ZMM Architects and Engineers’ Director of Interior Design Carly Chapman recently 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, 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.

ZMM Architects and Engineers’ Director of Interior Design Carly Chapman recently 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.

“I’m so thankful to my colleagues and mentors at ZMM for encouraging and supporting me through my ALEP journey,” said Chapman. “As a lifelong learner, this experience has reinforced my passion for designing learning environments that serve students, empower teachers, and uplift our communities. It’s an honor to bring this perspective back to our work to create spaces where every learner can thrive and where schools become the heart of their communities.”

ZMM CEO, Principal, and Architect Adam Krason is also ALEP-certified and understands the time commitment and level of experience and expertise required for this designation.

“Carly’s achievement reflects ZMM’s ongoing commitment to delivering thoughtful, future-ready learning environments. The ALEP credential is more than a hard-earned designation. It’s a demonstration of deep expertise in educational facility planning,” shared Krason. “I’m proud to see ZMMers continuing to invest in the skills and knowledge that directly benefit the students, educators, and communities we serve.”

ZMM leads the way in educational facility planning. In addition to our ALEP certified professionals, other leaders have educational planning training and certifications including Principals David Ferguson and Randy Jones. Ferguson is a member of the Council of Educational Facility Planners International (CEFPI) and is a Recognized Educational Facility Professional (REFP) by CEFPI and Jones currently serves as the President of the A4LE Virginia Chapter in the Southeast Region.

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About ZMM Architects and Engineers

ZMM Architects and Engineers, founded in 1959 in West Virginia, is the premier architecture and engineering firm in the region and employs 70 professionals across operations in West Virginia, Virginia, and Ohio. ZMM is a member of a national architecture and engineering services platform in partnership with Signal Hill Equity Partners.

About The Association for Learning Environments (A4LE)

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.

Coverage

• [WV News/WV State Journal] ZMM’s Carly Chapman earns Accredited Learning Environments Planner designation