The Process: 5 Steps to Take Your Nature Classroom From Idea to Completion

Transforming an outdoor space into an engaging and educational environment requires a thoughtful and collaborative approach. We'll take you through the steps of our specific process, from the initial spark of an idea to the final inspection.

Step 1: The Wish List - Crafting Your Vision

When you first reach out to us, the journey begins with an exciting conversation. We believe that every outdoor classroom project is unique, and that's why we begin by listening to your vision. Our licensed architect and project manager will meet with you to discuss your wants and needs for your outdoor learning space. We'll ask questions, take notes, and share real-life examples of our previous projects. Whether it's a seemingly ordinary hill or an open field, we see the potential for enriching experiences.

During this collaborative session, we'll explore the various possibilities within your space. We're here to guide you through the options, be it carefully crafted logs for climbing, a performance stage, or any other innovative feature. By combining your ideas with our expertise, we'll lay the foundation for a nature-inspired classroom that sparks imagination and learning.

Step 2: Budget and Proposal - Making Dreams Possible

We understand that budgets play a crucial role in any project. If you're concerned about funding, don’t worry. We're flexible and can help you develop a conceptual plan even if you don't have the funds for a full construction project. Many schools we work with take advantage of our conceptual design to launch fundraisers and cover the construction phase.

Transparency is key to our process. Sharing your budget with us upfront allows us to design and build within your financial constraints. By entrusting us with both the design and construction aspects, you avoid the hassle of piecing out the project, often associated with cumbersome RFP processes. A single point of contact ensures seamless communication and alignment from start to finish.

Step 3: Design - Bringing Concepts into Reality

Once we're aligned and ready to embark on this exciting journey together, we formalize the partnership with a contract. With the contract in place, our team gets to work on crafting your conceptual design. Over a span of about 90 days, we present you with the initial design, gather your feedback, and incorporate it into subsequent rounds of refinement. This iterative process ensures that your vision is not only captured but elevated.

At the conclusion of the design phase, you'll be equipped with a comprehensive conceptual design that captures the essence of your outdoor classroom. Together, we'll chart the course for the next steps, laying the foundation for the transformative building phase.

Step 4: Build - Bringing Dreams to Life

With the design locked in, we transition from ideas to action. If you choose to entrust us with both the design and build aspects, we collaborate closely with our construction partner to execute the plan. We take the time to discuss construction timelines, and together, we develop a schedule that aligns with your needs.

Step 5: Inspect - Ensuring Quality and Safety

Upon completion of the construction phase, our commitment to quality continues. We bring in third-party certified inspectors who specialize in outdoor classroom safety. These experts have undergone thorough and up-to-date training, ensuring that your outdoor classroom meets quality and safety standards.

The journey from an initial vision to a thriving outdoor classroom is a dynamic and collaborative adventure. We believe in the transformative power of nature-inspired spaces, and our step-by-step process ensures that your unique vision becomes a reality that enriches the lives of students and educators alike.

Get in touch with us to begin your journey toward creating an outdoor space that sparks wonder and cultivates lifelong learning.