We are mission-driven, passionate about design, and big on community.

What We Do

Through material exploration and design thinking (inquiry, sketching, and prototyping), kids at ProtoToto make art and absorb design fundamentals across architecture, graphic design, interior design, and industrial design. This process of discovery builds stronger analytical skills, problem-solving strategies, friendships, and intellectual confidence.

Studio Culture

The studio is part workshop, part clubhouse. With abundant art materials and tools, cool books, and plenty of snacks, it's a safe and fun space where kids can learn, experiment, support each other, and bring their creative ideas to life.

Small Group Focus

Your child will learn from talented and caring designers, architects, and arts educators in intimate classes of just 12 students (with two instructors always present). Our teaching team blends industry experience with a genuine passion for supporting young creative minds.

Our Founder

Suzanne LaGasa founded ProtoToto from a simple realization: Brooklyn has amazing programs for sports, art, music, and academics - but no place for kids to learn how to think like designers in a hands-on way.

As the only person in her family to pursue the arts, Suzanne understands what it's like to not know the value of one's creativity. She wants her daughter (now a 3rd grader) and all Brooklyn kids to grow up believing in themselves, in their creative intelligence, and in their ability to think strategically, problem solve, create, and make meaningful connections.

Suzanne is the former Creative Director of Dwell Magazine, with a career spanning book design and brand strategies. A graduate of California College of the Arts, she brings a Bauhaus-inspired approach to design education. She lives in Brooklyn with her family and ProtoToto's gentle Chief Studio Dog, Pickles.

Our Advisors

  • Rebecca Blum

    Designer & Product Design Professor, New York University

  • Stephanie Ogé

    Fashion Designer and Entrepreneur,
    Sogé Studios

  • Vered Raz

    Arts Teacher, The Boerum Hill School for International Studies
    Art & Design Education MSEd, Pratt

  • Luise Stauss

    Creative Consultant and Founder, Stauss-Fussell

Key Contributors

  • Laura Dirzyte

    Laura designed our logo and icons. Check out her portfolio here. She was a Senior Graphic Designer at Condé Nast. She studied architecture at The University of Manchester and has a MA in Graphic Media Design from London University of the Arts.

  • Peira Moinester

    Peira coaches Suzanne on camp operations and management. She's the Co-Founder and Camp Director of the excellent Brooklyn Music Factory, She’s also a parent of two and comes from a family of after-school and camp providers.

  • Jerry Posman

    Jerry advises Suzanne on education and business strategy. He's Founder of the Up Foundation, former CUNY Vice Chancellor, former Deputy Chancellor at NYC DOE, and has held various leadership roles in the private and non-profit sectors.