Harlem School of the Arts

Since its founding in 1964, the Harlem School of the Arts has flourished as a school and community hub for performing and visual arts in Harlem, NYC. The New York Junior League’s Community Improvement Project oversaw the renovation of the school’s K-12 visual arts classroom and adjacent outdoor patio space.

As the lead designer for the project, several key considerations had to be balanced: working within a six-month time frame; making impactful design choices while staying strictly within budget; incorporating all necessary organizational and educational equipment; and creating a fun, inspiring space that doesn’t overstimulate the senses. The resulting design is predominantly warm white and rich brown, grounding the classroom in a serene, earthy color palette. Punchy splashes of yellow add a playful touch, creating an inspiring moment of wonder as the color surrounds you through the entry hall. The yellow accents inside and the light blue chairs outside both coordinate with the student-painted murals on the interior column and exterior walls, which were part of the space before our redesign.

Before Photos: