Mater Dei High School
The teamwork between three of Tangram’s divisions, Flooring, Technology, and Furniture to conquer the design challenges throughout the space was imperative.
Understanding what drives the need for change
For over six decades, Mater Dei High School has been a cornerstone of Catholic education in Santa Ana, growing from a modest institution of 100 students in 1950 to one of California's largest Catholic schools with nearly 2,200 students today. Known for academic excellence and championship athletics, the school's beautiful campus had served generations of students well, but by 2016, the Athletic Center was showing its age.
The space that once buzzed with activity now felt cramped and outdated. Bulky, oversized workstations dominated the area, leaving little room for the kind of collaborative interactions that modern athletic programs demand. Students, coaches, and parents needed a space that could adapt to multiple functions throughout the day – from administrative work to team meetings to casual gathering between classes and practices. The Athletic Center renovation represented more than an aesthetic upgrade; it was an opportunity to create a true community hub that would support the school's mission for years to come.
How we brought the vision to life
Tangram's design partnership with Mater Dei required a comprehensive approach that went far beyond simple furniture replacement. The project demanded seamless coordination between three specialized divisions – Flooring, Technology, and Furniture – each bringing critical expertise to transform the Athletic Center into a purposeful, multi-functional space.
The furniture team led the space planning effort, specifying compact Steelcase Answer workstations that delivered enhanced functionality while dramatically reducing the physical footprint. This strategic downsizing opened up precious square footage for a welcoming lounge area featuring Coalesse sofas and chairs. Meanwhile, the flooring division tackled the infrastructure challenges, framing additional walls, upgrading electrical and lighting systems, and installing new Shaw carpeting throughout. The technology team ensured the space could support modern connectivity needs by running comprehensive cabling systems. This integrated approach meant that every element – from power and data access to comfort and aesthetics – was carefully coordinated to create a cohesive, highly functional environment.
1 solutions
Answer Panel
Answer panel features a broad range of materiality options, allowing you to express your brand, reinforce culture and protocols, or support the sharing and recording of ideas.
1 professionals brought this vision to life
Ready to transform your space?
Let's discuss how we can create a workspace that reflects your culture and empowers your team.