The Furniture and Design team supports the WashU community both on and off campus by creating functional, cost-effective workspaces tailored to department needs.
What We Do
Our team serves as an important function of the Supply Chain Management ecosystem helping to establish strong relationships with local furniture vendors and commercial manufacturers to ensure WashU receives the best products at the best prices.
We handle all things related to furniture, including but not limited to:
- Furniture selection & pricing for offices, classrooms, and common areas
- Ergonomic solutions such as seating, height-adjustable desks, and accessories
- Space planning & design — drawings, layouts, color schemes, carpet selections, and acoustic solutions
- Furniture reconfiguration & reuse assessments to maximize existing resources
- Re-upholstery and modification evaluations for existing pieces
- Budget planning for small purchases and large capital projects
- Project coordination from the bid process, ordering, and delivery to installation
- Warranty and bid management for university-approved furniture orders
- Competitive pricing for both small and large-scale orders
Our Process
- Placing an Order: Reach out to the Furniture & Design team with your inquiry to initiate the process. After consultation, the team will coordinate the purchase, delivery, and installation of your order.
- Order Billing: Once selections and costs are approved, a cost center or project number is required for billing. An Internal Service Delivery (ISD) will be sent upon project completion.
- Time to Delivery: Commercial furniture is made to order and may take longer to arrive than retail furniture. Lead times vary based on the order size and product type. Departments are encouraged to share any desired timelines with the Furniture & Design in advance.
- Ordering on your own: Departments are encouraged to work with the Furniture & Design team when purchasing commercial furniture. By purchasing through the Furniture & Design team, departments ensure that WashU’s investments are safe, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible, while strengthening partnerships within the local community.
Choosing Commercial-Grade Furniture
Commercial-grade furniture includes warranties of 10+ years, often covering replacement parts and labor. This reduces maintenance costs and allows furniture to be repaired and reused, saving money and reducing waste.
All furniture sourced through WashU meets ANSI/BIFMA standards for safety and durability. Products comply with flammability (Cal TB117), UL electrical, and Sturdy Act regulations to ensure campus-wide safety.
WashU prioritizes St. Louis-based vendors and North American manufacturers, with most products made in the U.S. Local partners provide full-service support — from delivery and assembly to installation — for a seamless experience.
Commercial-grade furniture offers a longer lifespan, reducing landfill waste and total cost of ownership. Preferred manufacturers use recycled materials and avoid harmful chemicals in their production processes.