Fielding International is a global leader in architectural design for schools and educational consulting services. With an interdisciplinary team of architects, planners, designers, and educators, we bring a unique, holistic approach to every project. For over two decades, we've been at the forefront of innovative school design, working with international and private schools, public schools, school districts, and governments at all levels in over 50 countries.
We partner with educational leaders and other architects to plan and design learner-centered, flexible learning spaces for Early Childhood, Primary, Secondary, and University education settings. Our designs, enriched by the diverse expertise of our team, foster student agency, nurture social and emotional well-being, and enhance learning. We're committed to preparing students for a rapidly evolving world and redefining the future of education alongside the communities we serve.
We exist to make the world better by improving environments for learning.”
In addition to our architectural expertise, Fielding International provides comprehensive educational consulting services. We understand that each school has unique needs and challenges. Our team of experienced educators and learning designers, using a design-thinking approach, work closely with school leaders and their school communities to develop strategies that enhance teaching and learning. We provide guidance on curriculum development, instructional practices, and the integration of technology. Our focus is always on creating an environment that supports student-centered learning.
Based in four U.S. studios, and a presence in Singapore, our highly integrated team of architects, educators, designers, and planners is unified in our mission to make the world better by improving environments for learning.
History
Our Founding
Fielding International began in 2003 as Fielding Nair International, founded by Randy Fielding and Prakash Nair to design learner-centered schools around the world. In 2005, the two authored The Language of School Design: Design Patterns for 21st Century Schools, establishing the pattern-based approach that remains foundational to our work today. Under Randy and Prakash’s leadership, the firm grew into a global practice, eventually working with schools in more than 50 countries.
As the firm grew, James Seaman and Isaac Williams, now the firm’s Managing Principals, opened Fielding’s first physical studios in Michigan and Washington, D.C., transforming the practice from a network of independent consultants into a more connected team.
Evolution
In 2019, following the departure of co-founder Prakash Nair, the firm was renamed Fielding International and restructured as a partner-led practice. We built a stronger interdisciplinary team and expanded our role in collaborative projects, working alongside other school architects and consultants.
We also broadened our practice to include educational consulting, because schools needed more than architecture to realize their visions. In 2021, we launched SchoolPatterns™ to curate and share the Design Patterns that shape our work.
In 2023, Fielding International became a Certified B Corporation™, the first school design company to achieve this distinction. The certification reflects our commitment to social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency, and our belief that thoughtful school design can meaningfully improve education around the world.
Leadership Today
Also in 2023, co-founder Randy Fielding stepped back from active leadership. In 2025, he transitioned fully out of the firm to pursue new interests in AI. We are grateful for the foundation both founders helped build.
Today, James and Isaac lead Fielding International alongside partners Mike Posthumus and Jessica Sticklor-Lipson. Together with our team, we continue to partner with schools, architects, and communities around the world, designing schools where learners thrive.
