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One team, one purpose

CU Boulder’s Gemmill Engineering, Math & Physics Library was ready to shift from a quiet, stacks-driven space to a living STEM hub that reflects how students actually learn. Handprint Architecture's Tania Salgado shaped the design language, and Workplace Resource joined early to translate that vision into the final layer of furniture, accessories, and flow.

Together we set a clear aim: make Gemmill welcoming, usable, and unmistakably “of this place,” while supporting real academic work.

What success looked like for the client

The library needed to feel of-today, resilient, and true to the mission. That means a mix of quiet, social, and in-between settings that promote study, belonging, and flow.

The design also had to read as uniquely Gemmill, not just campus colors pasted on.

“It should really reflect the values of the students, the mission of the school. This one really needed to have a unique environment designed for the students here in this place.”

Co-creating the solution

Handprint shared goals, precedents, and early layouts. WR embraced the direction, added new ideas, and aligned furniture choices to make the concept live in real space. The collaboration felt additive, fast, and clear.

“Workplace Resource really embraced our direction and shared opportunities and concepts for design. They brought ideas to the table and really made the design thrive, live and be the place that people want it to be.”

Designing for real student use

We shaped a spectrum of zones: quiet nooks, touchdown spots, group tables that push together, and high-back lounge for “space within a space.” Access and equity stayed front and center with varied heights, widths, and postures. Durability, cleanability, and timelessness guided every selection.

“Accessibility and equitable spaces and furniture solutions is absolutely critical. These pieces must be timeless, it has to be quality, it has to be cleanable.”

Decision clarity through visuals and trials

WR modeled options in 3D so the owner could see palettes and swaps in context. Then we ran a live sit-stand mockup with students, staff, and faculty to feel comfort, privacy, and fit. Several early favorites changed once people tried them.

“Workplace Resource was fantastic in providing 3D renderings. The best touch point was to set up a sit-stand-test furniture mockup, and that was a wonderful sampling session.”

Delivering excellence despite constraints

Procurement moved fast due to tariffs and shifting schedules, so we tightened sequencing, kept communication crisp, and protected design intent. Early partnership prevented conflicts and helped the furniture complete the architecture rather than fight it.