Full Name
Shannon Dowling, AIA, LEED AP
Company
Ayers Saint Gross
Speaker Bio
Shannon Dowling, AIA, LEED AP, is a nationally recognized architect, educator, and researcher specializing in student-centered learning environments. As a principal at Ayers Saint Gross, she integrates educational trends into planning and design to advance belonging and student success, particularly for underserved students.
As a 2021 SCUP fellow, she authored The Planning and Design of Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Campus Environments, based on research with 200+ students. She has shared this work through 60+ presentations and publications, including Inside Higher Ed and The Chronicle of Higher Education.
Shannon is engaged in research with Elon University’s Center for Engaged Learning on neuro-inclusive spaces, is a core member of the Learning Space Rating System team, and serves on the SCUP National Board. Her work has received the 2023 Virginia AIA Distinguished Achievement Award and the 2025 Icon in Education Award.
As a 2021 SCUP fellow, she authored The Planning and Design of Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Campus Environments, based on research with 200+ students. She has shared this work through 60+ presentations and publications, including Inside Higher Ed and The Chronicle of Higher Education.
Shannon is engaged in research with Elon University’s Center for Engaged Learning on neuro-inclusive spaces, is a core member of the Learning Space Rating System team, and serves on the SCUP National Board. Her work has received the 2023 Virginia AIA Distinguished Achievement Award and the 2025 Icon in Education Award.
Speaking At
