Senior Associate, Architect and Education Planner Laura Peterson recently received her Accredited Learning Environment Planner (ALEP) designation from the Association for Learning Environments. She is now one of four architects in the state of Iowa with this designation. Laura completed an intensive, 36-week program with peers from across the country, created by industry experts that teach the knowledge and skills needed for sound planning, building and maintaining learner-centered environments. Courses included topics such as learning theories, educational visioning and community engagement, educational facility pre-design planning, assessment of the learning environment, high-performance school design and project management and delivery.

Laura has been leading INVISION’s K‑12 market for the last four years and has been involved in over 25 unique community school district projects across the state during her career. In addition to her role as architect and senior planner, she also plays an integral role in the creation and implementation of INVISION’s community-driven bond process, leading school districts to a 100 percent success rate when using the firm’s referendum process. Her engagement with key community leaders, teachers, students and other local stakeholders allows the district to find and implement unique design solutions. With her new designation, Laura will continue providing the intimate knowledge and insight needed to create optimal learning environments for students, staff and district community.