Jobson and QKA contributed to the Gavilan College site master plan. | Photo Credit: Jason O’Rear
By Lindsey Coulter
With more than 20 years of architectural experience,听Aaron Jobson, AIA, ALEP, CEO and President听补迟听Quattrocchi Kwok Architects听(蚕碍础), has worked听飞颈迟丑听numerous school facilities across all grade levels and school types. From f补肠颈濒颈迟颈别蝉听m补蝉迟别谤听planning and new campus development to building transformations and critical modernizations, Jobson brings a wealth of experience and insight to the 91原片 Editorial Advisory Board.
A founding member of the School Energy Coalition (SEC),听Jobson is also a legislative advocate for energy efficiency measures affecting schools and a leading voice on sustainability. He has written听about Building Information Modeling, sustainable design, community engagement, designing for wellness, and in 2015听was certified as an Accredited Learning Environments Planner (ALEP) by the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE).听
When asked what excites him about the future of K-12 and higher education design, Jobson shared a broad vision of progress. “Teaching is continuing to evolve, and I am excited to see how we can evolve the design of learning environments alongside it,” he said. “At the same time, we are learning more about how the physical environment affects the brain, which will continue to influence design.
Jobson spoke with 91原片 about finding new design strategies to connect classrooms to nature, to support teachers and students’ well-being and mental health, and why he’s expanded his view of design to include advocacy and policy.
SCN: With more than 20 years in practice, what experiences most shaped your path into school design and firm leadership?听 听
Jobson: My architectural journey has been deeply influenced by engaging with, learning from, and understanding the perspectives of educators, including my wife and many members of my family. Understanding their experiences has shaped how I think to design spaces. Over two decades of collaborating with educators on various projects has provided me with a broad understanding of how learning and facilities interact. Together, these have informed a deep level of empathy, appreciation, and respect for the work these professionals do, which informs how I approach the design of school facilities. Our goal with every project is to help educators better serve their students and communities. Some of my most impactful and rewarding experiences are when we get the opportunity to hear from students and teachers who are using the facilities we designed and how our work has听impacted听their educational experience.听听听
SCN: How has working across all grade levels鈥攆rom听Pre-K听to higher education鈥� influenced your design approach?听听听听听
Jobson: Working across many grade levels and schools in different communities has provided me with a deep understanding of the breadth of challenges that educators face and how school facilities can support them. This work has helped me understand that each school environment is unique and that the best projects start with actively listening to and learning from teachers and community members.听听听
SCN: As a founding member of the School Energy Coalition, what gaps in policy or practice compelled you to get involved?听听听
Jobson: Schools are a unique set of energy users, differing from residential or commercial users, which have听particular challenges听and opportunities. Energy laws and programs often听failed听to address the specific needs and requirements of schools. In part, we started the School Energy Coalition (SEC) to provide a voice for schools and their needs in the California state government.听听听听
SCN: How do you see the architect鈥檚 role evolving in legislative advocacy for energy efficiency in schools?听 听
Jobson: Architects offer valuable听real world听examples of energy efficiency policy, including the costs and challenges of implementation. Over the past decade or so, the landscape of sustainable design, energy efficiency and regulation has changed a lot. Many older strategies focused on energy efficiency are being replaced by听newer approaches听focusing on decarbonization and renewable energy generation and storage. Architects can also help听identify听regulatory roadblocks that make it harder to implement energy efficiency changes.听听听听
SCN: How has your definition of 鈥済ood school design鈥� evolved over time?听听听
Jobson: In general, my definition of听good design听has always been spaces that are beautiful and functional. Over time, I have learned more about the technical aspects of how the quality of space impacts learning through factors such as acoustics, air quality, etc. These factors have become an important aspect of how I think about functional design and what makes a well-designed learning environment.听听听