Designing to Support Collaborative Campus Communities

Contemporary pedagogy has shifted towards decentralized models with an increased emphasis on group collaboration and project-based learning. For campuses, adapting to this shift means supporting collaborative work between students, students and faculty, and between faculty. Learn how to design spaces specifically for these new modes of interaction at different scales and within diverse contexts, like reinventing an Ivy League biomedical library as a hub of hands-on iterative research; converting a natatorium into an all-ages STEM Center; or creating a new center for business education for one of the nation's top programs. At both K-12 and higher education levels, creative solutions, quality design, and responsive aesthetics make for sought-after spaces that are in constant use. Explore solutions for common challenges like integrating effective technology, designing for flexibility, optimizing acoustics - and, above all, how to make these spaces not just functional but also beautiful.


Sennah Loftus, AIA, IIDA, LEED AP BD+C

Partner & Director of Interiors

Voith & Mactavish Architects

As both architect and interior designer, Sennah loves working with clients on their most complex design problems to produce timelessly beautiful spaces that are resilient and adaptable enough to be loved by generations of users. Sennah brings to VMA a strong commitment to sustainability and has built her career on delivering beautiful and functional spaces to clients. She guides owners through every step of the process from planning to construction with an eye for detail, cohesiveness, and sensitivity to budget. Sennah enjoys the collaborative nature of architecture and sharing her experiences and knowledge through mentorship.

Nina Voith

Associate & Associate Director of Interiors

Voith & Mactavish Architects

While every project Nina works on is contextually specific, her work is consistently defined by its restraint and elegance as she pursues beautiful and efficient spaces that users love for generations. As an Associate and Associate Director of Interiors, Nina helps VMA deliver cohesive and well-planned spaces from furniture and detailing to the broader architecture of each project. Nina manages a team of coordinators through each project phase from the development of conceptual furniture plans through full FF&E procurement in addition to interior architecture work, maximizing their individual skills across all projects.

Meaghan Finney

Director of Communications

Voith & Mactavish Architects

Meaghan joined Voith & Mactavish Architects LLP in early 2017 and is the firm's Director of Communications. In addition to meeting with prospective clients and working with staff as the firm’s business development lead, she oversees the firm’s marketing initiatives as well as other internal and external communications. Meaghan graduated with honors from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in the History of Art & Architecture and a certificate in Historic Preservation before earning her Master of Science in Historic Preservation from the University of Pennsylvania School of Design. At Penn, she was a member of the Penn Museum Graduate Advisory Board and has continued volunteering throughout her career – especially in Philadelphia’s preservation community. She is a former co-chair of the award-winning Young Friends of the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia steering committee, former member of AIA Pennsylvania’s Historic Preservation Task Force, and currently co-chairs the AIA Philadelphia Chapter Historic Preservation Committee. She also serves on both the Society for College & University Planning (SCUP) Mid-Atlantic Regional Council and the board of the Association of Physical Plant Administrators (APPA) Delaware Valley Chapter, working with both organizations to produce meaningful professional development opportunities for higher education facilities professionals.
This content will not be available until 06/09/2025 at 8:00 AM (EDT)