At AGATI, we’re passionate about being the
MOST INNOVATIVE PUBLIC SPACE FURNITURE COMPANY.
As a team, we enjoy what we do, and we believe in having fun while advancing:
1. Aesthetic design
2. Innovative products
3. DURABLE Engineering
We research human behavior in public spaces to explore new ways that furniture can improve people’s experiences. Our dedication to solving problems is threefold.
1. We care about how people feel in a space. We strive to make a difference by increasing feelings of safety, productivity and utilization in public use furniture.
2. We care about our customers. We value accountability and we stand behind our work. We regularly seek feedback and incorporate it into our ever-evolving designs.
3. We believe you don’t have to sacrifice design for durability. We combine aesthetics, tested engineering, and the highest quality materials to build furniture that withstands the test of time.
Our Story
AGATI IS A FAMILY-OWNED TEAM OF PASSIONATE FURNITURE DESIGNERS, ENGINEERS AND MANUFACTURERS.
Agati Furniture was founded in 1981, when Joe Agati Sr. made an impact in library spaces by bringing comfort and style to wood library furniture…
Serving the Public through Libraries for over 40 years
In the 1980’s, the Arts & Crafts style was popular in public libraries. Joe’s first goal was to make an Arts & Crafts chair comfortable. He did this by adding lumbar support, which was previously lacking in traditional wood chair design. He elaborated with more Arts & Crafts products, and started bringing more contemporary design into his furniture.
Becoming a Resource and Educator
At the time, wireless was just in its infancy. With Joe’s engineering degree in material science, he had an intimate knowledge of fiber optics, so he could help librarians with more than just furniture design and layout. He began presenting at conferences about what to expect in the future of libraries in terms of electric wiring and data implications. Joe’s presentations and educational seminars were recognized by various awards, such as:
- American Library Association (ALA), Library Administration and Management Association’s (LLAMA) Library Leadership Award.
Thus began a long history of researching, educating and designing for the public needs…
His interest in human behavior led him to research how people interact or don’t interact, how they sit, and where they sit. Bringing an awareness of biophilic principles of prospect and refuge, Joe developed new ideas of furniture. Word-of-mouth praise from librarians, architects and designers brought Agati furniture into other public spaces.
With his love for beautiful objects (he also garnered recognition with his large-scale, public sculpture), Joe always maintained a clean design aesthetic with his forms. His furniture designs were recognized in the Interior Design field with awards such as:
· Contract Magazine’s IBD Award for Furniture Design
· Daphne Awards for Furniture Design
· Chicago Historical Society’s permanent furniture collection
A Growing Business and Family
Joe S. began working during the summers at Agati. He designed a table that was included in the www Young Promising Designers show. With a degree in Industrial Design, he went to work at Radio Flyer for six years, where he spearheaded several products from design through manufacturing. With a solid background in product design and development, he came to Agati and developed several new products that are used in the library, aviation, educational and commercial fields. Joe S. expands on the Agati tradition of education, offering seminars and courses. Check out his podcasts, where Joe S. hosts conversations with designers, architects, and difference-makers to bring inspiration to your work.
Our Purpose
We care about how furniture can improve people’s lives.
Furthermore, we care about our employees, customers, venders, and the environment.
Wellness and Inclusion
As a human-centered design company, we care about our employees, and promote a healthy, inclusive and collaborative workplace. Encouraging and respecting diverse ideas is fundamental to the creative process, and how the best ideas are formed. As educators, and a family-owned business, we believe in sharing our knowledge and nurturing the next generation. Every member of the AGATI team is valuable. And of course, we want to have fun doing what we love to do!
Torre S. Burke Greater Orlando Aviation Authority“We’ve worked with AGATI for several years. Thousands of passengers travel through our airport every day and the AGATI airport lounge seating has by far exceeded our expectations. Their customer service and quick response time is exceptional.”
Made in the USA
Because we are located in the middle of the USA, we easily collaborate with our USA clients -from the quoting team’s requests from clients, to our in-house design team, to manufacturing, delivery and installation – we are proud of the fact that we have kept everything domestic. Since we manufacture everything in the US, we’ve had the unique ability to fully customize products to clients’ needs. Sometimes, this close working relationship even leads to entirely new products.
Agati Furniture
451 N. Claremont, Chicago IL 60601 USA
312.829.1977
[email protected]
Sustainability
We’ve always worked to maintain principles of sustainability through material selection and design. Part replacement, ease of assembly and disassembly are foremost in our design. We seek ways to incorporate renewable and recyclable materials in our products. Ultimately, our commitment to durability ensures our products have long life spans and support humans for years to come.