The Hollis + Miller team has once again strengthened its educational arsenal, adding a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership with Senior Partner Michelle Chavey’s recent degree from Kansas State University. With a dedication to educational design and research, the firm aims to bridge the gap between learning and design to co-create impactful environments for students, staff and communities.

Dr. Chavey has been with Hollis + Miller interacting with educators and designers for nearly 17 years. She continues to dedicate her career to gaining expertise in the development of learners of all ages, as well as the unique challenges faced by educators in organizations of varying sizes. Her work explores designer and educator perceptions of creating new learning environments impacting organizational change. Looking beyond the design of spaces, Michelle extends her research into the impact of healthy building cultures fostering sustained change.

Hollis + Miller’s commitment to education remains strong, working with educational institutions across the country from pre-K12 through higher education to bolster student success. Dr. Chavey’s expertise is complemented by team members with an emphasis in education technology and educational psychology, and more than 100 designers passionate about education and creating opportunities to positively impact the world we live in.

“Our clients and communities remain our top priority, and the work Michelle has put in to understand how we can best create an impact is outstanding,” said Kirk Horner, president. “Expanding our research helps us provide the best services possible to enhance teaching and learning communities as we work to blend architecture and education, and this work is evident in our designs. We don’t plan to slow down any time soon.”

Dr. Chavey also holds a qualitative research certificate from Kansas State University, a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Kansas and is an Accredited Learning Environment Planner (ALEP). She has worked with dozens of regional school districts, including Blue Valley, Olathe, Blue Springs, Shawnee Mission, North Kansas City, Kansas City Kansas and more. Dr. Chavey also works with Colorado school districts including Denver Public Schools, Jeffco Schools, Cherry Creek, Douglas County, Aurora and more.