About Learning By Design Magazine

LEARNING BY DESIGN is the premier source for education design and innovation excellence. Published three times each year in April, June and October, this prestigious magazine recognizes the nation’s preeminent architectural firms by publishing outstanding pre-K to 12 and college/university projects. There is no better way to showcase education design excellence to this multi-billion dollar market than by submitting a project to LEARNING BY DESIGN.

The award-winning publication circulates to 50,000+ leaders and decision makers at all levels of education—from early childhood and elementary schools to career-technical, college, and university-level institutions. Subscribe to LEARNING BY DESIGN and LBD E-News today!

Circulation and Frequency

Each year, LEARNING BY DESIGN publishes a Spring Edition (April), a Summer Edition (June) and a Fall Edition (October). The award-winning magazine circulates to 50,000+ leaders and decision makers at all levels of education who control education facility budgets—from early childhood and elementary schools to career-technical and university-level institutions. Plus, with pass-along distribution of 2-3 additional readers per copy, LEARNING BY DESIGN showcases projects before more than 150,000 decision makers.

Who Can Enter

Architectural, engineering, and design firms—and others related to the field, including educational institutions—may submit entries completed in the past five years or significant works in progress to be considered for review.

How Projects Are Reviewed

An Association for Learning Environments (A4LE), Association of University Interior Designs (AUID), and Learning By Design editor recommended jury of architects and educational facility planners blind judge all entries:

All projects entered are eligible for the following Awards:

  • *Grand Prize and Citations of Excellence Awards for both projects over and under 100,000 sq. ft. in size.
  • *Climate Action Honor Award
  • *Unbuilt Project Honor Award
  • *Adaptive Reuse Award
  • *Renovation, Historic Preservation Honor Award
  • *Single Space under 2,000 sq. ft. Honor Award
  • Outstanding Project Award

*Top award winners receive extra exposure in the front of the magazine and online. 

Judges evaluate each project based on the submission and the following criteria.

 Design Challenges,  Innovation   and Solutions The extent in which the design addressed, met, and overcame specific project challenges and goals by use of innovative solutions
 Next Generation Learning The manner in which the design supports and enhances current and future pedegologic learning methods or components that contribute to the student and teacher experience. Especially in core learning spaces.
 Meeting Community Needs How does the design demonstrate flexibility and adaptation to meet the community’s current and future needs?  Is the design appropriate in context to the local economic and cultural demographics and site location? 
 Functional  Design / Effective Space Planning How did the design meet the organization’s strategic program vision, goals and bottom line, while supporting the needs of the key stakeholders and the fundamental components of contemporary education design?
 Interior Architecture / Design How were interior design elements (ceiling treatments, color, texture, art, lighting, acoustics) applied to enrich the built environment. Does the interior architecture support the educational program and enhance the human spirit. Are the employed elements applicable to the age and or demographic of the intended learners, and celebrate the culture of the institution or community served. 
 Sustainability and Social   Impact The extent in which concepts of sustainable and wellness design was employed throughout the entire project built environment. How will the interventions impact the occupants and the  community served. What is the  projected ROI and overall Facility-Life-Cycle savings? 
 Judging  Components Did the submission address the Judging Criteria? Does the submission include quality exterior and interior photography? Did the photography show the learning spaces (classrooms) as well as the public or common use spaces? Were site and floor plans included? Is the narrative reflective of the project’s challenges, its goals and the client’s desired outcomes? Did renovations and adaptive re-use show before and after photos? 

How to Enter

For the next awards program due dates or to enter a project Click Here 

To receive the current entry/publication fee schedule send an email to: 
Mark Goodman
Publisher
info@learningbydesignmagazine.com
or call 216-896-9333.