Understanding what drives the need for change
When Frisco Independent School District broke ground on Jones Middle School, they faced a unique opportunity. Fresh off their successful design partnership with Tangram at Rock Hill High School, the district was ready to tackle something entirely new: furnishing their first middle school built with an innovative floor plan designed to accommodate 1,500 students. This wasn't just about filling classrooms with desks and chairs.
The district had bold ambitions for Jones Middle School. They wanted to create spaces that would actively support neurodiverse learning styles, foster collaboration among students of varying abilities, and establish a new standard for middle school environments across the entire district. The 212,000 square foot facility would need furniture solutions that could adapt to everything from traditional classroom instruction to cutting-edge makerspace activities, all while standing up to the daily energy of middle school students.
How we brought the vision to life
Drawing on the trust built through their previous collaboration, Tangram approached Jones Middle School as more than a furnishing project—it was an opportunity to shape how middle school students learn and interact. The team conducted a comprehensive analysis of each space, from the welcoming lobby and administrative offices to specialized areas like the media center, makerspace labs, music rooms, and special education classrooms. Every selection needed to balance durability with flexibility.
Tangram curated furniture solutions from trusted partners including Steelcase, CEF, and Encore, but the real expertise lay in understanding how each piece would serve the diverse learning community. They designed environments where students could seamlessly transition from individual focus work to group collaboration, ensuring that every learner—regardless of their needs or learning style—could thrive. The cafeteria became a social hub, collaboration spaces encouraged cross-curricular projects, and even administrative areas were designed to feel welcoming and accessible to students and families.
9 solutions from 2 manufacturers
Buoy
Height-adjustable and designed to promote movement in the workplace, Turnstone's Buoy’s curved base engages your core as you tilt, wobble and spin.
Series 1
Steelcase Series 1 office chair delivers performance, style and choice. It retains everything that’s valued in a chair, while making it attainable for everyone. With 11 mix-and-match knit, flexor and lumbar colors, and a wide range of shell and finish options, Steelcase Series 1 offers an abundance of choice that enables you to express your company’s brand and culture. Steelcase Series 1 was thoughtfully designed with integrated LiveBack technology, adaptive bolstering and 4D adjustable arms, delivering the dynamic performance you’ve come to expect from Steelcase.
Universal System
Universal, Steelcase's most versatile and extensive storage offering, expands what storage can do, while working seamlessly with a broad range of freestanding and panel systems.
Verb Flip Top
Verb Flip-Top Table can be flipped, moved, stowed and rearranged simply, safely and intuitively, making transitions between modes of learning quick and seamless. Whiteboard storage and display integration encourage continuous collaboration and idea-sharing among students and educators.
Flowform Soft Rocker
Introducing Soft Rocker. It’s our newest addition to active seating for K–12 spaces. Great ergonomics make this chair a rock star of comfort. The high density foam core provides the right amount of relaxing give, while a compact, hardwood frame ensures a sturdy sit. Soft Rocker is designed for all rock and no roll. The slight pitch in the back support and subtle curve in the base encourage safe, smooth rocking. It’s irresistible, even for adults.
Flex Screens
Create privacy or share your work. These lightweight, freestanding screens come in three shapes and sizes and connect with a magnetic edge so you can build and take apart, again and again.
3 professionals brought this vision to life
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