Child-Centered,Organizational Design

A Specialized, Holistic Approach~

Successfully designing any children's space relies foremost on understanding the needs of its young inhabitants;     I relish learning all I can about them at the start of a project. During our initial meeting, I love to quietly observe kids as they interact with their space and then casually interview them to determine more specific details on what makes them tick ... What captivates them and inspires their curiosity? What activities do they employ to soothe themselves? What daily routines can they accomplish independently? What tasks do they find particularly challenging? Do they struggle with executive functioning? What is their ideal learning atmosphere?

Educational research confirms that a child's level of confidence & self-efficacy have far greater impact on learning success than aptitude. The challenge then is to create an environment that promotes their 'best self' - a nurturing haven that tempers the frenetic pace of the outside world, that is engaging & vibrant but not over-stimulating, that enhances concentration & meaningful learning. The goal is to design areas that present a balance of freedom, structure & risk with more activities that inspire open-ended play, require imaginative input, and prompt independent discovery. Providing children with increased opportunities for self-direction in the spaces where they work, play & dream fosters self-reliance and cultivates confidence.

My approach is derived from the multidimensional perspective of three lenses - designer, educator & mother - which allows me to thoughtfully integrate tasteful style, engaging learning activities, and efficient organizational strategies. I strive to employ ecologically responsible practices and sustainable products whenever possible.