How does Easterseals Southern California create an inclusive, inspiring space that nurtures early childhood development and strengthens community connection?
March Studio collaborated with Easterseals Southern California to reimagine a child development center in Encinitas that celebrates the individuality of every learner. Designed to foster curiosity, creativity, and connection, the center offers flexible, light-filled classrooms that open to outdoor learning environments and feature interactive, tactile walls encouraging hands-on discovery.
Specialized breakout rooms provide space for focused, one-on-one support, while a multi-purpose space acts as a gathering place for teachers, families, and the broader community. A display wall dedicated to children’s artwork punctuates the interiors, offering a rotating canvas of student expression and pride. Throughout, thoughtful, accessibility-driven detailing ensures an environment where all children and families feel welcome, supported, and empowered.
More than an educational setting, the project creates a nurturing foundation for growth, learning, and lifelong connection.
March Studio partnered with Nest Global and UNICEF to develop a mobile classroom that could serve as an educational sanctuary in refugee centers throughout Tijuana.
Through close collaboration with Nest Global - whose mission is to provide healing-centered education and childcare for children and families seeking refuge at the southern border - the vision was to establish a secure haven for families in need and to create an enriching experience for their little ones.
The school bus was transformed into a cozy, educational space for both parents and children, tailored for infants aged 0-3. March Studio created an adaptable mobile classroom that mirrored the essence and functionalities of each individual setting within Tijuana.
The design focused on optimizing the space and minimizing the need for loose furniture during transport. With the well-being of parents and children in mind, the installation of an AC unit and solar panels ensured a comfortable environment without relying on the engine for power. The exteriors' use of vibrant graphics yet soothing natural colors gave identity to the Mobile Nest, now affectionately named "Nest Centrito 32," as it traverses Tijuana.
In collaboration with the Good Samaritan Medical Dental Ministry (GSMDM), March Studio designed a medical clinic in Northern Vietnam that prioritizes dignity, trust, and cultural sensitivity. Rooted in GSMDM’s mission to advance healthcare, education, and community development, the clinic was envisioned as a welcoming and safe space for a community historically wary of medical institutions.
March Studio first engaged with GSMDM in 2002, traveling to Vietnam to study remote clinics and potential sites. Through extensive research and collaboration with local administrators, the design integrates modern medical care with regional construction techniques, ensuring both functionality and cultural relevance. Light-filled and visible from the street, the facility incorporates gardens and greenery to create a calm, healing environment.
Now serving hundreds of patients each month, the Cao Bang Family Medical Center provides state-of-the-art care while alleviating pressure on local hospitals. More than a medical facility, it stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful design in fostering trust, well-being, and long-term community impact.
"How does Alphabet Inc.’s research organization create an innovative and flexible space for children tied to its values and culture?”
This biotechnology company is revolutionizing healthcare by helping people to live happier, healthier lives. March Studio designed a preschool that prioritizes nature and innovation and acts as a catalyst to improve the wellbeing of the children and the larger community through the lens of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.) The result is flexible open classrooms in a natural palette that are punctuated by a lively spine connecting the indoor and outdoor laboratories. In collaboration with Terremoto Landscape, a natural playground rich with possibilities brings nature indoors making for a happy, healthy, and sensory environment for young explorers.
Honorable Mention, Architect’s Newspaper Best of Design Awards, Interior Institutional 2020
How does a nature-based preschool provide opportunities to consider social justice and engage the community?
Untitled No. 1 is a sustainable preschool that provides opportunities through nature, human, and real world connections for social justice and active engagement with its community. March Studio, in collaboration with landscape architects Terremoto, embraced the principles of child-centered and environment as third teacher, both outside and inside, through thoughtful interventions, provocations, spaces for inquiry, and interaction. The result is an open-ended and flexible environment that is rich with evocative objects and social justice driven STEM possibilities that acts as a model and source of inspiration for others.
LEED Gold
WELL Gold
Sustainable Quality Awards Grand Prize 2022
Westside Urban Forum Design Merit Award 2019
How can a modest atelier represent a school's values and expand its vision for the future?
The Growing Place, a preschool inspired by the educational philosophy of Reggio Emilia, was interested in creating a dedicated studio space. Adopting the Reggio approach, March Studio collaborated with the teachers and children in the design process, creating a space that mirrors the ideas, values, attitudes and cultures of the people who live and work within and, as such, reflect the school's unique strengths, history, community and philosophy. The space for learning is not an isolated studio; it is connected to the school and is fed by its complexities.
Winner of The American Institute of Architects/LA Design Award, 2001.
How does an outdoor lab act as a prototype for others and inspire the scientists of tomorrow?
The Science Lab is a space for learning and testing ideas, providing methods and tools for children to explore their scientific and creative potential. Every available surface is a workspace for sharing thoughts and creating meaning among students and teachers, with focus and depth. March Studio created a building that reflects the unique identity, core values and culture of Caltech University and acts as a prototype for a children's laboratory that can inspire other science-based curriculums. The Lab itself supports the school's mission by acting as a tool for documentation, research, creativity and experimentation.
Winner of The American Institute of Architects/LA Design Award, 2008.
