Best Practices

Being Part of a Team

Linda Visscher

I recently had the opportunity to attend a panel discussion about the process the hosting library district is going through to ensure that their multiple-branch building program is a success. The success of the program is largely measured by how the community embraces the end results – beautiful buildings and programming designed to engage every patron that walks through the door.

The panel consisted of library staff members, the architect, the interior designer and the owner’s representative. What became clear during the lively discussion was that a truly collaborative relationship developed between the members of the team – a collaboration that benefitted the project.

All I could think of was that I wanted to be on that team. I wanted to be involved in that dynamic process. Even though the furniture people are often the last participants invited to the team, there are many ways that we can contribute to the collaboration.

We have extensive experience in working with architects, designers and library staff to take furniture design from concept drawings to production drawings to the finished piece. This process often involves working through “value engineering” or finding the most economical approach to achieving the design and required function of the furniture. We are as concerned about the budget as every member of the team. We offer advice on practicality and price.

We work with all types of materials – various wood species, metals, resins and acrylics, solid surfaces, linoleum and laminate – on a daily basis. If we are not familiar with a material, we do the research. We are craftsmen with hand tools and we use computer-numerically-controlled (CNC) manufacturing work stations. We manufacture to your needs.

We invest in product development offering innovation in design and function. It is our role as a furniture manufacturer to lead in and to keep pace with providing designs that meet your evolving needs. We want to provide options for everyone that walks through the library’s doors – options that include browsing through materials, hooking up to technology or sitting to do some serious study or casual reading.

We adhere to standards and become certified by organizations like the Architectural Woodwork Institute assuring you that we use the highest quality construction methods. We support green building by obtaining chain of custody certification so that when you want proof that wood from a well managed forest is used, we can do that. We use core materials that pass stringent formaldehyde emission level requirements.

Collaboration plays an important role in every successful library building project. You can use library furniture people as a resource; ask us to assist in solving space, furniture design and furniture/technology integration issues. We are ready and willing to collaborate with your team.

Worden combines our deep knowledge of the industry with time-honed skills and technology to create innovative, inviting solutions for learning spaces. In addition to a full spectrum of furniture collections (including tables, carrels, workstations, desks, shelving and seating), Worden specializes in highly customized furniture solutions to meet client needs. Look beyond the dovetailed joints, sturdy steel frames, and one-of-a-kind designs of our furniture and you'll catch a glimmer of the knowledge, experience, and creativity we bring to every project, and the inspiration for what we can do for you. www.wordencompany.com