Who Does That?

When a building is constructed or an office is moved, who designs the interiors in the space?

Within the Campus Planning and Facilities Management Design and Construction team is a group of talented interior designers, Alison Hake, Stephanie Robert and Brianna Liberty.

They work on everything from offices and lobbies to classrooms and labs. They have worked in every building, sometimes more than once, except for Athletics and Housing projects.

Interior design is much more than choosing a paint color or a flooring finish. Close attention is paid to universal design, which takes into account accessibility by all people. COVID-19 changed how people work. The trend is smaller offices but more communal, easily configured spaces with places for activities such as private Zoom calls and collegial coffee breaks.

But the designers don’t just drive to the local furniture store and buy a desk. Acting as good stewards of finite UO resources, the team must source durable, resilient, sustainable items with long-term warranties. Commercial grade costs more but it won’t need to be replaced in a year. UO Surplus accepts the items that get replaced during a remodel or refresh. Manufacturers recycle furniture and carpeting into new products. Fun fact: Carpet mostly comes from Georgia and furniture mostly comes from Michigan.

Each job can take several months. An employee fills out a project initiation form after getting approval and securing a budget. The design team asks: What is the problem that needs to be solved? Is the space being used to its full potential?

Next, a feasibility study is done, a space plan is made, the designers give a few ideas and the employee responds. It is an iterative process. Facilities can do some of the work such as painting or minor construction but usually an outside contractor is hired. Once finals specifications are approved, the order is placed through the purchasing department. The designers oversee installation and smooth out any hiccups. Some buildings have facilities managers that act as liaisons for a project.

So next time you see a stylish chair or realize an office feels just right, know that Alison Hake, Stephanie Robert and Brianna Liberty made it happen.

—Jennifer Archer, University Communications
—Top photo: Alison Hake and Stephanie Robert show off chair fabric samples in their design studio.