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News:
Construction Design & Engineering
Posted: September 19, 2025
Kernizan of Saam Architecture earns Accredited Learning Environments Planner designation
Boston, MA Katie Kernizan of Saam Architecture has received the Accredited Learning Environments Planner (ALEP) designation, a mark of excellence developed to reflect the knowledge, skills and abilities of a competent educational facility planner. The ALEP credential was designed to elevate professional standards, enhance individual performance and identify those in the educational environment industry who demonstrate the knowledge essential to the practice of educational facility planning.
The Association for Learning Environments (A4LE), creator of the ALEP credential, observes “An individual who has been certified by A4LE has achieved the highest qualification in our profession. Clients can appoint ALEPs with confidence that they have been examined for competence by our association.”
Recipients must meet rigorous eligibility requirements by participating in the Professional Pathway Process or by completing the A4LE Academy Advanced Certificate Program.
Once a candidate has earned the credential, they must maintain it by renewing their certification every three years, in addition to maintaining minimum continuing education units each year.
The Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) is the only professional organization whose principal purpose is improving the places where children learn. A4LE embraces a diverse group of professionals with one single goal – building healthy, safe, high performance and sustainable learning environments that enhance student and teacher performance and support culture and community vitality. To learn more, visit www.A4LE.org.
Saam Architecture has built a strong reputation in the K–12 education sector, partnering with school districts to design innovative, inclusive, and resilient learning environments. From classroom modernizations to new school facilities, the firm’s projects reflect a commitment to supporting each educator, student, and community. Katie’s ALEP credential further strengthens Saam’s expertise in shaping future-ready educational spaces.
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Columns and Thought Leadership
It’s time to lead: Confronting mental health in construction - by David Watts
As we close Mental Health Awareness Month, we must be clear: May isn’t just about ribbons, hashtags, or lunchtime mindfulness apps. It’s about responsibility to confront hard truths that linger in silence, and to challenge ourselves, as leaders in our industry, to do more.
ABC-Mass. chairman’s message: Rent control isn’t the answer to our housing crisis - by Luiza Mills
As you may know, Massachusetts voters will be weighing in on a number of ballot initiatives in November. Among them is a proposal to impose the nation’s strictest statewide rent control policy. I’d like to tell you why the ABC MA Board
Greenwood Credit Union City Hall Plaza nears completion - by Frank Picozzi
After several years of planning, construction, and anticipation, the community is eagerly awaiting the opening of the Greenwood Credit Union City Hall Plaza and outdoor skating rink later this month.
Navigating tariffs and material uncertainty in today’s construction market - by Karl Ginand and Tiffany Gallo
As headlines around tariffs seem to dominate the news daily, many considering construction projects have anticipated major cost escalations and widespread supply issues. While tariffs haven’t driven pricing spikes to the extent once feared, the lasting impact has been a new layer of uncertainty, affecting more than just budgets.
