Ashley McGraw Architects to Present at the 2025 NAEYC Annual Conference

Ashley McGraw Architects is proud to announce that Mike Lindstrom, Principal and Early Education Studio Leader, will be co-presenting at the 2025 National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida. His session, “Designing Outdoor Classrooms for Learning: Tools and Strategies for Success,” will take place on Thursday, November 20, at 10:00 AM in Room W208AB at the Orange County Convention Center.

Sponsored by Community Playthings, this session will provide educators, administrators, and designers with a comprehensive framework for understanding, designing, and building successful outdoor classrooms. Attendees will explore how intentional, nature-based environments support whole-child development and enhance early learning experiences.

Successful outdoor play and learning environments do not happen by accident—they require thoughtful planning, evidence-based strategies, and a deep understanding of children’s developmental needs. Drawing on more than 50 years of combined early childhood education expertise, presenters Ellen Veselack of The Child Educational Center/The Outdoor Classroom Project and Mike Lindstrom will share practical tools, proven approaches, and real-world examples that empower participants to create outdoor spaces where curiosity, exploration, and learning thrive.

Together, they will share practical tools, proven approaches, and real-world examples that empower participants to create outdoor spaces where curiosity, exploration, and learning thrive.