Rod Frey, Jr. Earns ALEP Accreditation 

July 15, 2025
By: Sara Wolf

We’re proud to share that Principal Rod Frey, Jr. has earned his ALEP (Accredited Learning Environment Planner) designation. This achievement reflects his deep expertise, passion for student-centered design, and career-long commitment to shaping exceptional learning environments.  

What Is the ALEP Credential? 

The ALEP credential, issued by the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE), is a highly respected certification held by fewer than 500 professionals. It recognizes individuals who demonstrate excellence in educational facility planning and a deep understanding of how learning spaces impact teaching, learning, and community engagement. 

What It Means for Our Clients 

As a firm with a major focus on K-12 educational architecture, we know that good design is more than aesthetics. It’s about supporting student achievement, promoting well-being, and responding to the evolving needs of educators and learners. Rod’s ALEP accreditation reinforces our belief that the best learning environments come from informed, collaborative planning rooted in research and experience.  

In his role as Principal, Rod leads project design, mentors staff and serves as a trusted advisor to our clients. With his ALEP credential, he brings an even deeper level of insight to the table, helping districts align their facilities with educational goals, curriculum shifts, and community priorities. 

“The ALEP process deepened my perspective on aligning physical space with educational goals. It’s not just about good design—it’s about thoughtful planning, collaboration, and helping communities and school systems create environments where students and teachers thrive,” Rod shares. 

Rod’s achievement is a proud moment for the entire Gilbert team. We look forward to the continued impact he’ll make within our firm and across the school communities we serve.