Cate School, a prestigious boarding school for grades 9-12 in Carpinteria, California, serves between 310-500 students each year. To keep pace with contemporary educational and social needs, the school undertook an ambitious revitalization of its Raymond Commons—a central hub for student dining, socialization, and collaborative learning.

Project Goals

The primary goal for the new Raymond Commons was to create a dynamic environment suited to interdisciplinary studies, combining computational thinking, design, engineering, and the arts. The redesigned space needed to include versatile facilities such as an ideation lab, digital arts lab, creation courtyard, and indoor/outdoor reading and study pods.

Solutions & Highlights

As the furniture dealer for this transformative project, we provided contract-grade furniture to meet Cate School’s vision. Our sourcing included premium pieces from industry-leading brands like Steelcase, West Elm, Andreu World, Tierra Contract, Restoration Hardware, ERG International, OFS, and customized onsite cushions for the stadium seating space.

Indoor/Outdoor Flow

• To enhance usability and comfort, we furnished the outdoor area with stylish, durable furniture for dining and relaxation, accented by umbrellas to ensure students could comfortably socialize outdoors year-round.

Dynamic Social Spaces

• Inside Raymond Commons, we created versatile seating configurations designed for various group sizes and activities, from large collaborative discussions to private individual study. High-quality, aesthetically pleasing soft seating from Steelcase and Restoration Hardware ensures that the space remains welcoming and comfortable.

McIntosh Reading Room

• A standout feature is the McIntosh Reading Room, offering multiple seating formats reminiscent of a modern collegiate environment. High-top tables, cozy lounge chairs, and built-in booths ensure students have the flexibility to find their ideal spot for study, interaction, or quiet reflection.

Learning Labs

• Furniture choices in the ideation and digital arts labs were selected to encourage creativity and collaboration. Modular furniture from ERG International and OFS accommodates various teaching and learning styles, allowing rooms to adapt rapidly to evolving curricular needs.

Results & Impact

The revamped Raymond Commons is now a vibrant social hub that reflects contemporary educational values while respecting the unique campus culture of Cate School. Our thoughtfully selected furniture solutions have helped transform the space into an adaptable, modern environment perfectly aligned with the school's vision for interdisciplinary education and student interaction.

This refreshed setting encourages students to gather comfortably, collaborate effectively, and engage deeply, enriching their overall educational experience and reinforcing Cate School’s reputation as a leader in holistic secondary education.

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