A NEW CHAPTER

Dear Clients, Colleagues, and Friends,

Time flies! 2018 marked the 16^th anniversary of Architecture for Education (A4E). When I founded the firm in 2002, with a vision to establish a practice focused exclusively on the design of learning environments, I could not have imagined the firm would enjoy such consistent success and growth.

Today, A4E is a studio of 15 professionals, each bringing depth of experience in the education market and related sectors. Over the last five years, I have teamed with senior A4E members Rachel Adams and Olivia Graf Doyle to establish the leadership and creative direction of the practice. Together, we’ve led major projects encompassing master planning and 21st century classroom design/modernizations, new campus development, and the creation of cutting-edge STEAM and makerspace environments. A4E has emerged as a leader in the trailblazing design of contemporary learning environments for our clients across the education field.

With our shared accomplishments in mind, I am proud to announce the next chapter of the A4E story. I am stepping away from my role as President and will facilitate the firm’s ongoing success by passing the leadership torch to my partners, Rachel Adams and Olivia Graf Doyle.

Rachel Adams, AIA, LEED AP, Managing Principal, joined A4E 15 years ago and has worked in collaboration with me to build the practice. She provides operational leadership and sets a high standard for client service. Rachel brings key depth of knowledge concerning budget, schedule and program compliance, along with building and educational code adherence, to all our projects. She is the finest Project Architect I have ever worked with.

Design Principal Olivia Graf Doyle has been part of A4E for 5 years. It is her passion and responsibility to oversee all design efforts. A natural leader with outstanding interpersonal skills, she is unmatched in her ability to envision a learning environment that exemplifies design unity, beauty, and user accessibility. Olivia’s empathetic approach to design, along with her ability to connect with administrators, faculty, and students, has greatly multiplied our firm’s success.

Rachel and Olivia will lead A4E forward, their complementary skills and talents serving as the foundation for a strong partnership. As Founding Principal, I will continue to serve as a resource – and as an advocate for architecture that inspires and invites students to learn. I will work on specific projects as requested, where my experience best supports A4E’s design mission.

I look forward to introducing my partners to you as part of our ongoing transition.

Warmest Regards,

GAYLAIRD W CHRISTOPHER FAIA
Founding Principal

ARCHITECTURE FOR EDUCATION
o: 626.356.4080 d: 626.356.3090 c:626.722.7887
gchristopher@architecture4e.com