaping their spaces.
“Every part of the built environment that shapes a school has the capacity to influence how students feel, interact, build relationships, make meaning of the world, and learn,” says Neumueller. “Thoughtful design can empower teachers to engage more effectively and give students a sense of safety, dignity, and possibility.”
Kelsey Jordan, AIA, NCARB, ALEP, WELL AP, Fitwel
Associate Director of PreK-12, Legat Architects
Kelsey is a nationally recognized leader in educational design whose award-winning research explores how learning environments can improve health, wellness, and equity. She brings both design and teaching experience to her work creating dynamic, future-focused learning spaces.
“Not all schools are the same. Each one reflects the unique needs, values, and aspirations of its community,” she says. “By listening closely and understanding those priorities, we can design environments that are not only functional but deeply meaningful, shaping the culture of the school itself.”
Tomás Jiménez-Eliaeson, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, NCARB
Design Partner, Little
Tomás leads teams focused on innovative educational, cultural, and civic environments. Originally from Spain, he blends European and American design perspectives to create spaces that connect people, community, and purpose. A passionate advocate for the future of learning, he explores how neuroscience, wellness, and technology shape next-generation educational design.
“Learning is a transformative experience,” he says. “Classroom design can either elevate or hinder those moments of discovery. Our job as designers is to create environments that optimize learning for every student.”
Vanessa Schutte, AIA, ALEP
K–12 Education Leader, DLR Group
Vanessa is dedicated to creating engaging, future-focused learning environments that inspire students and support educators. As the daughter of two teachers and mother of three boys, she sees each project as a way to give back, helping shape spaces that nurture growth, curiosity, and connection.
“Research shows that the built environment can influence student learning outcomes by as much as 16%, positively or negatively,” she notes. “The critical importance of designing learning spaces with intention and insight can have a measurable, lasting impact.”
Melissa Mountain, ALEP
Interior Designer & Learning Environment Planner, Vaysen Studio
Melissa is an Educational Environment Strategist with expertise in stakeholder engagement, interior design, strategic planning, and furniture procurement. Her work focuses on evidence-based interior design strategies that support diverse learning styles and collaboration.
“Classrooms for the future should be designed to encourage engagement,” she says. “They should be flexible and adaptable, prioritize student input, and support the whole child.”
Lisa Sawin, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
PreK-12 Principal, Harriman
Lisa leads the PreK-12 Studio at Harriman in creating inspiring learning environments across northern New England. Her work, spanning master planning, feasibility studies, and school design in both urban and rural settings, centers on bringing communities together around a shared educational vision.
“My architectural design philosophy is rooted in a belief that sustainable design is synonymous with good design,” says Sawin.
Valerie Sherry Caruolo
Design Principal, VSC Studios
Valerie focuses on creating learning environments that foster well-being, creativity, and human connection. As Founder and Design Director at VSC Studios, she explores how biophilic design, embodied learning, and creative processes can shape educational and community spaces. She integrates insights from neuroscience, psychology, and environmental design into her work and champions evidence-based, human-centered design that helps learners and educators thrive.
“My goal is to translate evidence-based design strategies into architectural practice while centering the whole learner and educator in each step of the design process – building with school systems, the well-being research literacy vital to students and educators flourishing,” she says.
A Shared Mission: Supporting Educators Who Inspire
KI's Classroom Furniture Giveaway is the chance to put a spotlight on bold, thoughtful designs in educational settings. By involving seasoned architects and designers, we’re adding a new level of rigor and insight to the selection process and celebrating designs that push beyond the status quo.
This is an opportunity to honor and empower teachers who give so much to their students every day. And it’s a chance for communities and students to engage with and support future-forward learning spaces.
Public voting for our fourth annual Classroom Furniture Giveaway opens November 7, 2025, with winners announced November 19. Follow our Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn channels for updates and help us honor the educators shaping tomorrow’s learning environments.
