Portions of the interview are exact quotations, while others are paraphrased for clarity. In the state of West Virginia, schools projects are required to have an REFP on the team. We understand that other states are considering making this a requirement. Please tell us more about the value of the program. Every school construction project needs an architect, but not every architect is an educational planner.
Planners require skills in a participatory planning process.
The REFP designation indicates that the planner is experienced with a broad spectrum of planning approaches and is competent in managing a process which is responsive to curriculum and community. We've heard from a number of school administrators that they are encouraged by the state or district to work with prototype plans and minimize the participatory planing process, in an effort to save on planning costs. A school which does not anticipate the needs of of the curriculum and community will soon require additional administrative and facility investment. Speaking of evolving needs, many high schools are beginning to look like community colleges. The ability to leverage two pots of money between schools and colleges is important.