"Emotion is the foundation of learning and must be the cornerstone of design for Early Childhood environments."
Dr. Sandra Duncan

BOOKS

Inspired by Nature

Inspired by Nature explores how nature offers valuable and important lessons about transforming classroom spaces into places where infants and toddlers can thrive.
PURCHASE

The Honeycomb Hypothesis

The Honeycomb Hypothesis celebrates the magic that happens when children and nature are brought together with intention and inspiration.
PURCHASE

Through a Child's Eyes

Through a Child’s Eyes brings a new approach to classroom design that begins and ends with the child’s viewpoint.
PURCHASE

Bringing the Outside In

Bringing the Outside In offers extraordinary nature-based experiences to encourage educators and young children to bring the natural world into the early childhood classroom.
PURCHASE
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ARTICLES & INSIGHTS

September 17, 2024
South Valley preschool receives $5,000 classroom makeover

When Marcia Durazo signed up for a free $5,000 classroom makeover from the New Mexico Child Care and Education Association (NMCCEA), she wasn’t expecting to win. All Durazo knew was […]

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January 17, 2024
Essentials for Classroom Design with Dr. Sandra Duncan

In this series in partnership with Bright Horizons, Dr. Sandra Duncan gives practical advice on how classroom design can help our children express their natural selves and encourage their development.

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November 12, 2023
Wunderled Teaching

I worked with Wunderled Teaching to create a brand new Wonder Wall! Original link is here-->>> Head to Instagram

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Design Collaborations 

by Sandra Duncan

Inspiring Spaces

Step into a world of thoughtfully designed environments, where every corner invites play, discovery, and belonging. This is the work of shaping childhood—one space at a time.
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August 19, 2023
Farmington university’s child education program

My Furniture collection is going to be incorporated into Farmington University's new child education program. A quick excerpt from the full article is below, make sure to check out the […]

June 4, 2021
Loss of Habitat

[Excerpt from New Book, "The Unspoken Language of Early Childhood Environments" (Tentative Title) , by Sandra Duncan, Christine Burkholder, and Lauren Magee] Young children are losing their childhoods in today’s […]

May 11, 2021
Edgerley Family Horizons Center

As many of you know, I have many wonderful opportunities to design and consult on many projects around the world. Recently I was able to play a small part in […]

April 25, 2018
RIP Cookie-cutter Classrooms

A conversation with Sandra Duncan, Rae Pica and Heidi Veal discussing how standardized classrooms are boring and uninspiring. Join us as they share ways to bring novelty into your classroom. […]

Events & Appearances

Where learning spaces come to life

Dr. Sandra Duncan speaks around the world to early childhood professionals, designers, educators, and leaders—sharing inspiration and practical tools for creating environments where children and adults thrive. Whether she’s keynoting a national conference, leading a hands-on workshop, or collaborating with programs on the ground, Sandra brings deep expertise, real-world insights, and a contagious passion for spaces that nurture wonder.
INVITE SANDRA TO SPEAK

East Gate Kids, Summer Symposium- Albuquerque, New Mexico

  Designing Nature-Inspired Classrooms with Sandra DuncanAlbuquerque, NM | East Gate Kids | Two-Day Workshop Join Dr. Sandra Duncan and Jennifer McCarville for an inspiring two-day journey into the heart […]

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20 June 2025
18 October 2025

FURNITURE COLLECTION

Designing Environments That Nurture Wonder

Explore Dr. Sandra Duncan’s thoughtfully crafted furniture collection, where nature-inspired design meets the developmental needs of young learners. Each piece is intentionally created to foster connection, curiosity, and a deep sense of belonging in early childhood spaces.

Bring Sandra to Your Next Event

From keynote stages to cozy classrooms, Sandra brings joyful energy and nature-inspired insight to every event. Her live trainings and talks help educators reimagine learning spaces with beauty, purpose, and heart. 

Let’s grow something wonderful together.

Contact Us 2025
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