JMA to design Zaniac Learning's new location

Reflecting its growth and increasing regional presence, the acclaimed architecture, design and development firm Jorge Mastropietro Architects Atelier (JMA) has begun a new project for the franchise Zaniac Learning, a Utah-based company that offers both after-school enrichment and summer programs. JMA will be developing a location on the Upper East Side with a new layout adapted to the space selected by Zaniac. This project is an integral part of Zaniac's expansion into larger metropolitan markets, according to the firm, which will more than double the number of its campuses nationwide. With this growth, Zaniac New York chose JMA, the SoHo-based firm run by Jorge Mastropietro, AIA, with a reputation for design excellence as well as efficiency, close management and speed of project delivery. Mastropietro, who has two young children himself, said, "Working with students and educational facilities is always a rich and exciting challenge. The design of their learning environment can help to motivate them with color, scale and form, and it presents a way for the architect to participate in their intellectual growth through the design of the space." "We are delighted to work with Zaniac Learning, and look forward to a positive opportunity to help them expand and serve more students," Mastropietro said. "As a firm, we have always focused on creating innovative projects that meet the highest standards. We have a longstanding interest in technology as well, which is also a core element of the Zaniac approach. It feels like a natural fit." The new project announcement signals a significant expansion of JMA's portfolio, adding both educational and commercial experience to a long list of building projects in New York, New Jersey and in Buenos Aires. Well known for architectural design as well as development of multifamily residential projects and its design/build and construction management practice, JMA will also bring expertise in sustainable design and technology integration to its work with Zaniac.