When Mote Marine Laboratory set out to create a world-class science education facility in Sarasota, they needed a partner who could handle the complexity of furnishing a 52,000-square-foot building that serves both as a public aquarium and a working research center.
OFDC Commercial Interiors managed two critical aspects: comprehensive flooring installation coordinated with general contractor Willis-Smith Construction, and complete furniture procurement working directly with Mote’s leadership team.
The result is Mote SEA, a facility that welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors annually while providing functional workspaces for researchers, educators, and administrative staff.
Commercial Flooring and Tile Installation in Sarasota
The flooring scope covered virtually every surface in the building. Our team installed carpet throughout public corridors and administrative areas, linoleum in high-traffic zones, and ceramic tile on both floors and walls. In the cafe, decorative tile wraps around columns to create visual interest.
Classrooms feature penny tile and mosaic work. The Gulf Room event space showcases bold metallic wall tile that changes appearance as natural light shifts throughout the day. Our installation crew worked on site daily for months, ensuring every cut and grout line met exacting standards for this office space design project. Learn more about Southwest Florida commercial flooring installation.
Furniture Procurement and Space Planning
While architects TVS Design completed the initial space planning, they left manufacturer selection and finish decisions to Mote’s team. We worked closely with Mote board member Judy Graham, who brought interior design experience to the process, and VP Dan Bebak, who guided functional requirements. The furniture scope ranged from cafe seating and conference room furniture for the Gulf Room to administrative workspaces. Private offices received commercial desks and ergonomic desk chairs selected for all-day comfort.
One custom element that stands out is the dining chairs with distinctive lattice backs. When Mote’s team expressed their vision for this design feature, we collaborated with the manufacturer to bring it to reality.
Coordinating Multiple Partners
Managing a project of this scale requires constant communication. With Whiting-Turner overseeing overall construction and Willis-Smith handling general contracting, our role extended beyond delivering products. We coordinated flooring installation timelines with furniture delivery schedules. Because the architects and main contractors weren’t local firms, OFDC served as boots-on-the-ground throughout the process, managing office furniture space planning and coordinating with stakeholders.
We ordered demo samples so decision-makers could physically test furniture before committing. Staff from education and events departments participated in finish selection meetings, ensuring their spaces would support daily operations. This approach to office space optimization balanced aesthetics with functionality.
Supporting Public and Administrative Spaces
Interior designers for office space understand that educational facilities require different considerations than typical corporate environments. Researchers need private offices configured for focused work. Educators need classrooms with flexible arrangements. Administrative staff need ergonomic workstations for long days. Event coordinators need versatile furniture that can transform spaces quickly.
A Sarasota Landmark for Generations
Mote SEA serves as both a public aquarium and a research facility supporting marine conservation. The building has quickly become a Sarasota landmark visible to everyone traveling I-75. It will introduce generations of students to marine science while supporting ongoing research protecting Florida’s coastal ecosystems. Our installers dedicated months to perfecting every detail, transforming architectural drawings into physical spaces that will serve this community for decades.
Ready to discuss your commercial interior project? Whether you’re planning new construction or renovating existing spaces in Sarasota, Fort Myers, or surrounding areas, OFDC Commercial Interiors brings comprehensive expertise in flooring installation, professional office furniture procurement, and office interior design. Our team serves businesses, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and public organizations throughout Southwest Florida. Fill out our contact form today to start the conversation.