Boston, MA Regan Shields Ives, AIA, LEED AP, principal at Finegold Alexander Architects, has been appointed to serve as president-elect of the Association for Learning Environments, New England Chapter. The appointment recognizes Shields Ives as an industry leader in public school K-12 education projects. Shields Ives’ appointment began in October, where she will serve for a year as president-elect, then a year as president followed by a year as post-president. 

Shields Ives’ leadership in public school design at Finegold Alexander has delivered several notable transformative projects - the design of the expansion and renovation of the award-winning Methuen High School in Methuen, Mass. and the recently completed Gibbs and Hardy School projects in Arlington, Mass. She is currently overseeing the feasibility and schematic design phase of the Leicester Middle School in Leicester, Mass. and a feasibility study for Central Catholic High School’s Innovation and Wellness Center in Lawrence, Mass. 

Shields Ives has been instrumental in the innovative educational planning and visioning processes that have transformed numerous existing buildings into future-forward educational environments for students and educators. In addition to her public school work, she oversees a number of higher education projects, such as the recently completed the conversion of UMass Amherst Old Chapel, which is listed on the National Historic Register, into a thriving student Center. 

“I believe that school design starts with the educational program to create the learning environment that best serves the needs of the students and educators, now and in the future. I am honored to be named as President-Elect of the New England Chapter and to serve over the next few years,” said Shields Ives.

With over 18 years of professional experience, Shields Ives work has been recognized with awards and has contributed to the educational landscape of buildings and environments locally and nationally. She holds a BA in Architecture from Lehigh University and an M.Arch in Architecture from University of Pennsylvania.