For the 2026 Parade of Playhouses benefiting Dallas CASA, Highland Park High School’s environmental architecture students have once again demonstrated that thoughtful architectural design can be both historically grounded and joyfully child-centered.
This year’s student-designed playhouse takes inspiration from 4201 Shenandoah Dr. in University Park, a 1935 Charles Dilbeck–designed home in the French Norman style. The original residence, known for its steep rooflines and storybook charm, served as the architectural reference point for a miniature structure that balances classic design with playful flexibility.
The winning concept was created by senior Julia Kerr, 17, and junior Hailey Hunt, 17, as part of Highland Park High School’s Moody Advanced Professional Studies (MAPS) environmental architecture course. The students have completed the design phase, with construction scheduled to begin later this spring in partnership with Espedal Design Construct, a multi-year collaborator with the MAPS program and Dallas CASA’s Parade of Playhouses.
For Kerr, the design process was guided by a clear principle: form follows function.
“I really wanted the space to feel open and usable,” Kerr said. “Kids should be able to use it however they want.”
That philosophy shaped a design that prioritizes windows and natural light while allowing the interior to adapt to different kinds of play. Rather than prescribing a single purpose, the playhouse is meant to spark imagination, serving as a reading nook, art space, or clubhouse, depending on the child.
Hunt focused on making the design engaging for a wide range of children, incorporating interactive elements that invite creativity.
“I wanted it to be interesting for all kids,” Hunt said. “We’re considering including things like crafts and a whiteboard, spaces where kids can draw, write, and make it their own.”
While the interior leans playful, both students emphasized the importance of remaining true to the original Dilbeck home. Translating a historic 1935 residence into a child-sized structure required careful attention to proportions, rooflines, window placement, and architectural detail, an exercise that challenged the students to respect the source material while reimagining it at a smaller scale.
The class also found inspiration beyond blueprints. Kerr noted that a TED Talk about bringing joy into architecture influenced how the students thought about the emotional impact of design.
“That idea really stuck with us,” she said. “Architecture isn’t just about how something looks. It’s about how it makes people feel.”
With the design now finalized, the project will soon move from the classroom to the construction phase. Espedal Design Construct will work closely with the students to build the playhouse, translating their drawings and SketchUp models into a finished structure that reflects their vision while meeting real-world building standards.
Once completed, the playhouse will be featured in Dallas CASA’s Parade of Playhouses, the nonprofit’s signature awareness event and fundraiser supporting children who have experienced abuse or neglect. Displayed at NorthPark Center from May 22 to June 7, the playhouses serve as both whimsical architectural showcases and powerful reminders of the community support that helps Dallas CASA’s volunteers advocate for children in foster care.
For MAPS environmental architecture students, the Parade of Playhouses offers a rare opportunity to see a concept they designed become realized, bridging history, creativity, and community impact. For visitors, it’s another example of how meaningful architecture can begin with curiosity, compassion, and a well-drawn idea.
