While it may seem surprising, the interior design of a daycare facility shares several similarities with that of a large-scale commercial office. Both require a focus on materials that offer durability and efficiency, ensuring that every aspect of the space can withstand high-traffic and use. For instance, just as an office might incorporate laminate flooring or durable surface materials in areas of heavy foot traffic, daycares often need to prioritize similar considerations, especially in spaces like corridors and gyms. For Premier Academy, we chose hard stop laminate for these high-traffic areas. This material was essential for locations where the maintenance and long-term cost-efficiency were key deciding factors. High-impact areas where children are actively engaged in physical play require materials that can endure constant use while remaining visually appealing. Much like commercial offices, it is critical to consider smart, budget-conscious choices without sacrificing quality and aesthetics.

One of the most critical aspects of designing for early childhood development is incorporating flexibility into space planning. Just as in office design, where employees are given autonomy over their workspaces, children should be able to engage with their environment in ways that suit their individual learning styles. In the daycare environment, this flexibility is embodied through open-ended spaces that encourage children to explore, play, and interact with their surroundings in their own ways. For example, for Premier Academy’s gym setting, integrated storage solutions were utilized along the walls that also function as play features, such as an art wall, a kitchen play area, and a library bench. These versatile elements not only foster imaginative play but also align with Montessori education principles, which emphasize self-directed learning in environments that are designed to be both functional and engaging. The idea of allowing flexibility while maintaining structured elements mirrors the need in commercial spaces for employees to have a sense of autonomy while adhering to the overall aesthetic and functionality of the office design. This blend of freedom and order is essential for fostering creativity and productivity, whether in an office or a daycare.

As important as it is to prioritize the child’s experience within an early development center, it’s equally important to create a space that feels warm and welcoming upon arrival and exit for the parents and staff. After all, Premier Academy is not just a learning environment; it’s a community hub that should make everyone feel at ease. In Premier Academy’s Shelby location, we included a range of amenities to enhance the parent experience, starting with the lobby area. This space features a coffee bar, a stunning lounge, and a book nook complete with beautiful and comfortable seating where parents can relax while waiting for their children. For the daycare staff, especially teachers, we carefully considered classroom design to support educational objectives while making their workday easier. Classrooms were designed with storage solutions that are both functional and accessible, enabling teachers to store and retrieve educational materials efficiently. We also ensured that the classrooms were optimized for educational moments, incorporating design elements where teachers could engage children in hands-on learning experiences without feeling constrained by clutter or inefficient layouts.

A significant difference in commercial design and early childhood spaces is the research and understanding required regarding childhood development and educational philosophies. In the case of Premier Academy, we delved deep into Montessori techniques and beliefs. According to educational expert Karen Ricks, “Creating a beautiful and accessible environment is of paramount importance, as children direct their own learning with the help of meticulously designed learning aids.” In Montessori environments, these aids, made from intentional design choices, help children understand complex concepts through hands-on interaction. Beyond Montessori, we also researched various child development stages and accessibility needs, ensuring that the spaces we designed were adaptable to the needs of children of all ages and abilities. This included providing adequate space for movement, sensory-friendly design elements, and furnishings that catered to different developmental needs.

One often-overlooked aspect of early childhood design is the use of environmental graphics. These are not only visually appealing but also serve as teaching tools and wayfinding elements for both children and parents. By customizing graphics for each room, we helped distinguish various spaces within the daycare while making it easier for children, caretakers, and parents to navigate. In the same way environmental graphics can be used in commercial settings to instill core values and beliefs, early childhood development programs can teach educational lessons and model appropriate values through the use of these graphic elements. For Premier Academy, environmental graphics were designed to reflect the daycare’s overall educational philosophy, with each room offering unique visuals that correspond to specific learning objectives or themes. This approach ties into the Montessori philosophy, where the environment is considered a silent teacher, subtly guiding children’s learning through visual cues and accessible materials.

As the demand for early childhood centers grows, many businesses are looking to franchise their operations. In doing so, it’s essential to create a kit of parts that can be replicated across multiple locations while allowing for creative variations that cater to different audiences and geographic areas. By working with an interior design firm, childhood development centers can streamline the process of creating, managing, and executing a standardized set of finishes and materials for their brand. This consistency ensures that each franchise location adheres to core brand values and operational requirements. At the same time, we also allow for thematic flexibility, meaning that the look and feel of each location could be slightly adapted to reflect the community it serves or a particular theme of the space.

Designing spaces for early childhood development requires a unique balance of functionality, flexibility, and educational philosophy. Drawing from approaches used in large-scale commercial projects, designers can craft environments that not only support children’s learning and development but also meet practical concerns such as durability and budget. From incorporating Montessori principles to creating welcoming spaces for parents and staff, the goal is to build centers that foster autonomy, creativity, and engagement. By prioritizing human-centric design and scalability, early childhood centers can offer consistent, high-quality environments that cater to the needs of children, educators, and families alike. To learn more about Premier Academy, visit our project page.