Catherine Wolfe Earns Accredited Learning Environment Planner (ALEP) Certification

Posted on August 10, 2020

SYRACUSE, NY—Ashley McGraw Architects and Vaysen Studio are pleased to announce that Catherine Wolfe, CID, NCIDQ, has earned her Accredited Learning Environment Planner (ALEP) designation from the Association for Learning Environments. She is the first ALEP professional at Ashley McGraw Architects and one of less than 10 ALEP’s in New York State. The ALEP credential is designed to elevate a practitioner’s professional standards and identify those in the industry who demonstrate the knowledge essential to the practice of academic environment planning.

 

In May 2020, Ashley McGraw Architects launched Vaysen Studio, a creative studio that focuses on design strategy and interior design. Vaysen Studio offers a fully integrated team of certified interior designers and design strategists with extensive experience in transforming interior spaces for a wide range of project types including K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and community/civic buildings. 

 

“Since joining Ashley McGraw, Catherine has shown a continued commitment in researching, analyzing, and designing educational spaces and measuring the impact those environments have on students,” said Matthew Broderick, President of Ashley McGraw. “She contributes significantly to our success as a leader in educational design.”

 

"In addition to the learning environment, it is the people, the curriculum, and the relationships that truly make an impact on one’s learning. Focusing on the holistic system in response to the needs of the whole child is transformational for the future of education,” explained Wolfe. “I have such admiration for what educators do, especially during this pivotal time – the ability to aid in strengthening educational experiences for students and educators through the marriage of their curriculum and built environment is paramount to successful learning."

 

Wolfe joined Ashley McGraw in 2015. Her expertise in the K-12 school sector is highlighted by assisting districts in the shift of educational delivery to student-focused, active learning environments. She has led the redesign of learning environments at Groton Central School District and Westhill Central School District that have shown demonstrated results of increased student engagement, collaboration, and academic success. 

 

An active member of the design community, Wolfe has presented her work and research of 21st Century learning environments at several professional conferences, including the Association for Learning Environments Northeast Regional, New York State Council of School Superintendents, and the New York State School Boards Association. 

 

Wolfe is a New York State Certified Interior Designer (CID) and certified by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ). She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Interior Design from Cazenovia College.

 

# # #

(Images Attached: Catherine Wolfe.jpg and Westhill High School Collaborative Corridor.jpg)

 

 

About Ashley McGraw Architects 

Ashley McGraw Architects, based in Syracuse, New York, was founded in 1981. Its award-winning portfolio of K-12 schools, higher education buildings, and community/civic structures has been consistently recognized for innovation and design excellence.

 

About Vaysen Studio 

Vaysen Studio, based in Syracuse, New York, is a creative studio that focuses on design strategy and interior design. We create harmony between people and the places they inhabit. Our interior design expertise works with the architectural team to authentically bring project vision to life, with a keen focus on finishes, millwork, branding, and integration with overall architecture.

 

Other Member News

Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield Excellence Logos
October 1, 2025

Specialists' One-Day Surgery Center Recognized Nationally for Higher Quality and Cost-Effective Spine Surgery and Hip & Knee Replacements

This program identifies hospitals and ambulatory care centers (ASCs) that demonstrate expertise in delivering improved patient safety, better health outcomes, and are more cost-effective.

Wicked
October 1, 2025

Wicked to Return to Landmark Theatre Dec. 3–14, 2025

Winner of over 100 international awards including the Grammy Award and three Tony Awards, WICKED has been performed in over 100 cities in 16 countries around the world.

new partners graphic
October 1, 2025

New Partners-CEO Insights October 2025

Please join us in welcoming new CenterState CEO Partner-level members.   

member news graphic
September 30, 2025

Member Essentials-CEO Insights October 2025

Below is a snapshot of the latest news and top headlines from our members. We want to hear from you!

new investors graphic
September 30, 2025

New Investors-CEO Insights October 2025

CenterState CEO wishes to recognize the members who have recently joined as Investors.

Harris Beach Murtha
September 30, 2025

36 Harris Beach Murtha Attorneys Selected to 2025 Upstate New York Super Lawyers® and Super Lawyers: Rising Stars® Lists

Super Lawyers is a nationally recognized professional survey and ranking service of accomplished attorneys who have achieved a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement in more than 70 practice areas.

Mitch Nelson, Technician of the Year
September 30, 2025

Eastern Security Services Technician Receives National Distinction

The award highlights excellence in system design, installation, and maintenance while honoring the vital role technicians play in protecting people and property.

ambassadors sfcu graphic
September 30, 2025

Ambassadors-CEO Insights October 2025

Presented by SFCU

Dan and Andrea
September 29, 2025

FMF&E CPA, P.C. Announces New Managing Partner and Key Leadership Appointments

As the Firm celebrates its 45th year in business, this transition marks a significant milestone in the Firm’s continued growth and evolution.