Rewriting the Rules: Are 21st-Century Schools Finally Putting Students First—or Just Rebranding the Same Old Boxes? – Ep 112 with Cory Boudreau
This week on Better Buildings for Humans, Joe Menchefski explores the evolving world of K-12 design with Cory Boudreau, architect at SLAM Collaborative. From a Lego-loving kid to a leader in educational design, Cory shares how his winding career path—from healthcare megaprojects to transformative school campuses—shaped his belief in architecture’s power to influence learning and well-being. In this episode, Cory dives into how modern school design embraces daylighting, outdoor learning, flexible spaces, and even VR labs to create environments where students thrive. He also unpacks how sustainability goals, trauma-informed design, and community needs are reshaping the way we think about the places where our kids learn and grow. Whether you're a designer, educator, or parent, this episode will make you see schools—and architecture—in a whole new light.
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More About Cory Boudreau
Cory Boudreau is a Project Architect and Associate at the SLAM Collaborative in Providence, RI. He has over 12 years of experience designing educational, civic, and community-focused spaces. He is licensed in RI, MA, NC, and SC. Cory began his design career in Rhode Island, earning his undergraduate degree from the New England Institute of Technology. He then earned his Master of Architecture at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, where he was part of an interdisciplinary art community that broadened his creative perspective.
After working at a few firms in Rhode Island, Cory sought larger, more complex projects and relocated to Charlotte, NC. There, he joined McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture, where he was involved in projects of significant scale and complexity across various practice areas. K-12 design became a particular passion of his, and he later became a thought leader and lead designer for the K-12 Team in Charlotte.
Cory is also committed to advancing the architectural profession. He contributes through mentorship, technical leadership, and active involvement in organizations such as A4LE, AIA, NCARB, and the ACE Mentor Program. After nearly six years in the Carolinas, he returned to Rhode Island to be closer to his family. Now part of SLAM’s Providence team, continuing to work on K-12 schools throughout New England.
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