BNIM designed the Ford Learning Center as part of the overall renovation of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Funded through a $4.5 million grant from the Ford Motor Company, the Ford Learning Center fulfills the Museum's educational program needs for children, adults, families and urban-core youth agencies. It serves as the center of all the Museum's education and outreach programs. The space, which triples the existing area devoted to educational programs includes components such as: an Educator Resource Center; an Orientation/Training classroom offering state-of-the-art technology and training resources; a gallery wall exhibiting art by children and adults who participate in the center's programs; classrooms; and support office spaces.

Massive steel doors, referred to as "hinges" mark the entrances to the north and south wings of the Ford Learning Center. Large-scale super graphics, visible from the Museum's main circulation spine, alert visitors to the presence of the Center and invite them inside. Once inside, the design is youthful, yet sophisticated. A neutral palette allows the artwork to take center stage. Color is accented at each of the seven classrooms where the signage and entrance design have been developed to provide a cheerful wayfinding system appealing to both children and adults.