Design for Learning
Aligning space and pedagogy so learning leads.
Why Design for Learning?
When space is designed with learning at its core, it becomes a catalyst for collaboration, agency, and innovation.
Effective learning environments are intentionally designed to:
Reflect your school’s values and commitment to learner-centered practice
Empower students and educators through voice, choice, and agency
Support modern approaches that stretch thinking, foster collaboration, and connect learning to real-world contexts
Strengthen community and connection by nurturing belonging, equity, and wellbeing
Image provided by Thinkspace Architects
“The environment is the third teacher.”
– Loris Malaguzzi
Reimagine Your School
Planning a new school — or reimagining an existing one? Designing flexible learning environments is one of the most exciting opportunities leaders face — and also one of the most complex.
I know, because I’ve been in your shoes.
As a principal, I led the launch of several schools from the ground up. Each project placed learning at the centre — prioritizing collaboration, flexibility, and the alignment of space and pedagogy. These learning community models received national recognition and global attention, inspiring teams around the world to rethink what school can be.
How I Can Support Your Team
I collaborate with school and district leaders, architects, and educators to bring a learning vision to life. Whether you’re dreaming big, navigating a design phase, or preparing staff for a new space, I can help.
Services include:
Design and Pedagogy Alignment – Collaborating with architects and planners to ensure physical spaces support educational philosophy.
Staff Capacity-Building for Change – Professional learning that prepares staff to thrive in new or reimagined environments.
Leadership Coaching – Ongoing support for school leaders navigating complex transitions.
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“For years, we have been aspiring to create a 10/10 school – that is, a school where learning is a 10 and so are the learning spaces. Rosa launched and led a school where the design and pedagogy are seamlessly interconnected – like green leaves and sunlight.”
– Randy Fielding, Founding Principal and Lead Architect, Fielding International
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“The insights we gained through Rosa were the most productive of all strategies used to prepare our staff to undertake their roles in a newly designed school.
— Karen Shannon, Retired Superintendent of School Effectiveness
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"Over a four-year period, I brought more than 100 school leaders from primary and secondary schools in Finland, the Netherlands and Belgium to participate in learning tours led by Rosa. All were inspired by the way she effectively led the entire school community towards innovative and sustainable change."
— Andréj Nijsen, International Advisor Education Development, The Netherlands