8 years, 1 hub: Furniture that powers collaboration at SMU

Client:

Saint Mary's University

Sector:

Education

Area:

43,000 sq.ft, four-storey building

When Atlantic Business Interiors first became Saint Mary’s University’s primary furniture supplier in 2012, we couldn’t have predicted the scale or complexity of the partnership that would follow. Over the next decade, our relationship with SMU grew from outfitting existing buildings to helping the university realize a transformative new academic facility, one of the largest, most ambitious projects in the university’s recent history.

Our journey with SMU began with a simple contract, but quickly expanded as we demonstrated the value of our consultative, solution-driven approach. From classroom upgrades to collaborative student spaces, Atlantic Business Interiors became more than a supplier, we became a trusted partner. This foundation of trust set the stage for the university’s flagship project, a new academic building intended to redefine the campus learning environment for years to come.

Vision & Scale set a higher bar

The new facility, officially unveiled as the Sobeys Inspiration Hub, was conceived as a center for innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration at SMU. The building’s purpose, as well as the details about its strategic vision and the government funding that made it possible, including contributions from the Government of Nova Scotia, are outlined in the university’s official announcementhere

From ideas to live layouts

As the project took shape, we worked in lockstep with SMU, their project management consultants, and our key manufacturing partners. What made this process unique was the deep integration of our planning team into the university’s design and decision-making process.
‍
Together, we would review the evolving floor plans, responding to the shifting needs and ideas from faculty, administration, and campus planners. This hands-on approach ensured that every detail, from the placement of power outlets to the selection of surface finishes, was intentional and optimized for the student experience.

One of the most significant challenges was managing constant change. Over the course of the project, the university’s needs and priorities shifted, key people came and went on both sides, and even the design of the building itself was revised multiple times. At the same time, the COVID-19 pandemic introduced unforeseen delays and complexity, requiring flexibility and new approaches to everything from meetings to supply chain management.

Despite these challenges, Atlantic Business Interiors provided a consistent, steady presence throughout. By maintaining continuity in our project team, we ensured SMU always had an expert who knew the project history and could advocate for their vision. Our collaborative planning sessions, often involving live “what if” discussions over shared digital floorplans, became a hallmark of the process, breaking down barriers and allowing the entire team to move forward together.

Choosing the right products for Higher Education

Furnishing a modern university building isn’t about picking from a catalogue. For SMU, the goal was to create flexible, future-proof spaces that supported everything from traditional lectures to group work and informal study.

To achieve this, we drew on our extensive network of manufacturers. The final installation featured products from Steelcase, Global, Ofco, Allseating, and Spec. This mix of American and Canadian brands allowed us to balance innovation, durability, and cost efficiency.

SMU appreciated that Atlantic Business Interiors brought a holistic perspective, not just pushing one product line, but instead guiding the university to the best choices for each space. We helped SMU optimize their budget, often recommending when a Canadian manufacturer’s offering would provide the same functionality as an imported piece, but at a lower price and with faster lead times. This transparent, customer-first approach saved the university money while maintaining a consistent, high-quality aesthetic across the building.

While most of the products selected were standard items, our expertise in educational settings ensured that the chosen pieces met the unique demands of university life: heavy use, easy cleaning, long-term comfort, and flexibility for reconfiguration.

Installation took place over two months during the summer of 2023, with our team onsite daily, unpacking, assembling, and placing each piece to spec. Thanks to our experience with complex, multi-phase university installations, we managed the project efficiently and resolved any minor issues before opening day. Communication was constant, and our ability to respond quickly to last-minute changes helped keep everything on track.

What we take from this

The end result is a state-of-the-art learning environment that stands as a testament to what’s possible through collaboration and expertise. Feedback from SMU’s administration, faculty, and campus community has been overwhelmingly positive.

While many see furniture as an afterthought, SMU’s experience with Atlantic Business Interiors demonstrates the difference a true partner can make. From early planning to final installation, we were there every step of the way, guiding decisions, solving challenges, and delivering on our promise of quality and service.

We are proud to count Saint Mary’s University among our long-term partners, and we look forward to supporting their mission long into the future.