In August 2024, Jacksonville State University opened its new Dining Hall, replacing the 62-year-old Jack Hopper Dining Hall that closed in July 2024. The new facility serves as a central gathering space for campus life. It offers expanded seating, natural light, and modern food stations that support a wide range of dining preferences.

Business Interiors partnered closely with Williams Blackstock Architects and Kemp Management Solutions to support the university’s vision. From early in the design process, BI supplied furniture selections that reinforced the architectural renderings and aligned with the aesthetic direction presented by the design team.

Our team proposed options across price points to stay within budget while preserving the intended style. We carefully selected finishes to blend with the building’s materials and interior palette. BI shared all finish selections with the project team to confirm alignment with the desired aesthetic.

The result is a modern dining environment that supports daily function and meaningful connection. Students, faculty, and visitors now have a welcoming space to gather, recharge, and engage throughout the day. Through clear collaboration and coordination, BI delivered furniture solutions that complement the architecture and contribute to a dynamic new chapter in campus life.

Photography by: Nick McGinn

Auburn University at Montgomery’s $25.5 million Science & Technology Complex opened its doors to students in January 2025. This marked a major milestone in STEM education for the region. This impressive 57,000-square-foot facility transforms the academic experience. It features cutting-edge labs, collaborative classrooms, and a skylight commons that fosters innovation and interdisciplinary learning. Business Interiors is proud to have provided the furnishing solutions for this project.

BI worked closely with AUM’s leadership and facilities teams, as well as Williams Blackstock Architects. Additionally, the project’s successful completion and smooth installation resulted directly from the great coordination between Bailey Harris Construction and the Business Interiors team. This landmark facility now strengthens STEM education. It sets the stage for the next generation of scientific discovery. The design prioritizes transparency, natural light, and connectivity. It aims to create an inspiring environment where students and faculty can engage beyond the classroom.

The BI team provided full furniture solutions. These solutions enhance collaboration and adaptability across the facility. The scope included: 35 private offices, 11 Science labs, 5 classrooms, 7 public meeting spaces, and specialized areas. These specialized areas were the Front Lobby, 2 receptionist stations, 8 Knoll Antenna Stations, 2 study rooms, 1 conference room, and 1 lactation room. Additionally, we integrated 42 Clarus Glass boards to support agile learning.

Business Interiors is proud to have contributed to this landmark facility, creating an engaging, functional environment that will inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators at AUM.

Photography by Tristan-Cairns, and Courtesy of Williams Blackstock Architects

Opening in May 2024, Auburn University renovated a historic building in downtown Birmingham. The new Hood McPherson Building is a 44,000-square-foot urban campus. It provides a new home for two key departments: the Harbert College of Business and the College of Architecture, Design and Construction (CADC).

Williams Blackstock Architects was the A+D firm on the project. The project was recognized at the 2025 IIDA Alabama IDIE Awards. It received “Best of Education (Higher Ed)” and “Best in Show” awards for its superb work.

The Business Interiors team partnered with AU and WBA. They provided furnishings for many of the open areas. The goal was to create a state-of-the-art academic environment.

BI’s furniture scope for the six-floor project focused on a transparent and adaptable environment for students. The main areas included studio galleries, workshare open office spaces, classrooms, and collaborative rooms. The building’s design serves as a teaching tool. Exposed structural, mechanical, and electrical systems reinforce the CADC’s hands-on learning philosophy. The new campus connects students to Birmingham’s urban fabric. It shapes the future of design, construction, and business.

This award-winning project is a great example of combining the old with the new. We’re proud to have been a part of it.

Photography by: Nick McGinn

Alabama A&M University in Huntsville recently celebrated the ribbon cutting and opening of their new Welcome Center.

The center serves as a university hub. It houses the admissions department as well as conference and dining areas. The center will also include commercial restaurants, such as a Chick-fil-A that is already open, and a Starbucks that is scheduled to open next year.

This is a high-profile project in the heart of the campus. We are proud to be a longtime partner of Alabama A&M. The BI Team worked with the university and Huntsville-based Nola | VanPeursem Architects on the project.