New York State’s “Safe Schools by Design” Act is now law—an important milestone that will shape how school districts approach capital planning and educational facility design for years to come.
With input from AIA New York State, their members and design professionals across the state, this legislation ensures school safety measures—from entry point control and lighting to healthy material selection—are thoughtfully integrated into the built environment. It’s not just about hardening schools; it’s about designing spaces that support mental health, foster community connection, and promote student well-being.
As Paul McDonnell, AIA, AIA New York State Vice President of Government Advocacy and former Director of Facilities at Buffalo Public Schools, noted: “It’s not just about adding cameras or metal detectors. Those tools are important—but they should be part of a holistic, human-centered design process.”
Erik Wilson, AIA, an associate at Memasi Design, said, “Parents can see that this legislation will encourage districts to work together with architects to accomplish meaningful improvements in a comprehensive way. It’s really just adding more fuel, adding more funding, adding more resources to an effort that’s already underway…It takes into effect the psychological aspects: “where are the counseling spaces? How do they meet with the other community spaces. Do kids feel isolated?”
We’re proud to see architectural expertise reflected in public policy—and even prouder that this legislation provides grant funding to help districts implement these changes.
Paul McDonnell and Erik Wilson spoke to CBS6 News about the law’s enactment – https://lnkd.in/ddc9NTmT
The New York State Education Department, released guidelines for the “Safe Schools by Design Act” in April 2025. You may access the guide here or download the guide using the link in the box above – https://www.aianys.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/safeschoolsbydesign-aguidebynysed-april2025.pdf