This study determined what stakeholders using middle school facilities deemed as important characteristics for educational facilities compared to the architects' perceptions. The study compared the perceptions between 300 middle school teachers, 100 middle school principals, and 100 architects on 13 common educational facility characteristics. Results reveal all three groups had significant disagreement in their responses. Data show teachers and principals ranked instructional items; i.e., features which enhance or aid in the delivery of instruction, most important while architects ranked as most important in those areas related to design features which added to the visual impact of the facility or delivery of services within the structure. Appendices contain survey data and instrument. (Contains 63 references.) (GR)