When students at Thomas Metcalf Laboratory School walked into Andy Goveia’s classroom for the first time after its redesign, their reactions said it all—excitement, surprise, and a rush to claim their new favorite learning spaces.

What had once been a traditional classroom was now a dynamic, student-centered environment designed for flexibility, collaboration, and choice.

Goveia, a middle school social studies teacher at Metcalf, was named a Central Division winner in KI Furniture’s fourth annual $50,000 Classroom Giveaway. His design was selected from more than 550 submissions nationwide and earned over 23,000 public votes during the competition’s final round.

The redesign reflects Goveia’s vision of a “future-ready classroom built on collaboration, community, and belonging,” with flexible seating options tailored to meet the diverse needs of middle school learners.

The opportunity began in fall 2025 when Goveia learned about the national competition through a campuswide email. Initially unsure if he had time to complete the detailed application, he ultimately decided to move forward, working with a KI representative to refine his design and align it with student learning goals.

Rather than focusing solely on aesthetics, Goveia centered his proposal on how physical space impacts student engagement. His design emphasized flexible learning zones that balance structure with choice, allowing students to select environments that best support their learning styles.

After advancing as a finalist, Goveia rallied support from students, families, and the broader Illinois State community during a public voting period, ultimately securing the top spot in his division.

Installed in February 2026, the redesigned classroom features multiple seating zones, including collaborative table groupings, soft seating areas, and adaptable workspaces. Nearly all furniture is mobile, allowing the room to shift quickly between instructional formats. Each element was selected with intention.

“I wanted a space that works for all students,” Goveia said. “Some need structure, some need flexibility, and this room allows for both.”

The classroom reveal became a memorable experience for students and staff. Goveia and his students were surprised with the news of his win in November, when a KI representative arrived with balloons. The transformation itself was later documented by a full production crew, capturing students’ first reactions as they entered the redesigned space.

Students immediately began exploring the new environment, quickly identifying preferred spaces that matched their learning needs.

As a Laboratory School classroom, the space also serves as a model for preservice teachers at Illinois State. The redesign offers an example of how intentional classroom design can enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.

Goveia hopes the space encourages both students and future educators to think differently about what a classroom can be.

“This redesign opens the door for students to think about how they learn best,” he said. “It’s about giving them ownership of their learning environment.”