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Transformative Learning Spaces (for Transformative Learning)

In this course, we explore the dynamic relationship between physical learning environments and transformative educational practices. Designed for school leaders and educators, the course examines how intentional space design can foster creativity, collaboration, and deeper learning experiences.

Participants will discover strategies to align pedagogy with innovative spaces, analyze case studies of schools that have successfully transformed their environments, and develop actionable plans to redesign learning spaces that inspire and engage students.

Beyond theory, participants will dive into the practical aspects of transforming learning spaces—working with architects, managing construction projects, and collaborating with the board to develop a capital development budget.

By the end of this course, participants will have both the visionary strategies and practical tools to lead the creation of inspiring, functional learning environments that align with their school's mission and pedagogy.


Course dates: April 7 - May 2, 2025

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Course Outcomes:

  1. Understanding Space-Pedagogy Alignment – Participants will gain a clear understanding of how intentional learning space design can support and enhance various pedagogical approaches and educational goals.

  2. Practical Construction and Design Skills – Develop foundational knowledge of the school construction process, including working effectively with architects, project managers, and design teams to translate educational vision into physical spaces. Learn key project management principles to oversee construction projects, maintain timelines, and manage resources efficiently.

  3. Financial Planning for Capital Projects – Gain insight into creating and presenting a capital development budget, understanding long-term financial planning, and engaging the board in strategic discussions about funding.

  4. Community Engagement and Communication – Develop strategies for communicating with key stakeholders—such as the board, parents, and staff—throughout the design and construction phases to ensure community buy-in and alignment.


AISH Impact Courses

AISH’s Leadership Impact courses are for four weeks, approximately 3-5 hours per week. The course Facilitators will engage you and a cohort group in practical, job-embedded discussions and activities designed for immediate application and impact.  Resources are curated and relevant and you’ll have the opportunity to reflect on your experience in a forum of colleagues.


Cost: $375 (AISH Members); $575 (Non-Members)


Meet your Instructors

Christian Long
Christian earned a graduate degree focused on 'school design' prior to moving into school architecture itself. Always interested in how 'space and place' could support a school's learning values and community -- and how those values must drive any meaningful physical architecture and campus planning -- Christian has worked with and collaborated with a wide range of the world's leading school architects/planners and education design firms.   

He previously served as Chief Growth Officer for THINK Global School's 'THINK Learning Studio' consultancy; co-founder of the Wonder, By Design education design studio; VP Education for the global architecture firm CannonDesign (and co-founder of its The Third Teacher+ studio); Director of Educational Research for Huckabee Architects; and CEO/President for the global school design R+D platform DesignShare (a subsidiary of Fielding Nair International).

After 30+ years supporting transformative school design and innovation projects, Christian founded [bon]fire to help leaders, teams, and organizations honor the shared human experience of designing future possibilities together.
Marta Medved Krajnovic
With two decades of academic research and teaching experience and more than a decade in leadership and governance, Dr. Marta Medved Krajnovic brings deep understanding, passion, and appreciation for international education to Western Academy of Beijing, a school with outstanding and transformative learning spaces. Before joining WAB in 2018, Marta served as the Director of Stockholm International School for five years, and previous to that she worked at the University of Zagreb as Associate Professor and Director of the Post-graduate Doctoral Program in Applied Linguistics.

Marta is currently a Board Vice-Chair of the Academy for International School Heads (AISH) and East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS). Having lived in Croatia, US, England, Ireland, Japan, Hungary, Sweden and now China, Marta has a rich appreciation for different countries, people, and cultures.