By Lindsey Coulter

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. and GAITHERSBURG, Md. — The Association for Learning Environments (A4LE), headquartered in Scottsdale, and the Education Market Association (EDmarket), based in Gaithersburg, are joining forces, forming one entity that will “create a powerful new association dedicated to reimagining where and how students learn” according to a joint statement. By uniting their expertise, A4LE and EDmarket hope to “accelerate innovation and expand opportunities to design learning spaces that inspire, engage and empower every student.”

The organizations together serve a global network of planners, designers, educators, industry experts, manufacturers, dealers, and suppliers working to create high-quality, sustainable and innovative learning environments. This merger will create a single, global community committed to designing dynamic, sustainable, and student-centered learning environments that prepare the next generation for success.

“Together, we have the power to reimagine learning environments worldwide, strengthening our voice, expanding impact, and enriching the knowledge that shapes spaces where students learn,” said Darlene Akers, EDmarket Chair, in a statement. “By uniting our leaders, members, and staff, we can inspire greater success for every student.”

Following joint analysis, strategic alignment, and financial review, the boards of both organizations unanimously agreed that combining strengths will create a stronger voice for the industry and deliver greater value for members worldwide. While both organizations report strong financial health, joining forces will allow both entities to maintain stability and create new opportunities to reinvest in the programs, events and professional development.

“By uniting A4LE and EDmarket, we amplify a shared mission to create exceptional learning environments for every student-strengthening our voice, combining our resources, and expanding our impact so that educational spaces everywhere truly inspire learning and success,” added Ryan Bultena, A4LE Chair.

The merger will further allow the organizations to:

• Expand opportunities for global connections and learning.
• Lead the way in learning-environment design.
• Provide more value through integrated events, credentials, and professional growth.
• Bring together the voices of both professionals and industry partners to strengthen our impact on the K–12 community.

The two organizations will continue to operate independently through 2026, during which time membership, services and events will remain unchanged. The organizations’ upcoming flagship events — LearningSCAPES, held in Phoenix Oct. 29-Nov. 1, and EDspaces, held in Columbus, Ohio, Nov. 5-7 — will continue as planned for 2025 and 2026. Additionally, both ALEP® and ECLPS credentials remain valid and will continue to be supported, with opportunities for broader recognition and career growth.

Legal consolidation will begin Jan. 30, 2026, and integration and planning related to staff, services and governance will continue throughout the year. Full integration and a permanent governance structure are expected to be established by early 2027. This will include a unified mission, vision, and values dedicated to serving the needs of all stakeholders, advancing high-performing, sustainable and innovative learning environments everywhere.

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By Lindsey Coulter

Chuck Saylors, vice president of JM Cope Construction in Rock Hill, S.C., is a long-time advocate for education and school facility development. With more than 23 years of experience as an elected school board member for Greenville, S.C., and as a former president of the National PTA, Saylors has become a key figure in the education design community. He is also a longtime proponent of �鶹������ partner the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE).

In anticipation of A4LE’s annual LearningSCAPES event, held this year in Phoenix Oct. 29-Nov. 1, Saylors spoke with �鶹������ about his construction career, his involvement with A4LE and his decades of commitment to improving educational spaces.

SCN: What drew you to get involved in A4LE?

Saylors: I first attended some A4LE conferences in South Carolina back when it was still known as CEFPI (Council for Educational Facility Planning). Around 2006, I began getting more involved. Much like with the PTA, one thing led to another. The word “no” is just not in my vocabulary. When A4LE asked if I would help with something, I agreed. Over the years, I served at the state and regional levels, and last year, I had the honor of serving as chairman of the Global Board of Directors.

SCN: Why is A4LE such an important part of the education design community?

Saylors: To my knowledge, A4LE is the only organization that brings together public schools, the design community, and the construction industry with the common goal of providing a safe, secure, and high-quality learning environment for every student and teacher, no matter the size of their community. A4LE allows the design community to see best practices from different areas, while providing educators with knowledge about how to get the best possible projects in the most affordable way. For me, it’s all about creating environments where students can thrive.

The LearningSCAPES conference is also an amazing opportunity for professionals in education design to network and learn from each other. One of the highlights for me has always been the shared focus on making sure every student and teacher has access to a safe, secure, and high-quality learning environment.

SCN: What are you most excited about for the 2025 LearningSCAPES event?

Saylors: I’m excited to see the best practices from professionals around the globe. At LearningSCAPES, you can network with thousands of A4LE members from North America, Australia and Europe. For example, it’s incredible to see how certain design solutions that worked in the Midwest can be applied in the Southeast, or vice versa. The ability to learn from one another in such a diverse setting is priceless. And, of course, the continuing education opportunities are a major draw as well.

A big focus of the event is looking ahead, especially with the increasing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in everything we do. When I first got involved in general contracting, I would look at building plans and immediately think about the square-foot costs and taxpayer dollars. But attending events like LearningSCAPES allows you to see how design professionals have been able to balance cost with creativity, incorporating unique design elements in an affordable way. These events also give us a glimpse into the future, particularly with technology like AI, and how it’s changing the design and construction process.

SCN: Is there any particular success story or project that stands out as a testament to A4LE’s impact?

Saylors: I would say the biggest impact A4LE has made is in continuing education. The programs A4LE provides for design professionals, constructors, and school leaders give them mission-critical knowledge that directly helps with ongoing professional development. Our micro-credentialing and certification programs offer real, tangible benefits to members, helping them stay ahead in an ever-evolving industry. Beyond that, the relationships and best practices shared at these events are invaluable.

SCN: As someone who has been deeply involved in both the construction and education sectors, what advice would you give to those who want to create better learning environments?

Saylors: If your goal is to ensure every student and teacher has access to a quality learning environment, A4LE is the best place to find the resources and talent to make that happen. Whether you’re a member of the design community, an educator, or a school leader, A4LE has the knowledge and network to help you accomplish that goal. Once people get engaged, they usually say, “I should have done this sooner.” It’s an invaluable resource for anyone serious about improving education environments.

A4LE is more than just a professional association; it’s a community. The relationships and knowledge shared at these events are transformative. If you’re committed to creating environments where every student can succeed, this is the place to be.

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