Joe Agati Sr. visits three academic libraries with 10-20+ year old AGATI furniture, and asks a Librarian, Access Services, and Facilities Personnel “How’s the furniture holding up?” Read on for what they had to say about investing wisely in library furniture and much more.
When you have architecture this beautiful, adding premium furniture multiplies the awe factor! Investing in durable furniture is like investing in architecture. University of California – Merced’s Quiet Reading Room is the epitome of “Do it right and do it once!” Libraries like this play an important role in attracting prospective students and faculty. Quality furnishings are seen as a hallmark of a quality institution, committed to long-term value.
We met with Ross Anastos, Head of Access Services, who was a student at Merced, and has now worked in the library for 10 years. He told us:
“The DePaul Chairs have held up really well. They are almost 20 years old, and they still look brand new. They’re still sturdy and they don’t wobble.” -Ross Anastos, Head of Access Services, Merced
Investing in quality furniture demonstrates a commitment to excellence and sets a standard at University of California. It sends a powerful message to students that their comfort and well-being are valued.
Similar to how libraries store and maintain resources over time, University of California in Merced houses furniture over time. When furniture is built to last, styles from previous decades can still serve as beautiful examples of trends over time.
This enduring quality has solidified U of C’s status as a long-term AGATI client, and we have provided much more furniture for them over the years. Click here to see the the wide range of AGATI furniture at University of California in Merced -from “vintage” DePaul Chairs to an entirely custom Circulation Desk, to new PODs, and more!
Riverside City College Library gets a lot of traffic. In the 2022/23 Academic Year, they had 235,000 visits. In the 2024 First Semester, they had 157,000 visits.
RCC purchased 250 AGATI maple pull up chairs in 2003. When they had the opportunity to update their library in 2021, they decided the only thing that needed updating was the fabric. They chose to reupholster the chairs they bought in 2003, rather than buy new ones.
Riverside City College exemplifies the role of the Library’s aesthetic appeal in attracting and maintaining students. Reusing quality furniture also saves money over time. Sustainability never looked so good!
“They’re wonderful! I’m a furniture snob, and I love the way the newly upholstered chairs look. -Especially when they’re all pushed in. The style brings order and beautiful sight lines to the space.”
-Sally Ellis, Librarian, Riverside City College
A visually appealing library creates a welcoming environment that encourages students to spend more time in the space, whether they are studying, collaborating on projects, or simply relaxing. It’s no wonder Riverside City College’s Library is always full! Riverside’s commitment to enduring quality furniture has allowed them to enjoy reliable, high-end designs for over two decades and counting.
The Ella Gridback chairs remain a staple at AGATI furniture today, due to Ella Collection’s excellent craftsmanship and timeless design.
In 2011, ELAC first purchased 300 AGATI wood chairs, Antrim tables and Antrim carrels. Seen in this photo are those chairs and tables “still lookin’ good!” in 2024. Over the years, they’ve relied on AGATI for more furniture, too.
Quality furniture offers long-term reliability and performance that surpasses cheaper alternatives. Superior construction and materials ensure that the furniture remains sturdy and functional even after years of heavy use. True sustainability is using the same quality wood chairs for 13+ years and counting!
This commitment to sustainability sets an example for students, teaching them the importance of making environmentally conscious decisions. Incorporating sustainable furniture into campus spaces underscores an institution’s dedication to preserving the planet for future generations.
Facilities personnel intimately understand the furniture on campuses. Because they are the ones moving, maintaining and repairing furniture and structures, their opinion means a lot to us. They possess firsthand knowledge and experience with the daily operations, maintenance, and functionality of campus buildings and spaces.
We met Anthony Garcia in in the Bailey Library of East Los Angeles College, where our furniture has been used for over 13 years. His practical feedback on what works well, based on his frequent and direct interactions with the facilities, is crucial for our continuous improvement. When he told us the furniture was high quality, it meant a lot!
Public space furniture company reputations are built on client experiences. This is why we go back to clients and ask “How’s the furniture holding up?” AGATI furniture is built to last, crafted from durable materials with superior workmanship. Investing in premium furniture initially may come at a higher price, but the longevity of our furniture means that they don’t need to be replaced frequently, as evidenced by our client testimonials. This long-term value becomes evident as the cost of replacing lower-quality furniture adds up over time, making reuse the cost-effective choice.
AGATI uses locally grown hardwoods, coming from responsibly managed forests. We produce sustainable products by using renewable hardwoods and other natural materials to meet the goals of green architecture. By reusing existing, long-lasting furniture, libraries minimize the demand for resources and reduce the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing and transportation. Additionally, keeping furniture out of landfills prevents the release of harmful chemicals and materials into the environment, further promoting ecological health.
Just for reading all the way to the end, we’re going to share a classic “Joe Agati Sr pic”!
When we go on our Furniture in the Field visits, Joe is regularly spotted crouching down to check how well the furniture has held up over time!
If you have AGATI furniture, and are interested in having your space featured in Furniture in the Field, send me an email! Rashelle at agati.com
If your not a client yet, but interested in learning more about furnishing your space with AGATI, contact us here!
