Expressing educational philosophy through architecture
Opened in September 2020, The Nest serves Shoreline-area families with children from 6 weeks to 5 years old. Rooted in the Reggio Emilia philosophy, the center fosters a joyful and child centered education focused on social and emotional development and a deep connection with the outdoors.
Originally a private school, the building’s layout and infrastructure were ill-suited for early childhood education. We led a comprehensive renovation that transformed the outdated facility into a vibrant, functional environment. With a centralized layout that included a commercial kitchen and stairwells at the heart of the building, our design improved circulation and operational efficiency. Classrooms were tailored by age group and arranged around a shared central indoor play area to encourage movement and collaboration.
Cost-effective structural solutions unified the building’s two wings, along with new siding, doors, windows, and a roof monitor to boost natural light. Child-scale finishes, lighting, and fixtures support sensory engagement and safety. Infrastructure improvements—such as new sprinklers, updated HVAC, and electrical systems—ensured code compliance and long-term functionality.
The result is a nurturing, light-filled space thoughtfully designed for early childhood education.
Client
Leigh and Amy SmallType
RenovationSize
12,875 sfCompletion
2017Project Links
