Selecting Furnishings: Off-the shelf v. custom furniture George H. Pike Director, Barco Law Library and Assistant Professor of Law University of Pittsburgh School of Law March 24, 2006

The Barco Law Library: Summer 2004

Summary of the project Renovation of two of three floors (3 rd floor to be done summer 2006) “Filling in the hole”, structural renovation Patron services center renovation New lighting, ceiling, floor & wall decor New furniture, casework, paneling

The selection process: Off-the-rack or custom furniture & casework –Each presents strengths/weaknesses –Cost –Design Coordination of furniture and casework? –Features Surfaces, light, power, data, storage, etc. –Quality, durability, aesthetics, warrantees

The selection process: Identifying possibilities Research ALA Conference exhibit hall Architects Colleagues

Examples Library Bureau Demco Agati Moser Fetzer Architectural Woodwork Institute Local office furniture supplier

Best (and most important) part of the selection process: Road Trips! Visiting installations Visiting vendors Visiting manufacturing plants

Custom furniture design Who designs, architect or vendor or both Who will own the designs Multiple cooks: designer, vendor, manufacturer, general contractor, installer

The purchase process Is furniture part of the larger renovation process? Will your purchasing procedures limit choice of vendors? Sole source justification

Ordering, Delivery, Installation Timing and lead-time Coordinating with construction timetable Who is responsible for the installation?

Follow-up Change orders/what we forgot Punch list Warrantee issues Maintenance Repair/Replacement/Upgrade

Showing off

Carrel inspiration

Agati Library Chairs Sample

Table inspiration

Lessons learned See your furniture in action Retain ownership/access of designs Coordinating design of all wood features is critical part of aesthetic Think long term: features, quality, maintenance

Questions?