ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Building Innovation Together: 40+ Years of Partnership with RIT
For over four decades, Nichols Construction Team has partnered with Rochester Institute of Technology on projects that span the entire campus. What began with the design-build of an 11,000-square-foot lab and office facility has grown into a relationship rooted in innovation, trust, and long-term impact.
From major renovations at the RIT Inn & Conference Center and NTID, to current upgrades at the University Services Center, our work reflects RIT’s forward-thinking mission in education, research, and technology.
Featured projects—including the College of Art and Design, the AM Print Center, and the School of Photographic Arts and Sciences—represent just a few examples of this enduring partnership.
University Services Center 1st Floor Renovation
Nichols Construction Team was honored to extend our 40+ year partnership with Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) through our role as General Contractor for the renovation of the 1st floor of the University Services Center (USC). This project represented another step in RIT’s broader initiative to realign and modernize its campus spaces to better support students, faculty, and staff.
Constructed in 2008, the USC originally featured a formal reception area, a mix of private and open offices, and a large corridor that served as an active student pathway. The renovation reflected RIT’s forward-looking approach to space planning, consolidating departments with similar functions and creating modern, student-focused service areas.
Scope of Work Included:
- Reconfiguration of the existing office suite to add new private offices and conference space
- Development of a walk-up student service center, designed to function as the front-facing hub of the first floor
- Construction of several interior walls to maintain a focus on maximizing natural light and openness
- Renovation of the lobby and corridor, reducing square footage to create a more efficient, service-driven layout with updated finishes inspired by the clean, modern “Apple Store” dynamic
The project presented unique challenges, as the building remained fully occupied throughout construction, including the adjacent Innovation Space. Additionally, the main corridor – a busy shortcut for students traveling between Global Village, dining facilities, and academic areas – required temporary measures and strategic scheduling to minimize disruption. Our team worked closely with RIT administration to carefully coordinate construction access, safety, and staging.
Nichols Construction Team is proud to help reimagine the University Services Center into a vibrant, student-centered environment—continuing our tradition of building spaces that support RIT’s mission of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
Nichols Construction Team was proud to play a key role in transforming this highly active space into a modern, service-driven environment that reflects RIT’s commitment to student success and forward-thinking design. Our long-standing relationship with RIT continues to be a point of pride, and we were honored to deliver a space that will serve the campus community for years to come.
University Services Center 3rd floor Renovation
Nichols Construction Team was honored to continue our 40+ year partnership with Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), having been awarded General Contracting services for a 6,000 GSF renovation on the 3rd floor of the University Services Center (USC).
Originally constructed in 2008, the USC is home to a variety of academic and administrative functions. With University Advancement relocating to another campus location, the vacated third-floor suite underwent a comprehensive renovation to support its new occupants.
Scope of Work Includes:
- Reconfiguring existing space to provide additional private offices
- Creating revised conference areas for collaboration and meetings
- Adding dedicated storage solutions
- Refreshing finishes and layouts to align with current needs
The suite originally included two large conference rooms, a kitchenette, private offices, and an open office area. The renovation transformed this layout into a more efficient and tailored environment for its future use.
Construction took place while the building remained fully occupied, including adjacent third-floor suites. Our team carefully coordinated construction access, egress, and staging to minimize disruption, particularly as this project overlapped with a similar renovation on the first floor of the USC building.
Nichols Construction Team is proud to build on our enduring relationship with RIT by delivering spaces that support the university’s mission of innovation, collaboration, and community.
SCHOOL OF PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS AND SCIENCES
An 8,000 square foot renovation for the Rochester Institute of Technology School of Photographic Arts & Sciences (SPAS). New spaces and facilities upgrades as part of the renovation include:
- A new professional sound room for recording interviews and audio editing.
- A new motion media room outfitted with high-performance computers for video editing.
- A new 4D media room equipped for the creation of stop-motion video.
- The current student lounge (Airport Lounge) will be transformed into an ultra-modern space — with new furniture and an adjacent study center — for impromptu meetings, working and relaxing.
- Upgrades to the school’s 20 darkrooms, which will be accompanied by a new classroom area for teaching and critiques.
- An upgraded computer lab — complete with enhanced screens, computers and scanning and printing capabilities — for individual work and teaching.
- Expanded footprint to accommodate additional equipment for the school’s Photo Cage, an equipment rental space that offers the latest gear and accessories for checkout.
Human Resources Renovation
Nichols Construction Team partnered with the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) to complete a full renovation of the Human Resources Department, located on the 5th floor of George Eastman Hall. This project encompassed approximately 3,500 square feet and was designed to enhance both functionality and the overall workplace experience.
The scope of work included a comprehensive interior transformation featuring a refreshed reception and lobby area, a new single-user restroom, updated private offices, and a reconfigured open office environment to support collaboration and day-to-day operations.
Through thoughtful planning and coordination, our team delivered a modernized, efficient space that aligns with RIT’s commitment to providing high-quality environments for its faculty and staff.
COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN
Nichols Construction Team was called upon to construct improvements to the department’s entries, hallways, and stairwells. Given the department’s name, all work scopes required detailed features that underscore the area’s emphasis on color and creativity.
AM PRINT CENTER
Build-out of an empty area on the 4th floor of Institute Hall, to create offices, lab space, and an entrepreneurial center for 3D Printing Research & Design. Enable organization to make prosthetics among other products with 3D printers.
