Attendees at EDspaces last fall in Columbus may have noticed a high-energy team on a mission to change the world one teacher lounge at a time. Known as The Design Besties, this nonprofit collective of creative entrepreneurs is focused on improving educator wellbeing through thoughtful, collaborative space transformation projects.
Founded by Nikki Watson, Rhobin DelaCruz, Lori Johnson, and Whitney Atkinson, the Design Besties bring together designers, educators, industry partners, and local communities to create wellness-centered environments that recognize and support teachers. Their work aligns closely with EDmarket’s mission of connecting people, products, and ideas to improve learning environments.
“Each project is a collaborative act of gratitude and design innovation,” says Rhobin DelaCruz. “Our goal is to honor educators by creating spaces that support their wellbeing and acknowledge the vital role they play in shaping future generations. And this initiative is about showing them that their work matters.”
The group formed after the four founders met at a design conference and discovered a shared commitment to using their professional skills to give back to communities. What began as a simple collaboration quickly grew into a structured initiative when peers began referring to them as the “Design Besties” — a name that captured both their camaraderie and their shared purpose.
Teacher Lounge Transformation Initiative
The Design Besties’ first teacher lounge project came about unexpectedly. An initial plan to redesign a residential outdoor space evolved into a school-based project, and the team quickly pivoted to focus on transforming a teacher lounge instead. Within a month, the concept was developed, partnerships were secured, and volunteers were mobilized to complete the renovation in just 24 hours during a school break. The very first project was executed in less than 36 hours which was done under $7,000 budget and minimal partners. And in less than one year the 3rd project had $70,000 in donated product with over 20 brand partners.
The emotional response from educators during the unveiling reinforced the importance of the work and inspired the team to expand the initiative. “We believe collaboration is the spark that turns creativity into impact,” says Whitney Atkinson. “By bringing together designers, manufacturers, and community partners, we can create spaces that truly support the people who support students every day.”
Addressing an Overlooked Need
Across the country, educators are experiencing rising stress and burnout, contributing to ongoing workforce challenges in K–12 education. While classroom environments often receive design attention and investment, faculty spaces are frequently overlooked and under-resourced.
The Design Besties’ National Teachers’ Lounge Wellbeing Initiative aims to address this gap by transforming underutilized faculty spaces into restorative environments through industry partnerships, corporate sponsorships, and donated products.
“Educators are the backbone of our communities,” says Nikki Watson. “Providing them with spaces to rest, recharge, and connect is a meaningful way to support both individual wellbeing and the broader school environment.”
The initiative focuses on creating welcoming, comfortable spaces that encourage collaboration, relaxation, and mental reset during the school day — an approach that aligns with growing research on the role of environmental design in supporting workplace wellbeing.
Case Study: T.W. Andrews High School
A recent project at T.W. Andrews High School in High Point, North Carolina, demonstrates the initiative’s potential impact. Completed in 2025, the transformation delivered more than $70,000 in donated furniture and materials through industry and government partnerships, supported by the surrounding design community at the heart of the school’s location.
The existing lounge space featured mismatched furniture, harsh lighting, and limited functionality. Following the renovation, the area was reimagined as a wellness-focused environment designed to encourage comfort, collaboration, and daily recovery for educators.
Teachers now report improved morale and stronger peer connections, and the lounge has become a central gathering space for faculty.
“When teachers walk into this lounge, they see dignity, care, and community investment,” says Principal Darell Baker. “When you change how educators feel, you change how they teach — and that ultimately impacts how students learn.”
The project serves as a replicable model for future teacher lounge transformations and demonstrates the value of industry-community collaboration.
EDspaces Partnership
The connection between the Design Besties and EDspaces developed through industry networking and introductions within the EDmarket community. A conversation with EDmarket leadership led to the opportunity to bring a teacher lounge transformation project to Columbus as part of EDspaces programming.
Through this initiative, one Title I school in the Columbus area will be selected to receive a full teacher lounge makeover, designed to provide educators with a restorative space that supports wellbeing and collaboration.
The project highlights the power of partnerships between designers, manufacturers, and education stakeholders to create tangible impact in local school communities.
“It’s incredibly impactful and emotional to create a space that gives back to teachers, because they give so much of themselves to our students,” says Lori Johnson. “By fueling and restoring them first, we’re ultimately strengthening the care, encouragement, and support they’re able to pass on every day.”
Looking Ahead
With three completed teacher lounge transformations, the Design Besties are now focused on scaling the initiative nationwide. Plans include expanding partnerships with manufacturers and sponsors, building organizational infrastructure, and developing a scalable model that can be implemented in school districts across the country.
The long-term vision is to create a national network of teacher lounge transformation projects that leverage the expertise of the design and furnishings industry to support educator wellbeing.
The National Teachers’ Lounge Wellbeing Initiative reflects a growing understanding that well-designed environments are essential not only for students, but also for the educators who guide them every day.
By combining industry collaboration, community engagement, and purpose-driven design, the Design Besties are demonstrating how thoughtful environments can strengthen school communities — one teacher lounge at a time.
Want to make a difference and join this effort? Please contact Rhobin at thedesignbesties@gmail.com. Find out more at: https://thedesignbesties.org/