Designing for Tomorrow’s Learners: Transforming Educational Spaces at LA Valley College

As higher education continues to evolve, so must the spaces where learning takes place. Los Angeles Valley College (LAVC) embraced this vision when developing Academic Complex 1, an 81,000-square-foot, three-story educational hub designed to serve as the southern gateway to campus. This transformative space is becoming a reality through a strategic collaboration among the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD), QDG Architects, Unisource Solutions, and Haworth, partnering with the Foundation for California Community Colleges (FoundationCCC).

Building on a Foundation of Partnership

The project’s success stems from a relationship more than a decade in the making. Since 2011, Stephanie Johns, Unisource Solutions’ Senior Account Manager, has partnered closely with LACCD, providing invaluable insight into the district’s evolving needs and long-term vision. This deep institutional knowledge enables Unisource to serve as a trusted advisor attuned to the district’s culture and commitment to student-centered spaces. Furthermore, as an authorized Haworth dealer—a manufacturing partner long aligned with FoundationCCC—Unisource brings the collective strength of established, trusted networks directly to the district.

The partnership between QDG Architects and Unisource Solutions shows how architectural vision and furniture design can reinforce one another. From the project’s inception, Unisource looked beyond the traditional furniture dealership approach, partnering directly with the design team to ensure Haworth’s solutions integrated harmoniously with QDG’s architectural concept. By leveraging their comprehensive design services, multi-brand sourcing capabilities, and proprietary Platform division for custom furniture solutions, Unisource worked hand-in-hand with the architects and interior designers to create a cohesive, tailored environment where every element supports modern learning. 

Solutions That Enhance Learning

Academic Complex 1 features 24 classrooms, 6 computer labs, 4 flex classrooms, a skills-testing classroom, and a large lecture hall. Haworth’s comprehensive furniture solutions, including task chairs, workstations, conference tables, and collaborative seating, were selected to support the diverse learning modalities essential in today’s higher education environment.

The furniture reflects contemporary learning approaches: collaboration, technology integration, and adaptable configurations. Moveable tables and modular seating allow instructors to transition seamlessly from traditional lecture formats to small group work, supporting active learning strategies that enhance student engagement.

Sustainability remained a priority throughout the specification process. Haworth’s environmental stewardship aligns with the building’s LEED Silver certification goals, reflecting LACCD’s commitment to creating spaces that serve current students while preserving resources for future generations.

Impact and Vision

Completed in 2026, Academic Complex 1 has enhanced the educational experience at LAVC. The modern facility demonstrates to prospective students that LAVC is committed to providing exceptional educational environments, while its role as a campus gateway creates a welcoming presence for the Valley Glen community.

“My approach to working with BuildLACCD is that I am an extension of their team, ensuring the FFE specifications are translated into furniture solutions that best serve each campus,” said Stephanie Johns, Account Manager at Unisource Solutions.

Academic Complex 1 exemplifies what’s possible when enduring partnerships, thoughtful design, and quality solutions align around a shared vision: creating educational environments where every student has the opportunity to thrive.

If you are interested in learning more about leveraging the Foundation for California Community Colleges’ agreement with Haworth, please contact cbcontracts@foundationccc.org.