Ashley McGraw Architects Attended the 2026 World Forum in Kuala Lumpur

Ashley McGraw Architects was proud to return as a sponsor of the 2026 World Forum Foundation on Early Care and Education, held April 14–17 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. For us, the World Forum was more than a conference, it's a homecoming, a global family reunion, and a reminder of why this work matters so deeply. Every conference, we came away inspired by the collective wisdom, joy, and creativity of early childhood professionals from around the world. This marked our sixth time attending the World Forum, and we were thrilled to continue contributing to this global community.

Lindstrom Presented “Design Responses to Children and Families Experiencing Violence and Trauma”

Mike Lindstrom, Principal and Early Childhood Education Studio Leader, co-presented “Design Responses to Children and Families Experiencing Violence and Trauma” with Ebru Aktan, the founder of ÇABA Multi-Purpose Early Childhood Education Centre (ÇABAÇAM) in Turkey.

In this interactive discussion, attendees collaborated with design professionals to explore how thoughtfully designed, trauma-informed outdoor environments can support children and families experiencing trauma.

Hosted A Makerspace

In partnership with OnDesign Working Group, Ashley McGraw hosted an engaging makerspace during the conference, offering hands-on experiences that explored design in a fun and interactive way. The space also featured a children’s exhibit centered on light play.

Why the World Forum Matters

When early childhood professionals gathered, we amplified our collective impact—not only in our own communities but across the world. The 2026 World Forum brought together educators, advocates, policy leaders, and designers from dozens of countries to imagine a better future for children and families.

It was truly unique opportunity to connect, reflect, and spark new ideas to bring back to your own work.

If you’re interested in learning more about the World Forum and how you can get involved, please reach out to info@worldforumfoundation.org.