Princeton Theological Seminary

64 Mercer St, Princeton, NJ 08542

The Space

The Princeton Theological Seminary holds one of the world’s most important and respected collections, which is said to be second only to that of the Vatican. The library provides storage and open access for more than one million volumes, including “guest” collections, which other libraries cannot safely house in their own facilities.

The Project

The Princeton Theological Seminary planned to renovate its 104,000-square-foot library as well as add to the available space by creating an addition. For this project, the design and FF&E procurement experts at The WBG worked closely with architects from Ewing Cole to fine-tune the Seminary’s layout post-renovation. Once all designs were finalized, construction began. During this time, the WBG worked to source all FF&E with strict adherence to the Seminary’s stated budget. Over a period of roughly ten months, the WBG handled all facets of FF&E sourcing, procurement, and installation. The WBG also oversaw the logistics of the move and conducted an audit of all existing inventory before and after the move.

The Challenge

The Princeton Theological Seminary project required The WBG to work hand-in-hand with architects to bring their vision to fruition. Architects design for function, safety and aesthetics; however, in doing so, the final design can often surpass the allotted budget. The WBG’s expertise in FF&E sourcing and procurement resulted in the implementation of the high-end finishes favored by the client while sticking to the budget.

What The WBG Brings to the Table

For those planning to handle large, potentially complex projects, bringing in FF&E sourcing and procurement experts early on in the process is key. There are multiple benefits to retaining the services of FF&E experts alongside architects during the planning stages, including:

Integrated Design Solutions: Architects work with The WBG to ensure that the furniture, fixtures, and equipment complement the overall design aesthetic and functionality of the space. This integration helps create a cohesive and harmonious project that is precisely in line with the client’s expectations.

Cost Efficiency

Early collaboration allowed The WBG to provide accurate cost estimates for FF&E items, helping to keep the project within budget. By addressing any potential issues early, costly changes and delays were minimized.

Customization and Innovation

The WBG has access to a wide range of products and was able to suggest innovative solutions and customizations that aligned with the architect’s vision. This collaboration led to unique, tailored solutions that enhanced the design element of the project.

Streamlined Process

By involving The WBG early, the selection and acquisition of FF&E items can be planned and executed more smoothly. This proactive approach helps to avoid last-minute changes and ensures timely delivery and installation.

Technical Expertise

The WBG brought specialized knowledge about the latest products, materials, and trends, which complemented and helped inform the architect’s design choices, ensuring that the selected items meet both aesthetic and functional requirements.

Compliance and Standards

The procurement specialists at The WBG are well-versed in industry standards and regulations, ensuring that all selected FF&E comply with safety, accessibility, and sustainability standards.

Value Engineering

Collaboration during the design phase facilitates value engineering, where The WBG is able to suggest cost-effective alternatives without compromising on quality or design integrity—and without holding up the project’s timeline.

Princeton Theological Seminary 2-90-400x284

Princeton Theological Seminary 9-57-400x284