Agile Design in Higher Education
Our Agile Design Philosophy
Our Agile Design Philosophy
Higher education is evolving quickly—and so are the expectations placed on campus facilities. Building Tomorrow’s Campus is your in-depth introduction to Agile Design: a flexible, human-centered approach that helps colleges and universities adapt, thrive, and lead through change.
This free guide from Walker Architects offers practical insights for campus decision-makers navigating tight budgets, rapid technological shifts, and increasing demands for student-centered environments.
At Walker Architects, we believe there is a better approach to design. Our founder, Joe Walker, began the firm in 2009 because he thought that clients would benefit by having an architectural partner who focused on putting people first by design.
Typically, the clients we serve have many changing needs and care about the use of their resources. We believe that agile spaces allow the people who occupy them to be more successful and give the building owner the best return on their investment.
Our refined process ensures not only a great collaboration experience but also enduring value: designs that meet the demands of today and tomorrow.
Who This Guide Is For:
- Facilities leaders and capital planners
- Presidents, provosts, and deans
- Architects and campus designers
- Anyone invested in the future of higher education
Get the Download
What You'll Learn
- Why agility matters now: Discover how agile environments support evolving academic priorities, hybrid learning, and inclusive community spaces.
- Design principles for impact: See how choice, adaptability, and well-being drive student success—and how to create spaces that reflect those values.
- A roadmap for transformation: Follow a step-by-step process from stakeholder alignment to post-occupancy feedback, ensuring long-term value and usability.
- Tangible design strategies: Explore spatial typologies and layout diagrams that show how to foster innovation, focus, collaboration, and community.
- Questions to guide your planning: Use the checklist on page 6 to challenge assumptions and spark meaningful conversations with your architectural partner
See Our Work
Design for an
Agile World Podcast
Change your mindset around your approach to architecture.
In the Design for an Agile World Podcast, we discuss a specific approach to architecture that focuses on what building occupants and users need and how to produce solutions that will satisfy those needs. A compelling collection of stories and perspectives from project owners, design professionals, and construction partners, Design for an Agile World will help you apply an agile mindset to your organization and facilities.
Design for an Agile World is proudly presented by Walker Architects.
Hear What Our Clients
Have to Say
“Working with Walker Architects has been a transformative experience for us. They helped us think about our campus in new and exciting ways — far beyond anything we could have come up with on our own. After meeting with the design team, they managed to translate our core values of safety, impact, and respect into a gorgeous new space we can use to carry out our mission."
Jon DeCarmine,
Executive Director
GRACE
“There are few architectural firms…who take time to truly understand the values of the organization and deliver time and time again.”
Aaron Hobson
Former Director of Operations
University of Florida
“Walker Architects consistently provides creative and innovative ideas ultimately producing incredible designs and results.”
Dennis Hines
Former Associate Director
UF Office of the Senior Vice President for Health Affairs
“...I have found the Walker team to be active listeners, consistently identifying and addressing the needs of our varied user groups and facilities staff.”
Project Manager
UF Planning, Design and Construction