Skip to main content
MillerKnoll HomeMillerKnoll Home

Faculty offices

Mar 5, 2026

Seating area in a private faculty office furnished with two red-orange NaughtOne Always chairs, a Herman Miller Everywhere table, and Herman Miller Verus chair.

Share:

Design for hospitality in faculty offices

Faculty offices provide space for instructors to plan, grade student work, and host office hours. Designing with hospitality in mind can help balance these functions to create more welcoming environments that help faculty feel supported while putting students at ease.

Faculty office furnished with two red-orange NaughtOne Always chairs, a Herman Miller Everywhere table and Verus chair, and Knoll Reff Private Office system.
Applications

Design considerations

Read on to learn how you can develop faculty offices through research-based design for hospitality.

Protection

Include transparent walls or a door that can be left open.

Provide auditory privacy for sensitive conversations.

Create separate zones for the instructor’s work.

Choose soft lighting, biophilic elements, and comfortable seating.

Consider a sub-waiting zone for students awaiting faculty arrival or readiness.

Intellectual welcome

Plan a casual conversation zone with a round table, diagonal, or side-by-side seating for parity and connection.

Include bookshelves, greenery, and framed photos to show personal interests.

Provide windows, natural light, or views of campus.

Include a writable surface for collaborative problem-solving.

Open table

Supply comfortable seating, natural lighting.

Provide a hosting zone for snacks, coffee, tea, or water.

Featured products

When designed for hospitality, a faculty office can make instructors seem more approachable and put students at ease. Select products that support comfort and productivity while providing privacy and security during sensitive conversations.

  • Wood tone Reff Profile by Knoll in a Private Office design.

    Reff Profiles by Knoll

    A tailored office system offering sophistication and privacy for focused work.

  • Two k. stand Height-Adjustable Tables in a Faculty Office design.

    k. stand by Knoll

    Encourage movement and interaction with this adjustable-height table.

  • Two computer monitors mounted to a Sapper Double Monitor Arm by Knoll.

    Sapper Double Monitor Arm

    Precision-engineered monitor arms support dual monitors to enhance the ergonomics of any workspace.

  • Black Verus Chair by Herman Miller.

    Verus Chair by Herman Miller

    Ergonomic support and a straightforward design make Verus a reliable choice for everyday seating.

  • White Everywhere Table by Herman Miller.

    Everywhere Table by Herman Miller

    Versatile and minimal, Everywhere adapts effortlessly to any setting.

  • Pink Always Chair by NaughtOne.

    Always Chair by NaughtOne

    Soft curves and tailored upholstery make Always a versatile lounge chair for any setting.

  • White Rime Pendant Lamp by Muuto.

    Rime Pendant Lamp by Muuto

    With its frosted glass and soft curves, Rime is a pendant lamp that diffuses warm, ambient light.

Explore more

Learn more about how hospitality integrates into other areas on campus.