ATHENS, GA | 2026
At the heart of the University of Georgia campus, the Zell B. Miller Learning Center (MLC) stands as a model for what modern academic spaces can be: dynamic, collaborative, and deeply integrated into the student experience. Since opening in 2003, the 200,000+ square-foot facility has served as a cornerstone of interdisciplinary learning, blending classrooms, library resources, and technology into a single, cohesive environment.
However, the Miller Learning Center also represents something increasingly important for institutions today: how thoughtful long-term investment can extend far beyond the original build. More than twenty years after opening, the University chose to restore its original Thos. Moser furnishings rather than replace them—a decision that resulted in more than 50% cost savings compared to purchasing new furniture, while significantly reducing material waste and avoiding the environmental impact of full replacement.
That decision was rooted in more than preservation alone. Because Thos. Moser was the original designer and builder of nearly 2,000 custom furnishings throughout the facility. The University worked directly with the maker, who understood every detail of the furniture's construction, materials, joinery, and finishing systems. The result was not simply refinishing, but a true continuation of the original design intent and long-term performance built into each piece.
Designed by Cooper Carry, the MLC was envisioned as more than a building, but a space for student study and collaborative learning. With 26 classrooms seating over 2,400 students and a 2,600-seat "virtual library," the center supports both structured instruction and independent exploration. Study spaces, computer carrels, and informal gathering areas encourage interaction among students, faculty, and the broader academic community. Every detail, from integrated computing to thoughtfully scaled seating areas and common spaces, reinforces its mission: to foster connection, curiosity, and collaboration.
Above: The study carrels before and after refinishing.
Below: Reading chairs and custom reading tables after refinishing.
Why the Original Maker Matters
While many vendors can refinish furniture, this project required something more exacting. As the original designer, Thos. Moser brought an unmatched understanding of the furniture construction, joinery , materials, and finishing systems. This kind of knowledge simply does not exist outside the original maker. Each piece was treated as a complete system. Surfaces were restored using a proprietary finishing method, ensuring continuity in tone and character. Structural elements were also evaluated and repaired where needed, preserving not just the appearance but the longevity and performance of each piece. By working with the original maker, it reduces risk around finish mismatch, structural compromise, or diminishing the lifespan of the original investment.
At the Zell B Miller Learning Center, the relationship with Thos. Moser extends beyond the product; it has been a continued partnershp. Thos. Moser worked alongside the facilities team as part of the solution, bringing a clear understanding of the operational realities that institutions face. From planning through execution, the Moser team's involvement added value at every stage — from helping to identify strategies that balance performance, cost, and longevity. This collaborative approach ensures that refinishing is not an isolated service but an integrated part of Thos. Moser's ongoing lifecycle package. The more closely the partnership is engaged, the more effective the outcome becomes.
Through restoration rather than replacement, the University of Georgia and Thos. Moser reaffirms a shared commitment: to invest in longevity, reduce waste, and create environments that evolve without losing their integrity. Well-made furniture doesn't just reach an endpoint. With the right partner, it continues.
