At Maraye Design Studio, we believe that great design is essential to great learning. Our specialty is creating spectacular educational spaces that inspire curiosity, collaboration, and growth.
Research shows that students perform better when they’re in environments designed to support both living and learning. That’s why we take pride in designing classrooms, offices, and student spaces that are flexible, engaging, and future-ready.
From primary schools to universities, our designs focus on enhancing development and supporting the unique needs of every learner. Students love our spaces because we make learning comfortable, dynamic, and fun.
Columbus State Community College – Early Childhood Development & Education Center
The design takes into account both social and physical cues, helping young learners confidently navigate one of their first experiences outside the home. The result is a series of flexible, functional spaces that support children, families, and educators alike.
To make the environment as fun as it is educational, we incorporated playful and imaginative features:
A mini door to welcome students, an outdoor garden, a huge play mound, two-story tree elements that mimic the outdoors, and green moss ceilings that bring nature inside. Together, these details create a learning environment that is nurturing, inspiring, and unforgettable.
Mid-East Career & Technology Centers Preschool– Collaboration with V2Architects
The renovation introduced new Pre-K classrooms, a refreshed entryway and upgraded offices, and improved room finishes and furnishings throughout. The result is a bright, engaging, and supportive space designed to enhance both teaching and learning for children, staff, and families.
Columbus Spanish Immersion Academy– Collaboration with The Design Group
With a $15 million project budget, the school was planned as a state-of-the-art facility that supports immersive language education while fostering a sense of community. The design emphasizes flexibility, accessibility, and student engagement, creating an environment where young learners can thrive academically and socially.
Hagerty Hall – The Ohio State University
The improvements included: Expanded accessibility with added spaces for students with disabilities in the lecture hall, upgraded finishes and lighting to modernize the learning environment, and new furnishings and integrated technology to enhance teaching and collaboration.
These renovations created flexible, inclusive, and future-ready spaces that elevate the academic experience for both students and faculty.
Kent State University – Student Union Renovation
The redesign focused on public spaces throughout the building, emphasizing student-centered form and function to create an environment that is both welcoming and dynamic.
A highlight of the project was the transformation of a rarely used ballroom into a sophisticated meeting room for prospective students and their families. By incorporating Kent State’s blue and gold palette, the design delivers a warm, inviting, and distinctly branded experience for visitors.
Columbus City Schools – Restroom Renovations
The district selected 10 schools for renovation, and MDS was hired to deliver the upgrades. Our scope included: Design documents with fixture and interior finish selections, ADA compliance solutions to ensure accessibility, and project management & bidding support to streamline delivery.
Thanks to careful planning and coordination, the project was completed two weeks ahead of schedule, providing students with safe, compliant, and refreshed restroom facilities that better serve their needs.
Columbus State Community College – Multiple Projects
Each project reflects our commitment to creating functional, engaging environments that foster learning, encourage collaboration, and strengthen community. From academic spaces that support student success to welcoming lounges that promote connection, our designs are tailored to meet the diverse needs of the Columbus State community.
We are proud of our ongoing collaboration with Columbus State, delivering spaces that are as inspiring as they are functional.
Miami University – VOA Building Renovation
The renovation focuses on reconfiguring existing spaces within the 22,908 sq. ft. facility to create offices for the Commerce Department, consolidating faculty and departmental resources at VOA. By bringing an entire department to the campus, the project will support a larger and more consistent student population.
To accommodate this change, enhancements include: Upgraded student lounge space, technology integration to connect students with staff at other campuses (in person or electronically), and flexible spaces to improve student services without expanding the building’s footprint.
This renovation strengthens VOA’s role as a hub for graduate business education and community engagement, while maximizing the use of existing space.
Smith-Steeb Residence Halls – The Ohio State University
Maraye Design Studio contributed by selecting furniture and finishes that balance a contemporary aesthetic with comfort and durability, ensuring the halls serve as both functional and inviting living environments. The result is a modern residence community that supports student living, connection, and success.
Wright State University – Multiple Projects
Our work includes: Veteran and Military Center Renovation – creating a welcoming hub for service members and their families.
These collaborations showcase our ability to deliver office, academic, public, and event spaces that elevate the student experience while supporting the university’s mission.
We enjoyed working with Lannetta on our project and she brought creativity, original ideas and a wealth of experience to our team. Students continue to enjoy the enhancements many years later that she developed.
