The studio
A synergy between architects, educators, occupational therapists and artisans
We believe in an interdisciplinary approach to design. Every space is shaped by people who understand how children move, learn and play, and by makers who know how to build it beautifully.
Naomi Heller
CPSI · Founder & Lead DesignerNaomi brings over 15 years of experience that includes designing for boutique residential firms, commercial architecture and landscape design, and an advanced degree in architecture from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology. Across these settings, her academic and professional interests have centered on designing spaces for the imagination. When her children Boaz and Samara were born, child-focused design that integrates playfulness, functionality and beauty became more than her passion. It became a personal necessity and the foundation for Bricolage Studio.
Noah Heller
Education SpecialistNoah is a faculty member at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where he specializes in math education, learning with nature, leadership and teacher training. His research focuses on the importance of young people forming strong connections in STEAM so that these disciplines become integral parts of their positive identity development. The designed environment is crucial to that, and he lends his expertise in learning and teaching to Bricolage Studio.
Amy Wagenfeld
OTR/L, SCEM, FAOTA · Occupational Therapist & Therapeutic DesignerAmy has been involved in inclusive and therapeutic landscape design for over two decades, with a passion for projects that enrich the lives of children and their families. As an occupational therapist, she values an interdisciplinary process to design and program spaces that support physical and sensory development, mental health and learning. Amy is on the faculty of the Department of Landscape Architecture at the University of Washington and publishes and presents widely on nature, health and wellbeing across the life span.
Craig Montoro & Bryan Mesenbourg
ArtisansCraig and Bryan bring together backgrounds in fine arts and mechanical engineering, with a combined 30 years of experience crafting beautiful furniture and high-end architectural millwork. Their approach centers on simple, elegant design that highlights the natural character of the materials they use. Inspired by their own children, they explore with Bricolage Studio how playfulness can inform design and fabrication.
Credentials & partners
Safe, certified and built to last
Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI)
Occupational therapist on the design team
US design partner, Psagot Playgrounds
Based in Brooklyn, NY · Working nationally
Have a playground, schoolyard or playroom in mind?
Tell us about the site, the children who will use it and your timeline.