Donna Francis Recognized as LE Fellow by the Association for Learning Environments

Donna Francis, AIA, ALEP, LEED AP BD+C, LE Fellow, has been recognized as a 2026 LE Fellow Honoree by the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE). Bestowed on individuals who have consistently contributed to the association in the highest manner possible, a Fellow is the most respected member of the A4LE community.

“It is a tremendous honor for me to be named a Fellow by the Association for Learning Environments,” said Donna. “This organization has done so much to shape the future of learning. Through its work, A4LE challenges those of us who design school environments to make that connection between learning and space with the goal that all students can excel in the classroom. It is a privilege to be recognized within a group where so many individuals are passionate about student success and engagement. With so many impactful developments happening in this space, I am excited to see what the future holds.”

Donna joins five other individuals who have been named Fellows for 2026. Each person has been recognized for their service, expertise, mentorship, and advancement of the association’s mission. Their excellence in creating better places for students to learn and thrive has made a lasting impact on A4LE and the learning environments profession. The LE Fellows will be recognized in-person at the A4LE national conference in November.

This recognition adds to Donna’s incredible career and resume. Based in our Raleigh office, Donna has over 46 years of design and industry experience, focusing her career on the design of educational spaces. She has developed expertise in educational master planning, development of construction documents, and green building construction. Passionate about providing spaces that support and enhance student learning, she has conducted seminars on topics such as the importance of the environment to the learning process and on non-traditional learning environments and current best practices in school design. In 2015, Donna earned her ALEP credential through the Advanced Academy for Learning Environment Planning, a dynamic and rigorous program that provides participants an understanding of the principles behind designing, constructing, and managing efficient, effective learning environments. A graduate of the School of Architecture at NC State, her work includes the James B. Hunt Jr. Library, Conn Magnet Elementary School, Brooks Global Studies School, and the Sternberger Elementary School.

About The Association for Learning Environments
The Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) is an interdisciplinary association of professionals working at the intersection of learning and place to drive the evolution of learning environments. Established in 1921 as the National Council on Schoolhouse Construction (NCSC), the association has chapters across the United States, Australasia, New Zealand and South East Asia.