Acoustic Solution

ICON in Education Design Awards

Architect/Educator

David Reid, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, ALEP, ECLPS

Principal
Multistudio

David Reid is a leader in education design and principal at Multistudio with nearly 40 years of experience. Advancing Universal Design for Learning, he creates inclusive, performance-driven environments and innovative tools that empower diverse learners, redefining architecture as a “third teacher” that enhances educational outcomes and equity.
David Reid

One of David’s most important qualities is that he approaches education design not as a static technical exercise, but as a living, evolving practice with profound implications for learners, educators, and communities. He is both deeply thoughtful and relentlessly inventive whether leading complex projects, engaging interdisciplinary partners, or helping shape resources. David brings intellectual rigor, curiosity, and an unusual willingness to explore new ideas to pursue better outcomes. He is never content with what is merely familiar or marketable; he is committed to what is meaningful, research-informed, and transformative.

James D. Basham, PhD
Professor, Principal Investigator and Director
Center for Innovation, Design, and Digital Learning, University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS

David Reid has built a distinguished career at the intersection of architecture, research, and educational strategy— earning recognition as a true ICON in Education Design. Over nearly four decades, he has advanced a clear, student-centered philosophy: thoughtfully designed learning environments can drive equity, engagement, and measurable outcomes.

Rejecting traditional classroom constraints, Reid has championed more dynamic, inclusive models for learning. His co-development of the Deck of Spaces™, created with CAST researchers, reflects this commitment. The 60-card toolkit, aligned with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, equips educators and designers to assess and reimagine environments for neurodiverse learners. Recognized with Fast Company’s 2024 Innovation by Design Award and a Core77 Design Award, the Deck has become an influential resource, underscoring the role of spatial design in advancing educational equity.

In 2014, Reid co-founded STEAM Studio with Dr. Mandi Fraley Sonnenberg, establishing an immersive, hands-on learning model that bridges education and professional practice. Through after-school programs, camps, and educator development, STEAM Studio fosters creativity, resilience, and problem-solving. Its programs emphasize culturally responsive teaching and real-world collaboration, engaging students in meaningful, interdisciplinary experiences.

Reid’s project work demonstrates the impact of purpose-driven design. At Missouri Innovation Campus in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, he led the design of an award-winning STEM facility that integrates high school and college pathways, serving more than 1,800 students in flexible, workplace-inspired environments. His work with Milpitas Unified School District in California introduced award-winning prototypes, including Rose Elementary, where adaptive furnishings and multimodal spaces support diverse learners. At Manhattan High School West Campus in Kansas, he guided the transformation of a historic structure into a modern, future-ready campus.

Reid’s philanthropic work through STEAM Studio expands access to high-quality learning for underserved youth, reinforcing his belief that design can create opportunity. His legacy lies in shaping environments—and experiences—that empower learners and communities alike.