Education Models Are Expanding Beyond the Traditional Classroom

In Authority Magazine, Brent Miller, AIA, LEED AP, of HED reflects on evolving learning environments and institutional priorities

Learning spaces are adapting to new modes of engagement and delivery

Educational institutions are navigating a steady recalibration. Shifts in pedagogy, technology, and student expectations are pressing campuses to reconsider how space supports learning, collaboration, and access. The conversation is less about replacement than about expansion, layering new formats onto established systems.

Brent Miller, AIA, LEED AP, Principal and Higher Education Sector Leader at HED, shares perspective on how design can respond to these changes. His comments touch on flexibility, interdisciplinary use, and the role of environment in shaping student experience, situating physical space as one part of a broader academic ecosystem.

In Authority Magazine on Medium, the article “Education Revolution: Brent Miller Of HED On Innovative Approaches That Are Transforming Education” presents a wide-ranging interview on trends influencing higher education, from hybrid learning models to campus planning strategies. The piece gathers insights from across the sector, framing design as one of several levers institutions are using to respond to evolving demands.

 

Read the full article below, or view the original publication here: https://medium.com/authority-magazine/education-revolution-brent-miller-of-hed-on-innovative-approaches-that-are-transforming-education-1b244a320ed2

 

Education Revolution: Brent Miller Of HED On Innovative Approaches That Are Transforming Education

An interview with Eden Gold, Authority Magazine Editorial Staff

Architecture is about more than just buildings. It’s about the people. The interaction of people with a building and its surroundings is far more important than the object itself. The ultimate goal is to achieve a quality people feel when they engage with the space.

 

The landscape of education is undergoing a profound transformation, propelled by technological advancements, pedagogical innovations, and a deepened understanding of learning diversities. Traditional classrooms are evolving, and new modes of teaching and learning are emerging to better prepare students for the complexities of the modern world. This series will take a look at the groundbreaking work being done across the globe to redefine education. As a part of this interview series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Brent Miller, Business Leader for Higher Education at HED.

With 35 years of experience, Brent has established himself as a national leader in designing sustainable and interactive educational spaces that enhance student learning and success. In his role at HED, an integrated architecture & engineering firm, he leads the development and implementation of Student Life projects that integrate learning spaces within the campus environment. Brent’s notable projects in higher education include USC Village at the University of Southern California and multiple campus projects across the United States.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share the “backstory” behind what brought you to this particular career path?

Growing up, architecture was a foundational part of my life. My dad was an architect, so I was constantly surrounded by his work. He designed all our houses and made models of them in his home office. It was inspiring to see this level of dedication to a profession that he loved, and this passion for creating things rubbed off on me. As a child, I was always building things with Lincoln Logs or Legos and when I used up all of those, I would get out playing cards and add to the mix.

After observing my dad and developing a love of my own, moving into architecture felt like a natural choice for me. What truly drew me in, though, was the realization that architecture is a way to shape a sense of place and affect people’s lives. I’m motivated by the opportunity to have an enduring, positive impact on the world around me. Interestingly, this passion has been carried through generations, as my son also studied at Pratt in New York and became an architect.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

One of the most interesting and formative experiences early in my career was my time working at Frank Gehry’s office. I remember putting in 80–100-hour weeks back-to-back, driven by the sense that we were part of something transformative. That dedication paid off when I was asked to join the design team for the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain. Not only did I get to work on the design for several years, I also traveled to Spain to help introduce the project and participate in its construction oversight. It was incredibly rewarding to see the museum come to life and witness how it changed a once-depressed city into a vibrant destination.

The biggest lesson I learned from that experience is the value of giving 110% early in your career. Those long hours and deep commitment opened doors to opportunities I never could have imagined and taught me that the more you invest in your work and your colleagues, the more you get out of it. Being part of a project that revitalized an entire city underscored for me how architecture can truly change lives and communities. It’s a reminder that hard work and passion not only shape your own path, but can also leave a lasting, positive mark on the world.

Can you briefly share with our readers why you are an authority in the education field?

After my Gehry experience, I decided to focus on higher education to see if I could make a difference in that environment. Now with 30 years in the field, I’ve honed the ability to create learning environments that promote student success. My philosophy is that learning doesn’t just happen in academic spaces like classrooms. It also happens in the in-between spaces, such as housing, outdoor spaces, dining areas, and even in the corridors of buildings. That’s why we take a holistic approach to creating spaces that set students up for success.

Can you identify some areas of the US education system that are going really great?

Overall, the US university system has always been a global leader in research, discovery, and innovation. With over 4,000 institutions — including arts colleges, community colleges, and research universities — the US attracts more than a million international students each year. This success is supported by the diversity of educational offerings and the ability of US universities to remain magnets for talent and ideas from around the globe, demonstrating the ongoing strength and influence of the American higher education system.

Can you identify the key areas of the US education system that should be prioritized for improvement? Can you explain why those are so critical?

From my perspective, affordable student housing and access to state-of-the-art community college environments are two key areas that should be prioritized for improvement. Student housing has traditionally been seen as just a place for students to eat and sleep, but we now know that it plays a critical role in academic success by helping students build social support systems and a sense of belonging. In fact, about 24% of students cite a lack of belonging as a reason for leaving college, which often ties back to the quality of their social networks and housing experience. By rethinking student housing, we can better support student retention and success.

Second, community colleges are essential for providing affordable access to education and supporting local and regional economies, but they need more funding to fulfill this role effectively. Community colleges offer smaller class sizes and crucial training, making them increasingly important for the future of education. Securing funding for community colleges is vital because they directly impact student outcomes, access, and the overall strength of our educational system.

Please tell us all about the innovative educational approaches that you are using. What is the specific problem that you aim to solve, and how have you addressed it?

Our approach to education is centered on learning holistically rather than just teaching. The specific problem we aim to solve is improving student success by creating environments that foster engagement and create a sense of belonging. With student housing, for example, our design philosophy uses scaled program spaces that allow students to develop relationships with other students. We start with the unit design, clustering 30–40 students in what we call “blocks.” We believe this is the optimal scale where students can start to develop deeper relationships with not only their roommate but with other individuals in the block. The block is supported by group study rooms and other amenity spaces for students to interact with each other casually. Then, we typically connect two blocks in what we call a neighborhood, supported by scaled spaces like TV lounges and community kitchens. Just like any neighborhood, you may not know everyone’s name as you walk down the street, but you recognize them as a neighbor and feel a connection that makes you more comfortable approaching them. And then we look at the whole community — everyone who’s in the housing project — to create a sense of belonging within that community. This was our approach to the USC Village, a project with 2,500 beds and multiple buildings. Now, USC outranks many of its peer institutions with a retention rate over 95%, and I believe the USC Village was an instrumental part of that student retention success.

Beyond housing, we’re also bridging the gap between education and the professional experience required in the business world. One project example is the Iovine and Young Academy at USC, where we worked with music industry legend Jimmy Iovine and hip-hop pioneer Andre “Dr. Dre” Young to build their vision. The Academy provides a unique learning experience for students to think critically and innovate across industries at the intersection of technology, design, and business. Featuring fabrication labs, media labs, immersive and interactive learning environments, and 3D printing within a flexible studio interior, the facility design emphasizes collaboration and connectivity between programs.

In what ways do you think your approach might shape the future of education? What evidence supports this?

Our approach is strengthening the connection between academic learning and real-world professional experience, and we’re seeing evidence of its success with several projects we’ve completed. One example is the Ford Motor Company Robotics Building we designed for the University of Michigan. The university leased the facility’s fourth floor to Ford as a mobility research lab, which has encouraged collaboration and cross-pollination between students, faculty, and researchers. Similarly, Lansing Community College’s Center for Manufacturing Excellence partners with General Motors to provide hands-on workforce training that mirrors advanced manufacturing environments. One final example is the recently opened Culinary Studies Institute for Oakland Community College. The new facility strengthens the local hospitality industry by providing a pipeline of highly-skilled chefs, bakers, and service professionals trained in real-world settings. Its public restaurant, teaching kitchens, and partnerships with area employers create direct links between education and workforce needs — fueling talent development, innovation, and economic growth in southeast Michigan’s food and hospitality sectors. These examples show how educational spaces can support both student learning and local industry needs, preparing students for success beyond the classroom.

How do you measure the impact of your innovative educational practices on students’ learning and well-being?

We measure the impact of our educational practices using the GSRs process: Goals, Strategies, and Results. At the outset, we work closely with clients to define clear goals for each project, then collaborate as a multidisciplinary team to develop design strategies that support those objectives, whether it’s sustainability, student well-being, or academic success.

After a project is completed, we assess results through surveys and other feedback methods to determine how well our strategies met the intended goals. We think understanding the shortcomings of the project is just as important as understanding what went right, so we can keep refining our approach and improve outcomes for future projects.

What challenges have you faced in implementing your educational innovations, and how have you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges in implementing educational innovations, especially around sustainability, is funding. Many institutions struggle to justify upfront capital costs for sustainable features, since budgets for construction and long-term operations are typically separate buckets. For example, installing photovoltaics may cost around $30 per square foot, which can seem expensive initially. But if you do the math, these systems can save about $3 per square foot annually in energy costs, resulting in a ten-year payback. The tough part is convincing stakeholders to look beyond immediate expenses and recognize long-term savings. Overcoming this requires ongoing conversations and education, and I’m encouraged to see more clients starting to appreciate the benefits of sustainable approaches.

Keeping in mind the “Law of Unintended Consequences” can you see any potential drawbacks of this innovation that people should think more deeply about?

I don’t see any drawbacks to implementing sustainable approaches. On the contrary, I think we need to be all-in on reducing carbon and greenhouse gases. At this stage of global climate change, our priority should be lowering global temperatures and safeguarding clean air and water for future generations.

What are your “5 Things I Wish I Knew When I First Started”?

1. Architecture is about more than just buildings. It’s about the people. The interaction of people with a building and its surroundings is far more important than the object itself. The ultimate goal is to achieve a quality people feel when they engage with the space.

2. Active listening is a critical skill. One thing they don’t teach you in architecture school: listening is the most important communication skill. So much of project success hinges on asking a client the right questions and listening to understand what they’re trying to achieve.

3. Embrace schedule and budget constraints as part of the design process. Taking an integrated approach to architecture opens the door to innovative solutions that meet both practical and creative objectives. That means embedding time and budget considerations in the design process, rather than viewing them as logistical obstacles.

4. Try out different types of firms to gauge the best fit for you. Early in your career is the time to explore a range of firms, from small to large, to ones with integrated services and ones without. Find what feels right for you before committing to a long career. That said, as you progress in your career, there are certainly benefits to committing to a firm and buying into its leadership and future.

5. Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. I don’t believe in coincidence. Recognize your goal and be strategic about what you’re trying to achieve. Of course, things may happen that are out of your control, but the effort you put in is what sets opportunities in motion.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

One of my favorite quotes is from the Polish-American architect Daniel Libeskind: “Architecture is not based on concrete and steel and the elements of the soil. It’s based on wonder.” This perfectly captures the truth that architecture is more than the sum of its parts. With every project I approach, I start with the people it will impact and consider the feeling we want the space to evoke. Architecture has certainly inspired a sense of wonder in my life, and I want to bring this same wonder to everyone who steps foot in a building.

We are blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? 

Speaking of wonder, I recently had the opportunity to visit Tadao Ando’s Chichu Art Museum on a trip to Japan. I was so moved by the experience that I went through the museum twice — once at dusk and then again the next day. The way Tadao Ando uses raw concrete, geometry, and light to create a powerful, orchestrated spacial experience is truly inspiring. I would love the opportunity to sit down with him and discuss his thoughts about using light, solid vs. void, and integrating architecture with nature.

How can our readers further follow your work online?

You can learn more about our firm’s work at hed.co, and follow me on LinkedIn for updates.

Thank you so much for these insights! This was so inspiring!

 

Article republished from Authority Magazine on Medium.