When Is an Office Building More Than an Office Building?

If you’ve walked through the Faculty Office Building at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, you might feel like you’ve stepped into a time capsule — long, dim hallways, closed doors and little natural light. While Darden is globally renowned for its vibrant community and top-ranked faculty, the Faculty Office Building (FOB) hasn’t kept up with the dynamic spirit that defines us. But change is on the horizon. 

A Building Misaligned with Our Culture 

“Imagine a space that feels more like a maze of hotel rooms than a hub of innovation,” says Professor Mike Lenox, senior advisor to the dean and a key voice in shaping the renovation project. 

Built over 25 years ago, the FOB was designed for a different era, when private, enclosed spaces were the norm. The result? A building that Lenox describes as “the antithesis” of what Darden stands for — a place where collaboration, engagement and community should thrive. 

Yet, Darden’s culture has always prevailed. “Our strong faculty and student culture has allowed us to thrive despite the architecture,” Lenox says. “But now, it’s time for our space to match the vibrant community we’ve built.” 

More Than Just a Renovation 

So, what will this renovation bring? Picture a bright atrium, the new heart of the building. This space will do more than provide a clear front door — something the current FOB lacks. It will invite faculty, students and visitors into a space designed for connection, innovation and inspiration. Office hours, cross-discipline gatherings, seminars, and serendipitous encounters among colleagues and students will all find a home here and throughout the new spaces in the building. 

Lenox is particularly excited about transforming underused areas like the porches at the building’s wings overlooking Flagler Court. “These spaces have incredible potential,” he says. “But right now, they’re just sitting empty. We’re going to turn them into vibrant spots for work and reflection.” 

And this isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s strategic. Darden’s faculty has nearly doubled since the building was constructed, and our degree programs have expanded significantly. “It’s amazing we’ve grown so much without updating the Faculty Office Building,” Lenox marvels. 

A Space That Reflects Our Values 

At its core, this renovation aligns Darden’s physical environment with our values. “We want a space that highlights who we are — a place where students feel welcome, where faculty can collaborate easily and where innovation flourishes,” Lenox emphasizes. 

Why does this matter? Because this project will help Darden continue to attract and retain world-class faculty, keeping the School at the forefront of business education. A modern, engaging workspace won’t just appeal to prospective faculty — it will keep our current faculty deeply connected to the community they love.

Rendering from Robert A.M. Stern Architects of a proposed collaboration space in the renovated Faculty Office Building.

Naming Opportunities Coming Soon

They will include faculty pavilions, collaboration hubs, meeting rooms and offices. For more information, please contact Samantha Hartog, senior associate vice president of advancement, at +1-434-981-4025 or HartogS@darden.virginia.edu.