"Emotion is the foundation of learning and must be the cornerstone of design for Early Childhood environments."

Dr. Sandra Duncan

BOOKS

Inspired by Nature

Inspired by Nature explores how nature offers valuable and important lessons about transforming classroom spaces into places where infants and toddlers can thrive.

PURCHASE

The Honeycomb Hypothesis

The Honeycomb Hypothesis celebrates the magic that happens when children and nature are brought together with intention and inspiration.

PURCHASE

Through a Child's Eyes

Through a Child’s Eyes brings a new approach to classroom design that begins and ends with the child’s viewpoint.

PURCHASE

Bringing the Outside In

Bringing the Outside In offers extraordinary nature-based experiences to encourage educators and young children to bring the natural world into the early childhood classroom.

PURCHASE

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ARTICLES & INSIGHTS

October 27, 2025

Bunching Up Babies

Johnnie Wainwright

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Inspiring Spaces

Step into a world of thoughtfully designed environments, where every corner invites play, discovery, and belonging. This is the work of shaping childhood—one space at a time.

August 19, 2023

Farmington university’s child education program

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My Furniture collection is going to be incorporated into Farmington University's new child education program. A quick excerpt from the full article is below, make sure to check out the […]

June 4, 2021

Loss of Habitat

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[Excerpt from New Book, "The Unspoken Language of Early Childhood Environments" (Tentative Title) , by Sandra Duncan, Christine Burkholder, and Lauren Magee] Young children are losing their childhoods in today’s […]

May 11, 2021

Edgerley Family Horizons Center

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As many of you know, I have many wonderful opportunities to design and consult on many projects around the world. Recently I was able to play a small part in […]

April 25, 2018

RIP Cookie-cutter Classrooms

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A conversation with Sandra Duncan, Rae Pica and Heidi Veal discussing how standardized classrooms are boring and uninspiring. Join us as they share ways to bring novelty into your classroom. […]

Events & Appearances

Where learning spaces come to life

Dr. Sandra Duncan speaks around the world to early childhood professionals, designers, educators, and leaders—sharing inspiration and practical tools for creating environments where children and adults thrive. Whether she’s keynoting a national conference, leading a hands-on workshop, or collaborating with programs on the ground, Sandra brings deep expertise, real-world insights, and a contagious passion for spaces that nurture wonder.

INVITE SANDRA TO SPEAK

Ed-Spaces Conference- Columbus, Ohio

Keynote Speech at Ed-Spaces Conference Columbus, Ohio Transforming Elementary Classroom into Early Childhood Environments; Blueprints for Change

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04 November 2025

Kaplan-podcast

Podcast with Kaplan Topic- Lessons from the Hummingbird; View Beneath Children's Feet

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09 November 2025

The Source for Learning Online Podcast

Topic Designing Early Learning Environments; Lesson from Hummingbirds

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13 November 2025

FURNITURE COLLECTION

Designing Environments That Nurture Wonder

Explore Dr. Sandra Duncan’s thoughtfully crafted furniture collection, where nature-inspired design meets the developmental needs of young learners. Each piece is intentionally created to foster connection, curiosity, and a deep sense of belonging in early childhood spaces.

EXPLORE THE WEE ONES FURNITURE COLLECTION EXPLORE THE PRESCHOOL FURNITURE COLLECTION

Bring Sandra to Your Next Event

From keynote stages to cozy classrooms, Sandra brings joyful energy and nature-inspired insight to every event. Her live trainings and talks help educators reimagine learning spaces with beauty, purpose, and heart.

Let’s grow something wonderful together.