Can the color of a wall or the placement of a bookshelf really change how students learn? According to research, the answer is a resounding YES! Across the country—and right here in West Texas—more and more schools are recognizing that the physical design of classrooms can directly impact how kids pay attention, how they feel, and ultimately, how they perform academically.
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And leading that charge locally is none other than a proud Texas Tech graduate.
Britni Wilkens, an Odessa native and Texas Tech alumna, has spent nearly two decades making her mark on the look and feel of West Texas spaces. Now serving as a Sales Executive at Tangram Interiors, Britni isn’t just pushing furniture around in a classroom—she’s pushing a whole new way of thinking about how kids learn.
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Her résumé reads like a greatest hits list of West Texas landmarks: the Lubbock Police Headquarters, Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences, and even the USDA Cotton Classing Laboratory. Each project reflects her knack for blending form and function—creating environments that aren’t just beautiful, but built to serve the community for years to come.
So, what’s the big deal about design? Studies from ED Spaces show that everything from lighting to acoustics to the color of the walls can affect student engagement and overall well-being. This is especially true for Title I schools and for neurodiverse learners who may be more sensitive to sensory input.
Gone are the days when learning meant staring at the front of the room from behind a row of beige desks under flickering fluorescent lights. Today’s educators are rethinking everything:
Flexible furniture layouts that can adapt to group work or solo study.
Sensory-friendly materials that reduce distractions and overstimulation.
Colors and textures that help students feel safe, welcome, and included.
In short, the room itself is becoming a partner in the learning process.
Britni and the Tangram Interiors education team want to put this conversation front and center for schools in Lubbock, Amarillo, Midland, and beyond. With her Tech roots and her West Texas pride, she’s uniquely positioned to bridge cutting-edge design research with the practical realities of our classrooms.
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As Britni puts it, creating a better learning environment isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about equity. When classrooms are designed with intention, they can give every student, no matter their background, a better shot at success.
And if you ask me, it’s pretty great knowing that a Red Raider is leading that charge right here in West Texas!
Pics from the 2024 Hub City BBQ!Gallery Credit: Landon King 
