When it comes to investing in the learning spaces, we envision not only for future generations but also for the near future. As the long, sweet, warm days of summer swiftly approach, with the dreaded 'back-to-reality' whiplash of September hot on their heels (or flip...
The unfortunate truth is children are born into systemic injustice, inequality and racism. By the time they enter school they are already acclimatized. If we don't stand up and call out racism where we find it, it will continue and continue, to the next generation and...
Fortunately, sustainability in education has grown a huge amount in the last few years. Whether that's creating more energy-efficient schools, providing cleaner air, or increasing environmental education. But there's a long way to go. There is still a noticeable...
When Thomas Selishev speaks, his conviction is unmistakable. Even over a Zoom call, his voice carries urgency, but it is measured, purposeful. He traces his path into education to a simple principle: every child, regardless of background, deserves the best opportunities to learn.
Every educator knows the challenge: how do you create a classroom that not only inspires learning but also nurtures the well-being of every student? The answer, as it turns out, is found in nature itself. At Natural Pod, we believe that biophilic design—the practice...
Tiny Scholars is Bridging the Gap Between Generations An inspiring new playschool has opened inside the Amenida Seniors Community in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada creating a unique intergenerational program that connects children with seniors.Developed to foster...
In an era where educational design is recognized as pivotal in shaping future generations, Natural Pod is heading to LearningSCAPES 2025 to showcase the transformative power of sustainable learning environments. We're presenting two powerful sessions that explore how...
We've just returned from LearningSCAPES 2025, where conversations focused on a fundamental shift. We are all supporting an "anxious generation" and feeling the tension between humanity and technology. The central question was clear: How do we create spaces that not...
How Intentional Learning Environments Communicate Values, Support Communities, and Shape Futures When you walk into a learning space, what does it say to the children who spend their days there? Does it communicate respect for their competence? Does it invite...
Designing for a Regenerative Future At Natural Pod, we believe that when we design spaces with care, we create the conditions for everyone to contribute their best work. This principle guides our presence at the 2026 B Corp™ Champions Retreat in Milwaukee, where we...
Never has it been more important for humans to gather and work together to solve some of the biggest problems of our time. The starting point, as always, is education. Too many institutions are operating within an outdated industrial model; which doesn't serve its...
In the United States, there is a group of seven days a year acknowledged in the month of May, which we call 'Teacher Appreciation Week'. But anyone connected to children or education (which is nearly everyone in some way) knows that to truly honor the dedication...
Our very own Michelle Carpenter, Chief Strategy Officer of Natural Pod, is A4LE SchoolsNEXT Southeast Chair, National Co-Chair, and committed to the future of the SchoolsNEXT student design competition. Last year she documented her participation experience in the...
Natural Pod™ Play lofts were designed very much with the needs of early learners in mind. The intention was to create spaces that were all their own, where their imaginations could transform the space into any environment they wished, whether a fort, a castle, an...
Welcome back, Natural Pod™ LIVE, Episode Eleven is available to watch! About This Episode Each choice we make leads to an outcome, whether intended or not. That statement was the catalyst for this episode’s discussion: how we can make sustainable choices now, that...
This is the second part in a series from Green Schools National Network (GSNN) that features GSNN partners describing best practices and lessons learned, on topics tied to each of the impact systems in the GreenPrint, starting with Leadership. The GSNN GreenPrint™...
This is the first part in a series from Green Schools National Network (GSNN) that features GSNN partners describing best practices and lessons learned, on topics tied to each of the impact systems in the GreenPrint, starting with Leadership. The GSNN GreenPrint™...
At Natural Pod, we are proud of the work that we do, and wouldn’t be successful without our passionate team of dedicated people. If you’ve got the desire to be a part of this team, we invite you to check out our current openings on Indeed. If no position openings are...
Welcome back, Natural Pod™ LIVE, Episode ten is available to watch! About this Episode: Since the beginning days of the industrial model, learning environments have been anchored to direct instruction and information-giving models. A place where students, or pupils,...
Our work is not only to create high-quality, functional, beautiful and non-toxic learning furniture. But also to innovate within this space. To create new paradigms for how educational environments and experiences are thought about, and how those are tied to ethical...