"Shastiq’s knowledge and expertise on learning space design, knowledge of innovative and suitable products and attention to detail were tremendously valuable on this project. Shastiq was able to understand our vision and priorities and was able to make quality contributions to the design, procurement and installation process. She was great to work with, bringing expert knowledge, integrity and a can do approach. Throughout the engagement she was able to collaborate effectively on the project from beginning to end. The quality of Shastiq’s work was recognized and appreciated by the school management team, staff, students and parents. Again, I would like to express my sincere thanks to Shastiq and the team at LSA for their contributions to the successful completion of our libraries, breakout spaces and teaching spaces. I look forward to the opportunity to work together again."

Working with Shastiq and the team from LSA was one of the most rewarding aspects of my involvement in the construction and completion of the new HS building at Seoul Foreign School. What impressed me most was the unwavering central focus on education and student learning displayed by the whole LSA team. During a competitive bidding process Shastiq and LSA were a unanimous first choice to take on this project and the final product has exceeded our high expectations. Furniture and fittings that support student learning, are pleasing to the eye and met the vision of both the architectural designers and educators involved in the construction of the new HS for Seoul Foreign School which is a result of their hard work and vision. What was equally impressive was the manner in which Shastiq and the team worked with us. Expertise, patience, flexibility, a willingness to listen and a commitment to meeting deadlines and budgets were all attributes that her team regularly showed over the course of our time working together on this project. The positive partnership and ensuing relationship that was built as we partnered together to make a space “come alive” so to speak is one of the elements of this project I am most thankful for and proud of. From lockers, to student desks and chairs, to collaborative spaces, libraries, cafeterias, office spaces and administrative suites, Shastiq and the LSA team surpassed my expectations and have completed fantastic work. I cannot recommend the LSA team highly enough if you are embarking on a building project.

“LSA provided an outstanding service from start to finish. In what was a challenging timeline, LSA delivered on every level. They demonstrated a deep understanding of the requirements of an educational environment, showing expertise amongst professionals whose motivation is to maximize teaching and learning,”

“LSA offered guidance on both aesthetic and ergonomic discussions, provided broad options and inventive solutions to sometimes challenging spaces and worked quickly to always meet deadlines. LSA proved to be problem solvers and ensured that we kept within a fixed budget that did not compromise on quality. They repeatedly gave us a sense of reassurance as we worked towards a non-negotiable deadline which provided a sense of calm on what was a huge project undertaking.”

We were fortunate in 2019-2020 to secure the consultancy services of Shastiq Khader-Georgi from LSA to work with us at the United Nations International School, Hanoi on the refurbishment of our school Library. The brief was challenging: to embrace the needs of our diverse community and create a flexible space that could change and grow with us as our needs change. The Library caters for students from 3-18 years of age and school timetabling differences between schools meant that students needed to have discrete spaces that would not be disturbed by lesson changes. Shastiq’s design used the extensive feedback from users of the Library who were encouraged to make contributions to not only the general design and use of the facility, but also details like colour and fabrics. At every stage, she carefully explained choices and products so that the space was developmentally appropriate for the broad age difference in our users. She designed a layout that is flexible and easily navigable. Her knowledge and appreciation of 21st century learners was evident in the semi-lounge areas for older students which provide ports for phone and laptop charging. The space is very open and accessible and Shastiq has created clear visual boundaries which results in semi-private spaces for older students. The creation of diverse multi-purpose spaces has given our community meeting spaces that can be reconfigured depending on their needs at the time. She has carefully balanced spaces for collaborative learning with casual spaces for socialising and quiet activities. At each step in the design process, Shastiq was completely immersed in creating a library space that would address the needs of the students but also engage them and develop their curiosity in a safe and secure place. On a personal level, Shastiq listened to student, teacher and parent voices and incorporated them into the design process so that the final result would be responsive and relevant to their needs. As a result, it has given our school community a strong sense of ownership of their library environment and of their learning. She demonstrated the importance of designing spaces and places with children and not merely for them. She worked patiently to get the best result for our school and carefully reconsidered all options until a positive and energetic environment was created. The UNIS LIbrary is now a uniquely diverse and flexible space that can be tailored to the emerging needs of contemporary students.