The Nest is a new early childhood education center that provides a no-cost nurturing environment for up to 32 children whose parents are looking for jobs, returning to work or experiencing homelessness. The center is located in an underserved neighborhood of Los Angeles, part of the Hope Street Margolis Family Center, a community health, education and recreation resource of Dignity Health – California Hospital Medical Center.

Perkins&Will created the indoor/outdoor design pro bono in collaboration with Hope Street and its partners.

“The Nest joins an excellent preschool environment with practical innovations specific to its space,” said Aram Guzman, Perkins&Will designer. “Studies show the importance of environment in early health and development, and this design provides it for a community that needs it just as much as those that benefit from private or other privileged preschools.”

Along with Perkins&Will designer Ashley Stoner, Guzman and team conceived the name The Nest as a metaphor for healthy education.

“We want to give children room to spread their wings and learn by exploring their imagination in a place of safety,” said Stoner.