Designing for K12 education is more than just creating classrooms—it’s about building spaces that inspire learning, growth, and a sense of community. Today’s educational environments need to do more than just house desks and chairs; they need to be flexible, engaging, and able to evolve with the changing needs of students and teachers.
Building Flexible, Dynamic Learning Spaces
Take Rich Pond Elementary, for example. The goal was to create spaces that would grow with the school’s needs—areas for group work, quiet nooks for focused study, and designs that can adapt to new teaching methods. It wasn’t just about looking good—it was about making a space that works for everyone.
“To us, it’s all about listening to educators and understanding their challenges,” says Maggie Biggs, the Account Executive at ORI who supported this project. “At Rich Pond, we wanted to create something that would support their teaching today and adapt to their needs in the future.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT Our work at RIch Pond Elementary School
Schools Rooted in Community
Schools are at the heart of every community. The best designs reflect the unique spirit of the place they serve. Every school has its own vibe, whether it’s rural or urban, and the design needs to capture that.
“As designers, we always aim to reflect the identity of the community,” says Jill Bastin, Director of Design for Kentucky at ORI. “It’s about creating a space that feels like home—one that students and teachers feel connected to.”
Designing for the Future
Education is always changing, and so are the spaces where it happens. With the rise of hybrid learning and new ways of teaching, schools need spaces that are adaptable, flexible, and ready for the future.
- Collaborative Spaces support teamwork and group learning.
- Flexible Furniture allows for various teaching methods and student needs.
- Technology Integration ensures students can easily transition between in-person and digital learning.
These elements make classrooms not just functional, but places where students and teachers can thrive together.
Embracing Change Together
Creating spaces that truly support learning isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. It takes collaboration between schools, educators, and designers to make sure each space works for its unique community. The goal is to build spaces that evolve with the needs of students and teachers, while keeping the future in mind.