Case Study: A New Era for Learning in Marshall, Missouri

Historic School Becomes a Future-Ready Campus for 3rd 4th and 5th Grade Success 

After more than 50 years without a new school building, the community of Marshall, Missouri, came together to imagine something transformative: a state-of-the-art learning environment designed specifically for 3rd – 5th grade students. The challenge? Renovate a historic building into a vibrant, flexible, student-centered space that could support modern curriculum and spark community pride. 

The Marshall Intermediate School remodel was driven by a shared vision to upgrade not just the physical facilities, but also the teaching and learning culture of the district. Superintendent of the Marshall Public School District, Caleb Petet, shared, “We had four 100 year old buildings and had not built a new school in 50 years.  The support came from the bold truth about the conditions in the old schools and the impact on morale as well as employee health.” The entire community (staff, students, and residents) embraced the need for change, recognizing the school as a future pillar of Marshall. The design team sought to reflect the town’s close-knit, supportive nature and its deep historical roots, using themes like geodes, nature, and Missouri ecology to create a sense of home. 

With architectural leadership from Incite Design Studio and interiors by Circadia, the result is Marshall Intermediate School: a bold, engaging and deeply inclusive space that reflects where education furniture solutions are going, without forgetting where it started. 

Preservation was thoughtfully balanced with innovation: while the new building itself was a fresh start, key elements on the site, such as a gazebo with a time capsule and an old Tudor home, were retained to honor the community’s history. 

Flexible learning environments were central to the design, with open spaces, breakout zones, and clear grade-level areas fostering autonomy, collaboration, and well-being. The process was highly collaborative, with Incite Design Studio and Circadia working closely with district leaders, asking critical questions and ensuring every detail supported the educational mission. 

The impact has been profound. Feedback from teachers and students highlights increased engagement and excitement for learning, with the new space helping to create a true sense of belonging and pride for the entire Marshall community. 

Situation 

This wasn’t just another school project. For Marshall, this was the first new school building in over five decades, and it carried emotional and symbolic weight for the community. The town rallied behind the bond campaign, and once approved, every detail mattered. 

The goal was to breathe new life into a historic structure, modernizing it for 21st-century learning while honoring the building’s character and legacy. That meant: 

• Preserving architectural integrity while updating infrastructure 
• Creating classroom environments that supported flexible teaching and various learning styles 
• Designing small group zones, sensory rooms and collaborative spaces that served all students 
• Infusing color, texture, and form in ways that felt joyful, not juvenile 

As the design team worked closely with the district and community, it became clear that this building was more than just a place for learning—it was a symbol of shared values and future aspirations. Meghan Miller, Interior Designer at Incite Design Studio, reflected on this deeply rooted connection: “Everyone understood that this school would become a pillar of the Marshall community for years to come. It is so amazing when town embraces change but also celebrates the deep connection the community has because of its history.” 

Solution 

Circadia was brought into the project by Incite Design Studio to lead the education furniture solutions planning and interior integration. Circadia's role was to translate architectural intent into engaging, functional spaces that supported academic goals and child development.

From day one, the Circadia team focused on: 

• Flexibility: Mobile tables for classrooms, varied seating options and reconfigurable furniture allow teachers to customize classroom setups for small group work, independent learning or whole-class collaboration. 
• Durability: Education furniture solutions prioritized longevity, cleanability and timeless form, recognizing that this school may need to serve students for another 50 years. 
• Inclusivity: Every detail was approached with neurodiverse learners in mind, from quiet nooks to sensory tools and specialized seating. 

Instead of traditional desks, classrooms feature modular, irregularly-shaped tables for classrooms that can be combined or separated easily, supporting differentiated instruction. Rolling storage carts help teachers shift materials across the room with ease. Common areas include hallway breakout spaces for small group interventions and “learning while moving” moments. 

In one standout space, the school’s sensory room became a showpiece for inclusivity. The Circadia team introduced: 

• Soft beanbag seating and flipstools for flexible comfort 
• A sensory swing, designed to support students who benefit from movement or compression 
• Yin-yang–shaped tables for visual interest and group adaptability 
• Furniture that supported tactile learning, combined with calming finishes selected in collaboration with staff 

“It was one of the coolest rooms I’ve ever worked on,” said Circadia's JaCori Sextro. “The teacher took it even further, adding tactile walls, dimmable lighting and sensory-friendly greenery. She made it her own, and it transformed the space into something magical.”  

Balancing Modern Classroom Furniture with History 

While the Circadia team focused on interiors, they collaborated closely with Incite to respect the historic building’s architectural identity. Murals, vibrant color palettes and playful shapes were used throughout to strike a balance between whimsy and wayfinding. 

Each hallway was given a unique theme and color family, helping students navigate the space and creating a sense of ownership by grade level. Despite the freedom to go bold, the design remained rooted in supporting student well-being and cognitive stimulation. 

Community Collaboration and Impact 

The Marshall community didn’t just approve the bond; they showed up in force. During construction, community members frequently visited the site to check progress, ask questions and share stories. At the grand opening, representatives from every discipline, architecture, interiors, construction, furniture, technology, HVAC, were invited to attend. “Everyone understood that this school would become a pillar of the Marshall community for years to come. It is so amazing when a town embraces change but also celebrates the deep connection the community has because of its history,” Miller said. 

The design team also engaged directly with students and families throughout the process. In one planning session, the superintendent brought his son and daughter to provide feedback on playground plans and common spaces, a subtle but powerful reminder that these decisions were about more than materials or square footage. They were about people. 

As Miller reflected, “There is no greater outcome that we can hope for more than students and staff being excited to be in their space, creating their home, and learning effectively in the ways that work best for them.” 

Results 

The Marshall Intermediate School project succeeded on every front: 

• Modern classroom furniture and learning environments for 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students 

• A sensory room tailored to neurodiverse learners 

• Flexible, durable furniture aligned with long-term academic needs 

• Thoughtful, student-centered design in every hallway and classroom 

And just as important: Circadia and Incite created a space that celebrates what it means to belong: as a student, as an educator and as a member of a tight-knit Missouri community. 

“We weren’t just checking boxes,” said Danelle Marsden of Circadia. “We listened. We designed with empathy. And we left behind a space that will support learning and joy for decades.”  

Reflecting on the success of the project, Petet shared, “I love that we incorporated the nature that surrounds our new school on a 123-acre campus into the build. Inside and out, the design team brought wood finishes, wildlife and nature into the design element and made the building feel like its own science lesson.” The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive: “People are blown away. A lot of folks are ready for us to discuss building the next one.” This momentum has sparked a sense of possibility and unity: “It has shown them what is possible, when they work together and believe.” 

What Sets Circadia Apart 

For the Circadia team, Marshall was more than a project. It was a chance to live out their values: 

• Support: Regular check-ins, on-site demos and seamless collaboration with both architect and end user 
• Research-Driven Design: Every piece of furniture was selected to support educational best practices and child development 
• Longevity + Service: From product training to post-install support and professional learning, Circadia stays with schools long after move-in day 

“We’re not just a vendor. We’re a partner,” said Bryan Newell. “We bring experience, empathy and a whole team of people who care deeply about what students need.” 

Ready to Rethink What School Can Look Like? 

At Circadia, we don’t just furnish spaces; we help shape futures. Whether you're remodeling a century-old school or building from the ground up, our integrated approach brings together design, strategy and heart to create learning environments where every student can thrive. 

Let’s talk about what’s possible for your district.