Even before the University of Georgia’s Creative Engagement Wing in the Miller Learning Center opened in August 2025, it inspired teams across Finance and Administration to get creative.
People from the Office of University Architects, the Office of Space Planning and Management and many departments from the Facilities Management Division, among others, came together to transform space on the building’s third floor into a hub for innovation.
“It turned into this very collaborative experience with all of us having to figure out how we were going to do this. I think it’s a beautiful illustration of an in-house project where we very much work together for a great result,” said Elizabeth Bellew, interior designer with the Office of University Architects and the Office of Space Planning and Management.
The wing itself began as a collaborative project between UGA Libraries, the Office of Instruction and Enterprise Information Technology Services to equip students with the tools needed to take their ideas to the next level. It was funded by those offices with support from the University of Georgia Foundation.
“The spirit in which we designed the space is also the spirit in which we hope students and everyone else who comes into the space will experience it,” Bellew said.
Students can engage, connect and create in facilities including:
- A makerspace with a laser cutter, 3D printers, sewing machines, a button maker and more
- A VR model classroom with VR headsets for immersive learning experiences
- A presentation collaboratory where students can practice their speaking skills or work on group presentations with advanced audiovisual equipment
- A podcast studio with professional-grade recording equipment and soundproofing
- A digital media lab equipped with industry-standard editing software and hardware for video, audio and graphic design projects
- The Jill and Marvin Willis Center for Writing, providing expert consultation and support
- A collaborative study commons where students can brainstorm
Teams within Finance and Administration were tasked with bringing those spaces to life. It began with classroom enhancements such as converting Room 368 to an active learning classroom. Then, it expanded to include the VR model classroom. From there, teams from space planners and designers to painters and cabinetmakers took on the entire Creative Engagement Wing.
“It’s a really good example of how we can work together and adapt as we go along,” said Will Massey, assistant manager of projects in FMD’s operations and maintenance department. “This is one of those projects that really highlights all of the trades we’re capable of doing here.”
In fact, the group working on the wing was recognized as an outstanding team as part of this year’s F&A/UHR Staff Recognition. This is a peer-nominated merit award program, and four teams are selected by the committee each year.
The project spanned approximately nine months, with two months dedicated to the actual construction. The spaces presented unique challenges, and teams came up with creative solutions. For example, they had to consider climate control, the size of door openings, wall mounts for very large monitors, and lighting and sound tiles for areas like the makerspace, the VR classroom and the podcast studio. They also needed to merge the new space with the existing look, style and feel of the Miller Learning Center.
“Every meeting was a door opening for more potential,” said Sergio Avilan, interior designer in the Office of University Architects. “The space kept on giving.”
FMD team members also got to add unique touches to the space. They built a credenza that seamlessly blends with the space, along with several cabinets. At the entrance to the Creative Engagement Wing, there is a 3D model of the space that serves as wayfinding signage and was created in the makerspace.
“It’s something to be proud of that our guys — carpenters, painters and everybody else — could get in there and transform a space without having to go outside. We can do it right here,” said Tim Lord, structural zone superintendent with FMD’s operations and maintenance department.
And now that it’s open, students can continue to make the most of the space.
“I hope that students take advantage of all of the spaces within the wing, and I think that’s how it’s intended,” Bellew said. “We want it to be interdisciplinary and a playground for students to have fun with.”