Collaborative Learning Space Design for Higher Education

Our Purpose

Collaborative Learning Space Design for Higher Education

Our Purpose

Shaping the Future of Higher Education

Higher education is ever-changing, with new teaching methods and technologies reshaping the learning landscape. We’re committed to innovating the educational experience for professors, students, and staff. Our solutions cultivate collaborative, flexible, and effective learning environments that boost educational outcomes and promote a culture of engagement and innovation. We work with you to create dynamic, adaptable spaces that inspire and engage—both in and out of the classroom. We understand that the future of learning lies in spaces that are as dynamic and adaptable as the minds that occupy them.

Higher ed classroom example

Higher ed classroom example

What Matters Most

Relationships

Relationships

We’re deeply committed to the higher ed market, having built long-term relationships with some of the most recognized colleges and universities in New England.

Through trust, consistency, and open communication, we aspire to be the partner you can count on as you transform your evolving campus spaces.

Speed

Speed

In the world of higher education, our team gets that timing is everything. We’ve nailed rapid design, budgeting, sampling, and quoting to keep projects on track.

We also understand the domino effect on campus: as soon as one space is finished, a group moves in, and the space they leave begins renovation the next day.

Our all-hands-on-deck approach ensures that every space transition on campus is seamless, meeting tight schedules and overcoming constraints with ease.

Partnerships

Partnerships

We have an extensive network of manufacturers and buying contracts. Our partnerships with Steelcase, Smith Systems, and hundreds of other manufacturers provide access to top brands while offering options to suit every style and budget.

We deliver state-of-the-art designs and applications based on Steelcase and other industry research, tailored to elevate the educational experience. Leveraging buying contracts with MHEC, E&I, and Omnia maximizes savings, ensuring the best value for your investment.

How We Do it

Team

Team

Our team of higher education specialists brings together deep expertise and strong support, including project managers, sales, and technology experts. Our dual sales and design specialists can produce detailed CET drawings on the fly, which ensures quick and accurate turnarounds.

Our 1,000 sq ft product pop ups on campus allows your stakeholders to experience products first-hand to make informed buying decisions. As your long-term partner, we review annual purchases, share new industry trends, and find ways to improve our ongoing partnership.

Integrated Approach

Integrated Approach

We focus on more than just furniture when designing higher education spaces, prioritizing how people will utilize the space. By considering factors like space division, acoustics, furnishings, and technology, we create cohesive spaces that enhance both functionality and experience.

We seamlessly design and integrate furniture applications, meeting and classroom technology, and pods and demountable walls. This approach ensures that every space – from classrooms and libraries to administrative offices and conference rooms – functions optimally, enhancing learning and collaboration.

Resources

Resources

Meeting your needs takes more than just resources—it takes a well-coordinated effort. With 300,000 sq ft of warehousing and a 75 vehicle fleet, we’re ready to store and deliver your products right when you need them.

Our in-house installers, tech-driven operations, and flexible logistics make sure everything runs smoothly, from storage to installation, with ongoing support as your needs evolve.

Higher ed cafe space

Higher education work cafe

Applications

Classroom
Classroom
Makerspace & STEM
Makerspace & STEM
Student Wellness
Student Wellness
Outdoor Learning
Outdoor Learning
Café & Multipurpose
Café & Multipurpose
Library & Media
Library & Media
Learning Commons
Learning Commons
Teacher lounge & Admin
Teacher lounge & Admin
Auditorium
Auditorium

Projects

BUNKER HILL cOMMUNITY COLLEGE

the roux institute at northeastern university

UNH | Peter T. Paul College

Blog Posts

Main blog image_campus wellbeing

Centering Wellbeing in Campus Spaces: Linking Learning & Growth

Explore how thoughtfully designed campus spaces enhance student and faculty wellbeing. Wellbeing in higher education is very important today. Students and educators face many challenges, such as mental health issues and pressure from school and social life. Studies, including those from Steelcase, show that the physical environment greatly affects wellbeing and the quality of education.…

Examples of universal design in education

Behind the Scenes with Mary Sauvageau: Universal Design in Education

Discover how universal design transforms classrooms into inclusive, effective learning environments for all students. Imagine a classroom where every student feels seen, heard, and valued—this is the promise of universal design. By creating learning environments that cater to all students, regardless of their abilities, backgrounds, or learning styles, universal design aims to make education more…

Unlocking the Power of Active Learning Spaces

Unlocking the Power of Active Learning Spaces

In today’s dynamic educational landscape, creating an engaging environment for students, teachers, and the community has become paramount. A vibrant and stimulating learning environment goes beyond mere aesthetics – it plays a crucial role in fostering productivity, promoting effective teaching practices, and shaping positive learning outcomes. Modern classroom design has a profound impact on students’…

Three Hybrid Campus Spaces to Meet UDL Guidelines

Three Hybrid Campus Spaces to Meet UDL Guidelines

Hybrid learning has become the standard for learning in a post-covid world. Students learning remotely need to have the same engaging learning experience as their in-person classmates, and the right technology makes all the difference. David Kellermann, an engineering professor at the University of South Wales, saw an increase in student satisfaction from 75% to…

Four Post-COVID Learning Spaces

Four Post-COVID Learning Spaces

The global pandemic has fundamentally changed how we live, learn and work. Students and educators have new needs for learning and teaching experiences, ranging from a building’s infrastructure to a hybrid classroom. Most K-12 and college education students are Generation Z, an overlooked demographic who are “merely surviving” or “flat-out struggling” according to Microsoft’s new…

5 Design Principles

5 Blended Learning Design Principles

Educators and students everywhere are implementing blended learning — a combination of the best of face-to-face and online experiences to produce improved learning outcomes. Steelcase’s research reveals what has been both successful and unsuccessful when classrooms suddenly became living rooms and bedrooms. By combining previous research with new findings during the pandemic, they uncovered top…

steelcase ALC grant

Top tips on applying for Steelcase’s Active Learning Center Grant

For the sixth year in a row, Steelcase Education will award up to 10 grant recipients with the furniture, tools and on-site services to create an Active Learning Center at their institution. All educational 30-seat classrooms are eligible, from K-12 to colleges and universities. Interested? Of course you are! Not sure how to make your…

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Fidget tools move out of the classroom and into the office

If you have a child in middle school or have watched the news recently, you’ve probably heard about the hottest new toy on playgrounds nation-wide: Fidget spinners. Originally marketed as a tool to help students focus, especially those with ADHD, anxiety, and autism, the toys gained viral attention after a surge of YouTube videos were…

Blog_Header2_champlain2

Champlain College library supports student engagement.

Recently, our Vermont based Account Executive, Jackie DesLauriers, shared a small project that had a big impact. Her client, Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont wanted to create a flexible space in the library that would boost student engagement. They loved it so much – they created a video! Here’s a bit about the space! What…

Blog_Header2_library

Library design: Creating an ecosystem.

Like many spaces, the traditional library has undergone a dramatic shift, from a reading and storage site to a center of interactive learning. Today, libraries need to be multi-purpose, multi-dimensional, flexible, and technology focused spaces. In other words, they need to be places that can accommodate quiet seeking students and teams actively collaborating on digital projects. What’s the key to…

Blog_Header_Maker spaces

Makerspaces: a new education trend

Makerspaces are popping up all over the country, especially in high school and collegiate settings, and are geared towards an active and collaborative way of thinking and approaching challenges. According to Andrew Kim, a Steelcase education researcher, “…we have found that, at the same time that technology is reshaping education, the importance of face-to-face learning is also growing,…

Resources

RED THREAD AUTHORIZED CONTRACTS

–  Massachusetts State Contract
–  MHEC (Massachusetts Higher Education Consortium)
–  E&I (Educational and Institutional Cooperative Purchasing)
–  Connecticut State Contract

View our contracts (PDF)

STEELCASE RESEARCH

Learn Better
Equity in Education
Centering Well-Being in Education
How to Design Hybrid and Blended Learning Environments

EDUCATION ASSOCIATIONS

Society for College & University Planning (SCUP)
International Facilities Management Association (IFMA)

Contact Us

To learn more about higher education solutions, reach out to us using the form below:

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