Educational institutions are more than buildings — they’re places where futures take shape. Studio Luz’ work in the educational space is rooted in that understanding, and in the belief that learning spaces should be accessible to and evolve alongside the people who use them. From community colleges to K–12 campuses, we partner closely with educators, students, and stakeholders to create environments that are welcoming, flexible, and purpose-built for today’s needs and tomorrow’s growth. Three projects — Northern Essex Community College’s Louise Haffner Fournier Education Center, Brooke Charter School, and Massasoit Community College — highlight our approach and proficiency in this space.
Northern Essex Community College
As part of early visioning for Northern Essex Community College’s Louise Haffner Fournier Education Center, Studio Luz worked closely with the college to rethink how students gather, study, and connect within the building. Led by Project Manager Leechen Zhu, our team developed a new vision for the main lobby, transforming it into an expanded study and lounge space that balances quiet focus areas with more social seating. Thoughtful updates to color, texture, and lighting create a warmer, more welcoming environment that supports the building’s role as a student hub.
We also envisioned a new science lab within a tight footprint, converting underutilized space into a fully functioning chemistry lab classroom with an adjoining prep room and office. The result is a highly efficient, modern learning environment that maximizes available space while meeting programmatic needs, demonstrating how strategic design can unlock new potential within existing buildings.
Brooke Charter School
Closer to home, Studio Luz has been selected to lead the Feasibility Master Plan and Addition design for Brooke Charter School in Roslindale, just a short walk from our office. Originally constructed in 1916, the school has seen numerous renovations and additions over the past century. With Sarah Pumphrey serving as Project Manager on the project, our role is to improve accessibility across existing educational spaces, provide updates to their playground, and improve overall campus operations, while expanding their footprint with a new 3500 sq. ft. addition that offers additional dedicated space for students and teachers alike.
Taking a holistic approach, we’re aligning accessibility needs with broader campus goals—ensuring that improvements support not only compliance, but also equity, usability, and long-term functionality. This project reflects our commitment to working closely with local communities and creating meaningful, inclusive educational environments that serve all users.
Massasoit Community College
At Massasoit Community College’s Brockton Campus, Studio Luz supported the planned renovation of two buildings for Science, Nursing, and Allied Health programs. Community engagement has been central to this work from the start, as Studio Luz led sessions alongside Jones Architecture, engaging with Massasoit staff, faculty, students, and collaborators. With guidance from Studio Luz Senior Project Manager Leena Ismail and Project Designer Sarah Pumphrey, these important sessions built on insights gathered from the advisory board while creating space for new voices and perspectives from future users of the renovated facilities, and ensure that the evolving design reflects what matters most to the Massasoit community. By checking in early and often, we worked to shape a renovation that is both responsive to current needs, and forward-looking.
Building upon our efforts in Community Engagement, Studio Luz partnered with Jones Architecture, taking on the scopes of interior design for public, student, and faculty spaces, as well as the overall branding and wayfinding of the buildings. At the core of these efforts was a commitment to Universal Design principles. Implementation of these values – from the scale of a classroom sign, to the scale of a student lounge– helps ensure that these new spaces feel safe, inviting, and accessible to all user groups at Massasoit, with the goal that future academic renovations at MCC will follow this path.
A Thoughtful Approach to Educational Design
Across higher education and K–12 projects alike, Studio Luz brings a collaborative, human-centered approach to educational architecture. By prioritizing community engagement and universal design,working within existing conditions, and designing with flexibility and care, we help institutions create spaces that truly support learning. We’re proud to contribute to campuses where students, educators, and communities can thrive, and excited to continue shaping the future of education through design.
Studio Luz NECC Team: Hansy Better Barraza, Anthony Piermarini, Sophie Nahrmann, Leechen Zhu, Joshua Ssebuwufu
Studio Luz Brooke Team: Hansy Better Barraza, Anthony Piermarini, Leena Ismail, Sarah Pumphrey, Kaitlin Pettenger, Paul Dahlke, Michael Darby
Studio Luz Massasoit Team: Hansy Better Barraza, Anthony Piermarini, Leena Ismail, Sarah Pumphrey, Ignacio Lopez, Nuria Gambin, Meisam Dadfarmay