Massachusetts School Gets Additions and Renovations

Encouraging creative thinking, collaboration and community is at the core of the addition and renovation project, now open, at the Brimmer and May School in Chestnut Hill. Designed by the Boston office of Perkins+Will, the new and repurposed spaces foster active learning at the co-ed, independent PreK-12 school.

“Historically, we have been a school that leads with pedagogy and curriculum,” said Judy Guild, head of school at Brimmer and May. “Perkins+Will was a great partner for us in that they engaged teachers and staff to determine the optimal types of spaces required to teach students, to drive creativity, and to foster a sense of community. This project has created a flexible, open space where students naturally gravitate.”

The addition supports independent and collaborative work, critical thinking, and analytics, enhanced by emerging technologies and hands-on problem solving. The space includes a new innovation lab, dedicated maker space with equipment for fabrication, a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) room and a “student commons” designed for multi-uses along with additional space to support group work, independent thinking and project-based learning. The additional classrooms and new administrative areas are strategically located to promote teacher collaboration while integrating an inviting and secure entryway.

Brimmer and May

“It was our goal to ensure an integrated design process bringing together the school’s pedagogy along with the need to provide the flexibility that supports a multidisciplinary approach to learning, within the context of Chestnut Hill’s residential neighborhood,” says Brooke Trivas, K-12 practice leader and principal at Perkins+Will.

Featured

  • Ancient Resilience: How Indigenous Intelligence Shapes the 4Roots Education Building

    As climate change intensifies, educational spaces must evolve beyond basic sustainability toward true resilience – we must design environments that can adapt, respond, and thrive amid shifting, and intensifying, climate hazards. Drawing on indigenous wisdom and nature-based strategies, integrating resilient design offers a path to create learning environments that are not only functional but deeply in tune with their natural surroundings.

  • Fellowes Launches New 3D Modular, Product Configurators

    Contract interiors and architectural solutions provider Fellowes recently announced the launch of new 3D modular and product configurators for several of its product lines, according to a news release. The new products offer SIF file integration and pricing for the Volo, Markerboards, Sena, and Rising product lines in connection with 3D Cloud, which provides 3D product visualization and 3D digital asset management.

  • ALAS Announces 2025–26 Award Winners

    The Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS) recently announced the winners of its 2025–26 leadership awards, according to a news release. Winners will be recognized at the ALAS 22nd National Summit on Education, scheduled for Oct. 15–17 in Chicago, Ill.

  • Spaces4Learning Announces Winners of 2025 Product Awards

    Spaces4Learning has just announced the winners of the 2025 Product Awards! The award program recognizes innovation and excellence in products that enhance learning environments in K–12 schools and institutions of higher education.

Digital Edition