Many schools and learning centers are modernizing their spaces, some to the tune of $30M USD and more. Architectural designs are the new EdTech. But unlike a computer device that can be recycled in a few years, schools must live with new facilities for many moons–and children–to come. How are schools making decisions alongside architects about what is best for their teachers and students? Can schools effectively translate desired learning outcomes to an understanding of space, alongside architects?  Or do the architects, who are not learning experts, drive the decisions? The complexity and costs of capital projects are by no means trivial. At the Association for Learning Environments, Northeast Regional Conference in March 2017, EduChange President Catherine Saldutti joined a panel of architects and school leaders to discuss these critical issues. Xenia Cox of Archademia presented a case study of teacher collaboration in Lexington Public Schools (MA). Brian Mills, a co-founder of Big Picture Learning shared design and development of facilities at The Met School in Providence, in response to feedback from the community at large as well as learning needs. Leon Chatelain, AIA, of Bowie Gridley Architects shared international work from school designs in Tanzania, Turkey, and USA.