Innovation in building design and construction depends on innovative strategies being developed by teachers and practitioners, made available to students and then professionally adopted. Successful transfer of this knowledge relies on appropriate support for both students and academics to ensure the new knowledge is translated into a format appropriate to the learner's current state of understanding, often using a constructivist, student-centred learning approach. This special issue of the journal Architectural Engineering and Design Management examines new strategies to manage effectively a growing number of students and a changing student profile in the built environment sector. Written by international experts in the field, core themes covered include student-centred learning, practice-based learning, good practice and evaluation, and instructional systems design. Several papers are devoted to virtual learning, focusing on e-pedagogy, standardisation, bridging the gap between academia and industry, and virtual learning environments. This peer-reviewed publication will be invaluable reading for lecturers and students on architecture and civil engineering courses, professional architects and engineers, and all interested in T&L, continuing professional development and distance learning in the built environment sector.