Shannon Dowling Recognized with ICON in Education Award

Ayers Saint Gross Principal Shannon Dowling has been honored with an ICON in Education Design Award from Learning by Design magazine. The award program recognizes educators, architects, designers, and facility professionals whose work is “driven by the belief that improved learning environments lead to better learning.” A planner, space analyst, and educator, Shannon was selected because of her work creating research-driven and student-centered learning environments.

From the magazine:

“Shannon Dowling’s career is a testament to her unwavering commitment to enhancing the educational landscape through design and research. Her contributions as a designer, researcher, and educator have not only shaped the physical spaces in which students learn but have also paved the way for a more equitable and supportive educational environment. Through her speaking engagements, publications, and hands-on work, Shannon continues to inspire and lead the conversation on the future of learning spaces, ensuring that they serve and uplift all students.”

Read the entire award announcement.

A national expert on student-centered learning environments, Shannon worked with students from around the country to write a playbook for the planning and design of diverse, equitable, and inclusive campus environments as part of a 2021 fellowship with the Society for College and University Planning. Her resulting research project, “Peripheral Vision: Planning and Designing Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Learning Environments,” provides concrete steps institutions can take to improve access and equity in their physical spaces. In 2023, Shannon was recognized with an AIA Virginia Award for Distinguished Achievement.