BLDD Architects is pleased to announce the recipients of the annual Because Life Deserves Design Scholarship: Audrey Miller, Mackenzie Strawn, Lauren Trodus, and Qixi Huang. Named for BLDD’s mission, “Because Life Deserves Design,” the scholarship celebrates high school seniors who stand out for their creativity, artistic drive, and promise to shape the future of architecture, interior or graphic design.

Across Illinois, school districts are being asked to do more with aging facilities, often balancing tight budgets, evolving educational needs, and strong community expectations. The transformation of Lanphier High School in Springfield, IL, shows what’s possible when design is grounded in community values and clear priorities.