Watch: Constructing the Board Room Table at the New Data Science Building

Among the many striking features at the new home of the University of Virginia’s School of Data Science is the board room table on the building’s first floor. 

Josh Bailey, senior project manager for Architectural Wood, LLC, recently discussed the process of intricately crafting this piece, which began with finalizing a design and selecting the large willow oak tree from UVA Grounds that the table would be made from. 

From there, the tree went to the UVA sawmill where, over the course of one day with help from workers from the University, it was cut into slabs, loaded onto a trailer, and transported to Shenandoah Planing Mill. 

In the video above, Bailey lays out the many steps that followed, which resulted in the stunning final product that is now the centerpiece of the room where the School of Data Science advisory board will convene. 

A grand opening celebration for the new building was held in April; staff and faculty moved in after the completion of the spring semester.