KID smART Center for Arts
& Education

Born from a 2024 Day of Service collaboration with Bell Butler and Atelier Design, the KID smART Center for Arts & Education reimagines a century-old school building as a joyful hub for arts-based learning.

LOCATION

New Orleans, LA

SIZE

10,726 SF

YEAR OF COMPLETION

2026

SERVICES

ARCHITECTURE INTERIOR DESIGN

Collaborators

Salas O’Brien – Civil, Structural, & MEP Engineering AOS Interior Environments – Office Furniture Provider Eternal Seeds - Mural Design & Execution Ryan Gootee General Contractors – Contractor
Multi-use collaboration space

The two-story, 10,700 SF facility now serves as the headquarters for KID smART, a nonprofit that empowers children and educators through dynamic, arts-integrated education. The design breathes new life into the building with a mix of administrative spaces, training rooms, and flexible studios.

Administrative offices
Second floor dance studio

Color-coded classrooms, including visual arts spaces, a dance studio, podcast room, and performing arts area, support hands-on programming while accessible design upgrades, including a new elevator, open the building to all.

Lounge & hangout space dedicated to older kids
An interactive display highlights artwork created through the programs, integrates donor recognition, and functions as a partition and welcoming entry into the administrative spaces

Throughout, architecture balances playful moments like colorful stair risers, vibrant trim colors, and an interactive art display that also serves as a subtle sponsorship opportunity, with simple, neutral spaces that allow creativity to take center stage. Originally developed to support fundraising efforts, the design evolved into a full renovation through deep community and philanthropic engagement, proving how thoughtful, mission-driven design can make a lasting impact.