Boys + Girls Club
A Mid-Century Modern Update for a Beloved Organization
Understanding what drives the need for change
When children walk through the doors of the Boys & Girls Club, they enter more than just a facility—they step into a space designed to unlock their potential. With locations serving young people across Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, and Irvine, the organization faced a unique challenge: how do you create inspiring environments that reflect each community's distinct character while withstanding the enthusiastic energy of hundreds of children and teenagers daily?
Each location needed its own personality—Mid-century modern for one, Coastal vibes for another, and Packing House industrial charm for the third. But personality alone wasn't enough. The furniture had to endure everything from quiet homework sessions to boisterous group activities, serving spaces as diverse as kindergarten labs and teen centers. The organization needed a design partner who understood that every piece of furniture plays a role in helping young people graduate high school with confidence, demonstrate good character, and embrace healthy lifestyles.
How we brought the vision to life
Working alongside Orange County architecture firm LPA, Tangram embarked on a thoughtful curation process that put the children's experience at the center of every decision. We presented a comprehensive range of education-focused solutions from leading manufacturers including Smith Systems, Steelcase partnerships, Turnstone, Blu Dot, and Demco, treating each space as its own story while maintaining consistency in quality and durability.
Our team understood that a reception area needed to feel welcoming to both nervous first-time visitors and confident returning members, while learning labs required furniture that could adapt to different activities throughout the day. Teen centers demanded pieces that looked cool enough to earn respect from discerning teenagers, yet sturdy enough for years of heavy use. Through careful collaboration with the client, we selected contract-grade Steelcase partnership furniture that delivered on both style and substance, ensuring each location's unique theme came to life while staying within budget constraints.
3 professionals brought this vision to life
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