The UDL Blueprint: Furniture That Teaches and Transforms
December 8, 2025
UDL challenges us to stop trying to “fix” students and instead design environments that remove barriers to learning. Often, the first barrier isn’t instruction—it’s the physical space. Furniture plays a pivotal role in transforming a static room into an adaptable, inclusive environment. When seating, desks, and storage are chosen with purpose, they become tools that actively support UDL’s core principles: Representation, Engagement, and Action & Expression.
The Furniture Formula: How Layout Affects Learning Outcomes
October 8, 2025
Where students learn matters. Explore how flexible classroom design can shape focus, collaboration, and well-being—turning space into a tool for learning.
The Power of Play: Building a Strong Foundation in Early Childhood
September 17, 2025
How does play fuels early childhood development? Explore expert insights, practical tips, and inspiring classroom ideas to create playful learning environments that spark curiosity, creativity, and collaboration in young learners.
Higher Education Design: Six Learning Environments Every Campus Needs. Now.
June 6, 2025
Explore six essential higher education spaces. From flexible classrooms to esports labs, discover how Smith System furniture supports student success through thoughtful, student-centered design.
Students are Clamoring for CTE
April 4, 2025
Discover how to design dynamic Career and Technical Education (CTE) classrooms that empower students with real-world skills. Learn how flexible, hands-on environments can prepare middle and high schoolers for career success across diverse pathways.
The Alphas Have Landed
April 1, 2025
Step aside Gen Z. There’s a new kid in town: Generation Alpha, or Gen A for short. They’re a savvy bunch, and K-12 educators are scrambling to crack the code on how to keep them engaged and excited to learn.
Creating Spaces That Inspire Young Minds: Designing for Elementary Schools
March 5, 2025
Smith System believes a child’s education begins with the environment they learn in. Elementary classrooms should spark curiosity, nurture creativity, and support lifelong learning. That’s why Smith System designs adaptable, inspiring furniture to help educators create spaces that grow with their students. Thoughtful classroom design enhances focus, collaboration, and movement—key elements in supporting young learners’ development.
Smith System/Steelcase to Sponsor 2025 NexGen Rising Stars
January 15, 2025
Smith System and Steelcase Learning are the exclusive sponsors of EDmarket’s NexGen Rising Star Awards, which honor outstanding education professionals under 40 for their innovation and impact. The annual program includes mentoring, networking, and recognition through EDspaces, EDmarket’s platforms, and media coverage.
Support Teacher Wellness; Rejuvenate Your Teachers’ Lounge
September 30, 2024
Today’s K–12 teachers are burning out – and leaving the profession – faster than ever. What can schools do? Show more love for educators with a teachers’ lounge makeover that supports their mental health.
Granted, it may seem counterintuitive for schools to increase their investment in teachers’ downtime, but faculty and staff need a break room just as much as students need calm rooms and safe spaces—maybe even more. Here’s how good design and thoughtful furniture can transform your teacher lounge break room into a welcoming port in the storm.
Universal Design for Learning: How to create UDL classrooms that ‘bust the barriers’ for students
May 31, 2024
For many K–12 students, the path to learning is riddled with barriers, big and small. Universal Design for Learning is an inclusive approach that’s redefining those educational obstacles as valuable opportunities.
Beyond Tree Stumps & Stepping Stones: Tips for Building Better Outdoor Learning Spaces
May 2, 2024
The benefits of outdoor learning for K–12 students are well documented. How to furnish those spaces remains a footnote.
Smith System Announces Partnership with Landscape Forms
March 6, 2024
Smith System Collaborates with Landscape Forms to Launch ‘OpenSpaces’—Highly Durable Outdoor School Furniture for Enhanced Learning Experiences
