With a return to school, or if not school certainly a return to learning – we know it will look very different for everyone, especially with discussions around where learning is even taking place for some. Understandably concerns around safety are front and center....
Even before the dramatic and transformative events of 2020, we recognized the need to strengthen a specific set of connections: those between design professionals and early childhood education professionals. All children who spend time in early learning spaces, such...
It’s not often that books in the field of education and design crossover in such an accessible way, and that speak directly to the truth and the times we find ourselves in. ‘Schools That Heal: Design with Mental Health in Mind’ by Claire Latané is one of...
This year Natural Pod will be teaming up with Green Schools National Network and heading to the Green Schools Conference! It’s taking place virtually over two half days on June 28 and 29th, and there are some fantastic speakers and interactive sessions and...
Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. Raised by a single mother alongside four other children. A dedicated mother, who pursued quality education and care for each of her five children, no matter the costs. Ashanti continued on to pursue an education in early childhood...
On average, we make a mere 35,000 decisions each day, from deciding how many times to hit snooze, to each element of a meal, to making purchases as a consumer or business. Navigating these decisions can be simple or complex – which would you prefer? Make a...
Oak Park Unified School District approached their furnishings and finishes as intentionally as the building itself – with the goal of supporting their district-wide sustainability values and instructional program. This story is featured in the spring issue of...
It’s been incredible to witness the resilience of educators during this last year and their commitment to their students well-being, both academically and with a deep care for their emotional states and individual circumstances as well. Not that the Natural Pod...
One of the biggest mistakes that I made early on as a school designer was to engage in the change process around learning spaces without a team. Don’t get me wrong. I asked for input, listened to the needs of others and designed with empathy. All of these elements are...
Every step forward in recognizing the power of good between and for people and the planet, is a step towards a kinder and more equitable world. We are delighted that Natural Pod has been recognized as a runner-up in finals for the BCBusiness 2021 Business of Good...