Bailey Elementary Library & Pods

Experiential Design

Professional (2023-2025)

Overview

Office : PBK Architects

Team : Nicole Jordan, Andrea Cavazos

Location : Houston, TX

Status : Under Construction

Tools : Rhino, Sketchup, Lumion, Photoshop

Phases : Concept Design, Design Development, Schematic Design, Construction Documentation, Construction Administration

Project Background

Bailey Elementary School, a public institution proudly represented by a bee mascot, underwent a full interior design transformation, for which I led the creative direction. A significant portion of my focus was dedicated to reimagining the school’s library. We initially presented the client with three distinct bee-themed design concepts. Ultimately, they chose to incorporate elements from each, and I collaborated closely with the contractors to develop detailed fabrication instructions to bring the final vision to life.  

Thematic consistency extended throughout the school, with each grade level from Pre-K through 4th Grade inspired by Texas wildflowers, reinforcing the idea of each student as a unique bee within their educational hive. The school was thoughtfully organized into grade-specific wings, each centered around a communal learning pod. I partnered closely with the graphic design team to craft engaging, imaginative central learning zones corresponding to each assigned wildflower.

Library Renderings

Library Design Process Renderings

I joined the Bailey Elementary design team to help create an immersive, bee-themed environment tailored for young students. The initial concept was minimal and undeveloped, but through my design process, I completely reimagined the space—introducing interactive 3D spatial and sculptural elements that brought the theme to life in a dynamic, engaging way. Below are process renderings that illustrate the evolution of the design.

Final Renderings

In developing concepts for the space, I focused on establishing a cohesive sense of scale that would feel both immersive and approachable for children. One concept featured a life-size beehive where students could gather and lean beneath its structure, creating a natural focal point. Another envisioned a towering tree with sweeping branches that unified the space while forming two cozy, imaginative zones—one within the trunk and another inside a full-scale beehive suspended from a branch on the second level. A third key element was a dramatic hexagonal beehive wall, designed as both a visual anchor and an interactive feature. The client was enthusiastic about all three directions, and the final design became a thoughtful blend of each concept—layering elements of varying scales to create a rich, engaging environment.

Library Drawings & Diagrams

Tree, Leaves, & Lights

Honeycomb Wall

Beehive Seating & Beehive Look-out

Learning Pod Drawings & Diagrams

Each grade level from Pre-K through 4th Grade is inspired by Texas wildflowers, reinforcing the idea that each student is a bee within their educational hive. Each grade is organized into grade-specific wings and centered around a communal learning pod. I partnered with the graphic design team to craft engaging, imaginative central learning zones corresponding to each assigned wildflower.