Project Profile: Thompson Family Early Education Center
The Architecture of Belonging: Bridging Purpose and Partnership at St. Mary’s School
Written by Insiya Rasiwala | Photography by St. Mary’s School + One Workplace
Read the full story below.
In Aliso Viejo, California, the Thompson Family Early Education Center at St. Mary’s School has emerged as a landmark for inquiry-based learning. While many educational projects begin with a procurement list, this project began with a deeper inquiry: How can a physical environment honor the complexity of an IB-accredited curriculum while nurturing the essential wonder of childhood?
The result is a study in intentionality, born from a high-trust collaboration between One Workplace, a leading interior solutions dealer, and Natural Pod, a B Corp dedicated to timeless, inspiring and sustainable, learning environments. Together, they have moved beyond the traditional vendor-client relationship to create a space that serves as a proof-of-concept for the future of educational design.
A vibrant collection of art supplies sit atop Evergreen™ Shelving units, leading the eye toward an open, modern early learning environment.
A geometric wall cutout offers a glimpse into a clean, tiled wash area with the tops of Imagine™ Play Stands seen in the background.
Sunlight fills a spacious room filled with calming, warm wood tones, including a Reach™ Table with Steady™ Chairs and Share™ Benches.
An elegant, sunlit lobby features a slatted wood ceiling, a clean white reception desk, and a tiled stone floor leading toward an outdoor courtyard.Clean lines and bold colors define this educational corridor, featuring recessed geometric ceiling elements and wall displays.
Soft natural light emphasizes the smooth texture of an Evergreen™ Shelving unit and the clean lines of the surrounding educational space.
A sunny outdoor learning space features wood play structures, including a small bridge and sensory tables, set against a backdrop of rolling hills.
A modern educational environment combines technology with natural wood storage from Evergreen™ Shelving, creating an organized and inviting environment for young learners.
The broad steps of the "Stair of Values" are engraved with inspiring words like "Caring" and "Open Minded" connecting to St. Mary's mission of “World-Sized Hearts, World-Class Minds."
Large glass windows and a wood-accented roofline define the entrance of St. Mary’s School, surrounded by palm trees.
A Vision of “World-Sized Hearts”
St. Mary’s mission—“World-Sized Hearts, World-Class Minds”—served as the North Star for the design team. For Lori Darrah Jones, Senior Account Manager at One Workplace, the challenge was to create a space that felt “special” and “quiet,” allowing the children’s own discovery to provide the color and energy.
“We wanted the furniture to be natural and calming,” Lori explains. “The intention was to keep the mind free to explore without preset constraints.”
Gabriella Cannon, Interior Designer at One Workplace, recalls the initial spark of the project.
From our very first meeting, it was clear that St. Mary’s wasn’t just looking for furniture; they were looking to manifest their values. We knew the design had to be as intentional as their teaching.
—Gabriella Cannon
This philosophy required a departure from prescriptive environments—spaces where plastic structures dictate exactly how a child should play.
The Environment as the Third Teacher
In the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) framework, the environment is far more than a backdrop; it is the “third teacher.” At St. Mary’s, this concept is realized through a strategic “kit of parts” approach that balances a cohesive aesthetic with radical functional flexibility.
The Early Education Program (EEP) is designed to nurture every dimension of the child: emotionally, socially, cognitively, spiritually, and physically. The design of the Thompson Family Center supports this by acting as a partner in inquiry. Every classroom is anchored by a Natural Pod Loft, providing a vertical dimension for play and a “perch” for reflection.
“The lofts are clear favorites,” the educator team shares. “Children gravitate to them for imaginative play, cozy quiet time, and social interaction. Throughout the day, they transform into creative worlds—it’s where confidence is built.”
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Every educator faces “thorns”—those logistical challenges that can hinder the flow of a school day. For the team at St. Mary’s, storage was a common pain point. In early learning, the ability to rotate resources and maintain a dynamic, uncluttered space is essential for student focus.
In the new center, this was solved through ample and thoughtfully designed storage. By integrating accessible, well-organized shelving, the physical barriers to teaching were removed. As the educators noted, “In our new spaces, well-organized storage allows educators—especially new teachers—to easily access materials and bring fresh classroom experiences to life. This support ensures the focus remains on teaching and exploration rather than on managing space.”
An Educator’s Perspective: The “Roses”
For Shelly Harmon, Head of the Early Childhood Program at St. Mary’s, the new space has impacted more than just the day-to-day operations. She reflects on what the Chinese philosopher Confucius once observed: “Choose a job you love, and you will never work a day in your life.”
“This is truly my reality,” Shelly shares. “There are so many sweet roses that I have the pleasure of smelling each and every day. At the top of the list is the unfiltered joy I have the pleasure of witnessing. The sounds of belly laughs from children and teachers alike as I walk through the halls or on the Liu Family Playground make the days so bright. Also, the ‘AHA’ moments when a new concept clicks for a child or teacher, and they share that spark of genuine discovery.”
Unlearning the Chair: The Developmental Power of the Bench
One of the most nuanced moments of the project came from a simple piece of furniture: the bench. Initially, educators were hesitant, accustomed to the individual control of traditional chairs. Through a collaborative workshop process, Natural Pod founder Bridgitte Alomes helped the team “unlearn” the idea that sitting still is the primary goal of early years seating.
“It’s nice to have this third party [Bridgitte] come in that is breathing that life and that change into the teachers. The learning we took away is that the bench is an expression of body use. Children have to navigate the peers around them to squeeze in or get out. It spawns these developmental milestones—negotiation, spatial awareness, and physical coordination—that don’t happen when a child is isolated in their own chair.”
—Lori Darrah Jones
Agency, Flexibility, and Redefining Value
Because St. Mary’s is an IB school, every item is meant to be seen, touched, and manipulated at the child’s discretion. Students have meaningful agency in shaping their environment.
“Materials are intentionally accessible, allowing children to choose tools and rearrange learning areas independently.” Virtue Byrd, Director of Capital Campaign, St. Mary’s School.
This investment in high-quality, sustainable design has shifted the conversation toward the “total cost of ownership.”
You might have less furniture, but you’re getting more use out of the pieces you have. When a piece does multiple things, you justify the cost. It sells itself once you understand that this is for multiple generations of children.
—Gabriella Cannon
A Blueprint for Partnership and Growth
The success of the Thompson Family Center has transformed teaching methods and community connection at St. Mary’s. Leadership at the school has observed that the new environment has significantly bolstered fundraising and recruitment efforts. Parents immediately recognize the investment in their children’s well-being, leading to increased enrollment numbers that validate the long-term return on investment of the project.
For Shelly Harmon, the transformation is deeply felt.
Now that we have a physical space that continues to inspire us and actually matches the quality of our curriculum and programming, things feel complete—this is a huge blessing! These organic experiences with the children and staff, along with the new facilities that align so beautifully with our philosophy, are truly priceless.
—Shelly Harmon
The St. Mary’s team reflects that the collaboration felt like a genuine partnership; one marked by responsiveness, creativity, and an unwavering focus on what serves children best. In Aliso Viejo, the vision is now a reality: a space where the architecture tells children they are capable, valued, and free to lead their own learning journey.
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