A Sanctuary for Now and Next
In 2021, two Jewish Reform Congregations in Baton Rouge voted to reunify after nearly 80 years apart embarking on a journey to create a new synagogue that honors their shared past while shaping a collective future.
The Unified Jewish Congregation of Baton Rouge envisioned a space that balances tradition and modernity, a sacred, intimate, and flexible environment that supports worship, learning, and community connection. The project included a new sanctuary, social hall, and lifelong learning center, as well as the renovation of a 1950s building into administrative offices, classrooms, and a community living room.
The design objective centered on flexibility accommodating weekly Shabbat services of 25–30 congregants while seamlessly expanding to welcome more than 400 participants during High Holy Days. Furniture played a pivotal role in achieving this adaptability, combining functionality with timeless beauty.
AOS Interior Environments partnered with Source International to bring the design vision developed by RHH Architects and Lauren Bombet Interiors to life. The AOS Operations and Installation team worked closely with the general contractor and Source’s project management team to coordinate delivery and ensure a smooth, timely installation.
The sanctuary required elegant, multi-use furniture capable of quick reconfiguration. The Axis Chair provided the ideal solution with its sleek profile, comfort, and stackable design allowing seating to be stored or rearranged with ease.
In the conference room, the Defign Chair offered ergonomic comfort and sculptural elegance, aligning with the space’s refined aesthetic.
Through careful coordination of logistics and installation schedules, the project was completed on time, ready for the congregation’s dedication ceremonies and their first High Holy Days in the new space.
Source’s furniture provided durability, comfort, and aesthetic harmony essential to the project’s success. The Axis and Defign collections complemented the synagogue’s minimalist oak detailing and neutral palette while supporting diverse functions from worship to community gatherings.
The AOS installation team noted Source’s consistent product quality and straightforward pre-assembly process, which allowed for efficient on-site setup. Minimal adjustments were required for post-installation. Over time, the congregation has easily reconfigured the sanctuary and social hall layouts, validating the selection of flexible furniture solutions.
The congregation has praised the furniture’s ability to maintain intimacy during smaller services while comfortably scaling for large gatherings. The products have enhanced both the worship experience and the welcoming, inclusive atmosphere envisioned by the design team.
The client expressed strong satisfaction with the results, noting they would confidently recommend Source International and AOS Interior Environments for future projects.
The Unified Jewish Congregation of Baton Rouge Synagogue stands as a symbol of unity and renewal bridging heritage with contemporary design. Through the thoughtful collaboration of RHH Architects, Lauren Bombet Interiors, and AOS Interior Environments, the project achieved a harmonious balance of inclusivity, flexibility, and timelessness.
Source International’s Axis and Defign chairs played an integral role in realizing that vision delivering beauty, comfort, and performance that will serve the congregation for generations to come.
