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Smarter Interiors Goes to the Head of the Class with Stratford University
Private University Selects Smarter Interiors To Furnish New 55,000 Square Foot Richmond Campus in Thalhimer Complex
Industry: Education
Opportunity: Furnish 55,000 sq. ft. of space with products that reflect the university’s image while accommodating future growth.
Workstations: Open Plan Systems
Offices: PLI
Library: Global
Cafeteria Seating: Global
Classrooms: Global
Other Products: Jasper Desk, Berco, Grand Rapids Chair, Penco, Mayline
Colors: Royal blue burgundy and maple.
The Challenge: To create an innovative, collaborative environment while expressing the University’s brand
Founded in 1976, Stratford University is a private higher educational institution specializing in adult education located in the Virginia suburbs, just outside of Washington, D.C.
When the University decided to open a campus in Richmond, Virginia, they knew they needed a location that reflected the University’s progressive image, was central to the business community and could accommodate future growth.
Built in the 1980s, a 55,000 sq. ft. warehouse within the new Thalhimer Complex on West Broad Street, once headquarters to the former S&K Famous Brands, fit the bill.
After harnessing the architectural talents of Robert McMahon, AIA, with Powers Brown Architecture of Virginia, Stratford University officials turned to Thalhimer and Zirkle Project Management for assistance in finding the right Richmond company to furnish their new campus. After a highly competitive process, Smarter Interiors was selected to furnish the temporary (trailer) offices and the new university in June, 2010.
SMARTER INTERIORS: BRINGING A CONTEMPORARY LOOK THAT FOSTERS COLLABORATION
Smarter Interiors was selected to supply and install furniture for the administration offices, reception areas, outside spaces, lecture halls, faculty lounges, open offices and educational classrooms. With classes scheduled to open for classes October 11, 2010, Smarter Interiors’ principal Greg Campbell and his design team, lead by Senior Designer Susan O’Kelly, BFA, CID, had their work cut out for them.
According to Smarter Interiors principal, Greg Campbell, his firm was selected to provide furniture solutions in part because he and his design team had a solid understanding of the education environment and the Richmond market.
“We knew we needed to provide furnishings that would enhance the new state-of-the-art Richmond campus, meet their programming requirements, be completed in a fairly short window of time, and within budget,” states Campbell.
 “Smarter Interiors provided a smart solution that has an excellent value, style and warranty with a wide variety of finish options,” says Senior Design Susan O’Kelly, BFA, CID. “The product styles selected are top sellers. Given the activity that will take place in this facility, we wanted to provide a product that will continue to look good throughout the limited lifetime warranty and inspire the students with a modern style.”
The Smarter Interiors’ team provided furniture specification services, project management, installation management and coordination to ensure a project was completed for the University opening. For more information, contact Smarter Interiors at 804.358.7979.
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