• UC Berkeley, the Innovative Genomics Institute,��Bakar��Labs��and Turner Construction��marked��the groundbreaking of the IGI-Bakar Labs building��on July 1.��
• The project will add laboratory,��research��and collaboration space for genomics researchers and emerging biotechnology companies.��
• The building is planned as a cornerstone of Berkeley’s Innovation Zone and will support CRISPR-based research and life science startups.��
• The July 1 announcement��identifies��Weiss/Manfredi as lead design architect and DGA as executive architect.

BERKELEY, Calif. —��The University of California,��Berkeley��(UC Berkeley)��has broken ground on the Innovative Genomics Institute-Bakar Labs building,��advancing a major life sciences project intended to connect academic research,��entrepreneurship��and biotechnology growth.��

The facility, designed by lead architect Weiss/Manfredi and executive architect DGA will provide laboratory, research and collaboration space for the Innovative Genomics Institute and Bakar Labs, supporting genome engineering research and companies moving from incubation into larger-scale operations.��

The groundbreaking brought together��builder��Turner��Construction as well as representatives from��UC Berkeley, the Innovative Genomics Institute, Bakar Labs,��project��partners,��researchers��and community leader��to celebrate the��significant milestone for one of the Bay Area’s major life sciences developments.��

“This groundbreaking is a celebration of partnership,” said Manu Garg,��Project��Executive for Turner, according to��. “Projects of this significance are only possible when owners, designers, builders, researchers, and community stakeholders come together around a common vision. We are honored to work alongside UC Berkeley, the Innovative Genomics Institute, Bakar Labs, and the entire project team to help create a facility that will empower the next generation of scientific breakthroughs.”��

The building is expected to become part of Berkeley’s Innovation Zone and further strengthen the city’s role in biotechnology and climate-focused research. Turner said the project reflects years of planning and collaboration among UC Berkeley, IGI, Bakar Labs, philanthropic supporters, architects Weiss/Manfredi and DGA, engineers,��consultants��and construction partners.��

When complete, the new building will support IGI’s genomics research and Bakar Labs’ network of emerging biotechnology companies. Turner said the facility will expand capacity for CRISPR-based research while creating infrastructure for life science startups moving from early-stage incubation to growth.��

“This is a pivotal moment for genome engineering around the world, and the IGI and UC Berkeley are at the leading edge,” said Jennifer Doudna, founder of IGI and Nobel laureate, according to��. “This new building is an exciting opportunity to grow the longtime partnership between the IGI and Bakar Labs, and to show the power of combining impact-driven research and entrepreneurship in one space.”��

For Berkeley, Turner said the project��represents��an investment in innovation, economic��development��and opportunity by creating space where researchers, entrepreneurs and emerging biotech companies can collaborate in��close proximity.��

Turner said the facility is intended to help discoveries made in Berkeley continue to grow and scale within the city. The groundbreaking marks the start of construction on a project positioned to support scientists, entrepreneurs and innovators working on research and technologies with broad potential impact.��

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• Vanderbilt University marked the topping out of a new right-field structure at Hawkins Field on June 16.����
• The addition will include private suites, premium seating, two new��bars��and a new player pitching lab.����
• When complete, the project will include about��50,000 square feet��of new or enhanced space.����
• Construction is scheduled to continue through the offseason, with completion expected during the��VandyBoys’ 2027 season.����

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Vanderbilt University marked a major construction milestone at Hawkins Field with a June 16 topping out ceremony for the ballpark’s new right-field structure.��

The project is designed to expand the fan experience and strengthen player development resources at the baseball stadium, which opened in 2002.��

The right-field addition will house private suites, premium seating, two new bars and a player pitching lab. Vanderbilt said the project will��ultimately expand��the Hawkins Field footprint to approximately��50,000 square feet��of new or improved space, including student-athlete resources, added capacity, premium seating and expanded food and beverage options.��

At the ceremony, Vanderbilt leaders framed the work as both a facilities upgrade and an extension of the baseball program’s identity.����

“You can build a baseball diamond pretty much anywhere, but it takes more than chalk lines and a fence to make that ballpark part of the community,” Vice Chancellor for Athletics and University Affairs and Athletic Director Candice��Storey��Lee said at the ceremony, according to��. “At Vanderbilt, Hawkins Field is a part of who we are, reflecting our best collaborative traditions and boldest championship ambitions.”��

The project also includes more than��10,000 square feet��dedicated to a new weight room and pitching��lab,��a��component��Vanderbilt said is intended to prioritize player development alongside the upgraded spectator amenities.��

Coach Tim Corbin said the project is intended to give the facility a distinct Vanderbilt identity.����

“We��don’t��want this to look like any other ballpark in our conference. We want people who come to the ballpark to know that this is Vanderbilt,” Corbin said, according to��. “We’ll be back in Omaha [for the College World Series], and this project will help us move in that direction.”��

Construction will continue throughout the offseason, and Vanderbilt expects the project to be completed during the��VandyBoys’ 2027 season.��

The current work follows��previous��Hawkins Field renovations. Vanderbilt said a 2016 capstone gift from former��VandyBoys��player��and AL Cy Young winner David Price helped launch a campaign that delivered existing infrastructure, including hitting facilities, a��classroom��and an alumni locker room.��

The Hawkins Field project is part of the broader Vandy United growth initiative, which supports major facilities and operational improvements for Vanderbilt athletic programs.��

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• Tennessee��General Assembly approved $311 million recommended by Gov. Bill Lee for a new College of Medicine Interdisciplinary Building at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UT Health Sciences) in Memphis.
• The project totals $350 million and is planned as a 275,000- to 300,000-square-foot facility on Madison Avenue.
• UT Health Sciences said the building will support growth, including expanding the medical student cohort from 175 to 250 and the Physician Assistant Program from 30 to 60 students per year.
• The university said it must raise an��additional��$50 million in philanthropic support; construction is targeted to begin in late fall 2026, with substantial completion��anticipated��in 2029.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. —��State lawmakers have approved $311 million in funding for a new College of Medicine Interdisciplinary Building at UT Health Sciences, a project university leaders say will expand training capacity and support statewide workforce needs.��

The funding, recommended by Gov. Bill Lee, supports a $350 million facility planned for the Memphis campus on Madison Avenue.��The Tennessee General Assembly approved the funding April 17 for construction of the new facility, which UT Health Sciences describes as a focal point for its Memphis campus and a major investment in health care education statewide.��

The university plans a 275,000- to 300,000-square-foot building on Madison Avenue, between the College of Pharmacy Building at 881 Madison Ave. and the site of the former Holiday Inn at Madison Avenue and Pauline Street.��

“This is a transformative step for UT Health Sciences, as well as for health and health care of the people of Tennessee,” Chancellor Peter Buckley, MD, said, adding that the building is intended to serve as “a hub for training future health care professionals to practice collaborative, state-of-the-art care across Tennessee,” according to��.��

UT Health Sciences said the added space would allow the College of Medicine to expand its class size from 175 to 250 students per cohort. The Physician Assistant Program would also be able to grow from 30 to 60 students per year, the university said.��

Project leaders tied the investment to workforce projections. “This is an investment in continuing to meet the significant deficit in physicians and physician assistants in the state of Tennessee, with projections suggesting that there will be a need for 6,000 additional physicians in the state by 2030,” Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer Raaj Kurapati said, according to��.��

Beyond classroom and simulation space, the university said the facility will support telehealth training and increase online educational opportunities for the College of Medicine and other colleges, with the goal of growing academic certificate programs and enrollment. UT Health Sciences also said the project is expected to bolster its response to rural health care challenges in Tennessee.��

As Tennessee’s only statewide academic health science center, UT Health Sciences said it expects the new building to enable the university to graduate an��additional��1,450 health care professionals practicing in various fields during its first five years of operation.��

The state’s allocation��represents��the lead investment, but UT Health Sciences said it must raise an��additional��$50 million in philanthropic support to complete the project. That total includes $39 million toward building costs, plus��additional��funding for specialized equipment and program support.��

UT Health Sciences said HOK conducted��a strategic��space inventory and developed programming for the building. The university has selected Memphis-based brg3s architects to design the facility in collaboration with HOK. After��remaining��state approvals are received, the university said it aims to begin construction in late fall 2026, with substantial completion��anticipated��in 2029.��

This article is based on reporting originally published by UTHSC News on April 17, 2026.��

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What You Need to Know��

• Miami University’s Board of Trustees approved a resolution authorizing��the construction��of a new multipurpose arena at Cook Field.����

• The university estimates arena construction at about��$242 million, with up to��$281 million��authorized for the arena and related ancillary costs.

• The arena is expected to be ready for the start of the athletic season in��fall 2028, addressing space and building-system challenges at the existing Millett Hall.

• Miami University also outlined intramural and recreation upgrades at the Millett Hall site and at Chestnut Fields, with construction expected to run May–September 2026.

Learn More��

OXFORD,��Ohio��—��Miami University’s Board of Trustees has approved plans to build a new multipurpose arena at Cook Field, a project the university says will expand event capacity, modernize athletic��operations��and support a broader campus events district.��

University officials estimated arena construction at approximately $242 million, with trustees authorizing up to $281 million for the arena and related ancillary costs. ��

In a statement, the university said the venue is expected to be ready for the start of the athletic season in fall 2028 and is intended to address space limitations and building-system operations and maintenance challenges at Millett Hall, the current arena.��Millett Hall opened in 1968 and initially housed men’s basketball, with volleyball and women’s basketball added in 1974. Miami said renovating Millett Hall to add practice courts and a dedicated volleyball court would��require��at least $175 million and would take the facility offline for multiple years.����

Miami University leaders also framed the new facility as a campuswide event venue, saying it would support concurrent student activities and other major events such as commencements, concerts, creative arts performances and career fairs. ��

“We are in a unique and dynamic time for Miami University Athletics. It is time to innovate, invest, and inspire. A new arena benefits all of Miami and will serve as a gateway and beacon for the university,” according to an article from Miami University.����

President Gregory Crawford tied the project to student experience and local economic goals. “This is a student-centered project that will create a vibrant new space intended to bring people together and support and engage our students. A new arena will provide the foundation for an events district in the heart of campus to benefit students, reinvigorate the community, and strengthen our local economy,” he said in an article published by the University.��

Beyond the arena, Miami said the project will also advance recreation upgrades elsewhere on campus. Planned work includes intramural soccer and flag football fields at the Millett Hall site, along with a walking path and exercise stations. At Chestnut Fields, the university described a multipurpose complex supporting full-size soccer fields, softball fields, flag football fields, a rugby field, a lacrosse field and intramural soccer fields. ��

Construction of new recreation facilities at Millett and Chestnut Fields is expected to begin in May 2026 and be completed in September 2026, allowing Cook Field to go offline in September 2026 to begin arena construction, according to the university.����

This article is based on reporting originally published by��Miami University��on��Feb. 27, 2026.��

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• Washington and Lee University’s Williams School building received LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.����

• The facility opened in August 2025 and is the first W&L structure to achieve the LEED Gold level, according to the university.����

• The project team pursued strategies tied to energy savings, indoor air quality, sustainable��materials��and construction waste diversion.����

• W&L said the building supports broader campus sustainability goals, including a climate action plan targeting carbon neutrality by 2050.����

Learn More��

LEXINGTON, Va. —��Washington and Lee University’s new��$38.3 million��Williams School building��has been awarded LEED Gold certification, marking the institution’s first structure to reach the rating system’s��Gold��tier.��

The��44,500-square-foot��academic building��designed by Boston-based architectural firm Goody Clancy��and built by��Kjellstrom-Lee Construction, houses the School of Commerce, Economics and Politics. The facility��opened at the start of the 2025-26 academic year, according to the university.��

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is administered by the U.S. Green Building Council and evaluates building performance across categories that include energy and water efficiency, materials, indoor environmental��quality��and innovation. The university said the Williams School building received “100% of the LEED points for which it applied” during the review process.����

“LEED Gold certification confirms that in both material quality and operational efficiency, this building meets an incredibly high standard of long-term value,” said Steve McAllister, vice president for finance and treasurer at W&L, according to��.��

University Facilities Project Manager Rachel Rowland said sustainability was built into the project from the beginning and reflected the institution’s approach to new construction. “From the outset, the Williams School building was designed with sustainability as a core value,” Rowland said, according to��.��

Among the building’s exterior measures, W&L cited adaptive landscaping intended to reduce irrigation needs and chemical inputs, exterior lighting designed to reduce light pollution, and stormwater controls meant to manage runoff and reduce impacts on nearby Woods Creek.����

Inside, W&L reported use of a heat recovery chiller and other systems that contributed to a 37% building energy savings over standard code. The university also connected the building’s heating and cooling strategy to a broader campus utility upgrade intended to transition heating resources from natural gas to a low-temperature hot water system.����

The university said it prioritized certified wood products and indoor air quality measures, including low- or no-VOC interior paints, entry mats to capture contaminants, and CO2 monitors that increase��fresh-air��intake when spaces are fully occupied.��Additional��features cited include low-flow water fixtures, bird-safe��glass��and centralized waste management systems intended to improve recycling.����

During construction, the university reported a 96.5% landfill diversion rate.����

W&L said the Williams School is the seventh building on campus to receive LEED recognition, and the university is also pursuing LEED review for the Lindley Center for Student Wellness that opened in August.����

This article is based on reporting originally published by The Columns (Washington and Lee University) on Feb. 16, 2026.����

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By Lindsey Coulter��

FULLERTON, Calif. — California State University Fullerton has reached a major construction milestone on its Engineering and Computer Science Innovation Hub, marking the topping out of structural steel work on��the $54 million project. The building is being constructed next to the college’s existing Engineering Building and is expected to open by fall 2027.��

C.W. Driver Companies is leading construction of the��Gensler-designed��Innovation Hub,��a 45,000-square-foot facility designed to support the next generation of engineers, computer��scientists��and technology leaders. University leaders and project team members broke ground on the project in June.��

The Innovation Hub is intended to serve as a collaborative, hands-on learning environment and a catalyst for discovery and industry innovation in Southern California. Planned features include dry labs supporting disciplines such as computing, robotics, materials testing and cybersecurity; makerspaces and equipment rooms to promote collaboration and efficiency; and student lounges and a wellness area designed to support student well-being.��

Cal State Fullerton leaders said the project is aimed at shaping the future of engineering and computer science education while strengthening ties between the university and regional industries.��

“The ECS Innovation Hub��represents��more than concrete and beams. It is a bold promise to our entire university and across all majors,” CSUF President Ronald Rochon said��in a statement. “It is a promise that we will equip our students with not only the technical skills, but also the collaborative spaces, real-world experiences and the mentorship needed to thrive in today’s world and lead in tomorrow’s world.”��

Susan Barua, former dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science, said the project reflects a broader vision for education and innovation. Barua, who retired earlier this year after a 37-year career at the university, now serves as strategic adviser for the $85 million project supported by state,��campus��and philanthropic funding.��

“We break ground not just on a building, but on a vision for what education, innovation and collaboration can achieve,” Barua said. “This hub will prepare our students not just to participate in the workforce, but to shape it.”����

The university received a $67.5 million investment from the state for the project’s first phase, with��additional��philanthropic efforts underway to expand and enhance programming.��A 2018 university-commissioned space feasibility study found the college needed��additional��instructional space due to enrollment growth. Since then, enrollment has increased by 30%, and the number of degrees conferred has risen��nearly 250%��over the past decade, Barua��added.��

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By Neall Digert, Ph.D., MIES ��

Developing athletic facilities in dense, urban environments can present a unique set of challenges. While these types of projects are often constrained by surrounding development and environmental barriers, design teams are still expected to deliver safe, high-performance spaces that support rigorous activities. At the same time, designs must anticipate the realities of climate change by embedding resilience and sustainability at every level.��

Columbia University’s Philip & Cheryl Milstein Family Tennis Center stands as a model of resilient design, demonstrating how to successfully overcome these challenges. Perched on the northern tip of Manhattan between the Hudson and Harlem Rivers, the state-of-the-art facility employs a vertical building strategy, advanced daylighting solutions and flood-resilient design concepts to create one of the most forward-thinking collegiate athletic centers in the country.����

This project also reflects broader industry trends: . With showing that 88% of metropolitan areas gained population between 2023 and 2024, and the projecting increasingly severe storms from climate change, the importance of space-conscious, adaptive design will only continue to rise.��

Meeting the Urban Challenge��

When Perkins&Will set out to design the Milstein Family Tennis Center, the firm faced the dual challenge of replacing an aging structure within Columbia University’s Baker Athletics Complex while also reflecting the institution’s commitment to resilient, high-performance design. Given the site’s proximity to two major waterways in one of the nation’s most densely populated areas, the project required a facility that met NCAA standards with six indoor and six outdoor courts, plus training areas, locker rooms and social spaces.��

Adding to the complexity, the building had to maintain strong visual and physical connections to the surrounding park and waterfront, despite the site’s vulnerability to flooding.��

“The motto for this project was fitness for all, and our team needed to create both a functional athletic facility and a community space within a constrained footprint, on land that has narrowly escaped severe flooding in the past and faces ongoing risk in the future,” said Stephen Sefton, Design Director, Principal, Perkins&Will.��

Building Up, Not Out��

To surmount the site’s restrictions, the design team implemented a vertical building strategy: elevating six indoor courts above the 100-year floodplain surrounded by resilient support areas with six more courts stacked above on the roof, with six more on the roof. This tiered design supported spatial and functional needs without compromising the surrounding landscape.������

By building vertically, Perkins&Will was able to incorporate social gathering areas and training amenities while also creating opportunities for more strategic integration of daylighting features and view corridors.��

Harnessing Natural Daylight��

Daylighting was a central design driver for the Milstein Family Tennis Center. To enhance visibility, comfort and energy efficiency, the design team specified Kingspan Light + Air’s with Verti-Lite grid pattern and integrated windows for the indoor courts. The translucent panels allow for abundant, diffused natural daylight while minimizing glare and thermal hotspots, key factors in .����

“Natural daylight was essential for this project, not only to reduce reliance on electric lighting, but to create an environment where athletes can perform at their best,” Sefton continued. “The UniGrid system gave us the ability to balance soft, even daylight with clear sightlines, ensuring the space feels bright, comfortable and connected to its surroundings.”��

Research continues to validate these benefits. from the Lighting Research Center demonstrate that exposure to daylight influences serotonin levels and alertness, helping reduce fatigue and sharpen cognitive performance, critical in high-intensity environments such as athletic training and competition. Similarly, a peer-reviewed published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that workers with greater exposure to daylight reported higher vitality, better sleep quality and longer rest duration than those in windowless spaces. In athletic facilities, these findings reinforce the role of daylighting as a performance strategy, supporting sharper concentration, faster reaction times and improved overall well-being.��

Framed windows integrated into the translucent wall system build on this approach by introducing curated views of the Hudson and Harlem rivers. The façade’s vertical rhythm of metal fins and white cladding references Manhattan’s maritime and industrial heritage while delivering a clean, contemporary aesthetic.��

Read the full article, including more on designing for resilience and efficiency, in the .

Neall Digert, Ph.D., MIES, is Vice President, Innovation and Market Development, for Kingspan Light + Air North America.��

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By Lindsey Coulter

DETROIT — Wayne State University has broken ground on its new $200 million Health Sciences Research Building (HSRB), a 160,000-square-foot facility designed to accelerate biomedical discovery and strengthen the university’s ties to the Detroit community.

The five-story building will house research programs in oncology, neurosciences, systems biology and immunology, and metabolism and infectious diseases. University officials said the design emphasizes collaboration and flexibility, with dedicated laboratories, shared amenities and connections to surrounding health and academic facilities.

“This new building represents Wayne State’s deep and enduring commitment to improving the health and economic strength of Detroit, our region and the state of Michigan,” said Dr. Kimberly Andrews Espy, WSU president, in a statement. “Here, our world-class biomedical researchers, clinicians, students and community partners will come together to solve some of the most pressing health challenges of our time, and to ensure discoveries more quickly reach the people who need them most.”

The HSRB will support Wayne State’s long-standing clinical partnerships with Karmanos Cancer Institute/McLaren Health, the Detroit Medical Center and other community organizations. Designed with green infrastructure, landscaped gathering areas and outdoor seating, the project also aims for LEED Silver certification.

Dr. Bernard Costello, senior vice president for health affairs said that the project represents the University’s dedication to improving health through collaboration — not just within the university, but across the entire community. “We are creating a space where research meets real-world impact and where our strong relationships with clinical partners and community organizations can continue to support discoveries that will shape the future of health care,” Costello said.

Funding includes a $100 million commitment from the State of Michigan, with the balance provided through university resources and philanthropy. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said the project will attract talent and spur economic growth. “This new building will help Michigan attract and retain some of the brightest minds to make breakthrough medical discoveries that make a real difference in peoples’ lives and help them get better,” she said.

The facility’s design calls for a pedestrian bridge connecting to Scott Hall and a dedicated walkway to the Elliman Research Building, creating a research corridor between basic scientists, clinicians and students. Interiors will be configured for adaptability, supporting both current and emerging technologies.

“The Health Sciences Research Building will be a powerful catalyst for advancing cancer research and care,” said Dr. Boris Pasche, chair of Wayne State’s Department of Oncology and president and CEO of the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute.

The project team includes Kramer Management as owner’s representative, HKS Architects & Designers, Osborn Engineering, the Christman Company as construction firm, and Wayne State University’s Facilities Planning and Management.

“A project of this magnitude is only possible because of the skill, vision and dedication of the many tradespeople, engineers and architects who are bringing it to life,” said Bethany Gielczyk, Wayne State’s senior vice president for finance and business affairs and chief financial officer.

Design development is complete, with construction underway. Completion is targeted for early 2028.

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By Charlie Lange

Earlier this month, leaders from the life sciences and biotechnology fields, along with experts in architecture and engineering, real estate and finance, convened in San Diego for Bisnow’s International Life Sciences & Biotech Conference.

Held Sept. 10–11, the event featured speakers, panel discussions and keynote sessions focused on the relationship between scientific institutions and the development and construction teams and strategies necessary to build research facilities.

The “Universities Driving Innovation and Biotech Growth: Attracting, Retaining and Supporting Top Talent, Developing Incubators for Startups and Driving Growth through Partnerships” discussion brought together life science department heads from different California colleges with architects responsible for designing and building the research facilities on their campuses.

The conversation covered how research institutions can work in tandem with A/E firms in securing funding, conceptualizing multi-purpose lab and research spaces, and giving students the resources they need to succeed in the field after graduation.

Moderated by Julie Kilpatrick, Senior Managing Director, Southwest Region, for project management consulting firm Turner & Townsend Heery, the panel included:

• Carmen Domingo, Dean of the College of Science and Engineering, San Francisco State University
• Robert Fagnant, Associate Partner, Syska Hennessy Group
• Tracy Johnson, Dean of Life Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles
• Vlad Pajkic, Partner, ZGF Architects
• Corrine Peek-Asa, Vice Chancellor for Research & Innovation, University of California San Diego
• Jeffrey Roberts, Dean of the College of Sciences, San Diego State University

Building for Flexibility

One common topic was the shift from building department-specific facilities to flexible, shared spaces that can host a variety of disciplines and purposes.

“Everybody always asks for flexibility and modularity,” said Pajik, citing recent projects at Johns Hopkins University and UC Davis, where primary spaces were designed as “core labs” with a variety of equipment and purposes in one place. He said these spaces offer room for collaboration between the sciences and are less expensive than building separate facilities.

Peek-Asa added that such facilities allow for institutions to “solve multiple problems at once.”

“It takes the cardiologist sitting next to the engineering student to understand how we can integrate [solutions],” she said.

“We need to have the flexibility to organize people not around what their Ph.D.s are, but around shared problems of interest,” added Roberts. “When you do that, you can make more efficient and more impactful use of space.”

And that flexibility makes for a better investment, as developments in AI and other new technologies will factor into future needs and functions.

“Listening to researchers, they’re young and fired up on using AI,” said Fagnant. “We’re going to have to parlay our data center experience into some of these facilities. AI integration is going to take a lot of interconnectability between building on campus and the outside world.”

New Ways to Find Funding

Exploring the unknown is foundational to scientific research, but with expansive cuts to federal education funding over the past year, universities have been forced into uncharted territory in securing the money to build or renovate facilities to meet ever-evolving needs.

Johnson brought up how challenges with federal funding have led UCLA to seek investment from private sources, including the companies that will eventually be employing the university’s graduates.

Domingo echoed this sentiment. “One of the important things is for industry to realize that the university systems around them will help create the environment for them to be successful. We’re the backbone of the workforce. Investing in a university like ours and in infrastructure that allows us to train students in the types of skillsets they need is important.”

Roberts added that universities could even find positive new opportunities in the current funding environment.

“It’s going force our faculty to think more creatively and broadly about who they need to reach out to, who they need to work with, and what kinds of problems they need to work on,” he said. “Current challenges from a funding perspective will have some positive impact in terms of building deeper, more meaningful and authentic collaborations with industry.”

Setting Students Up for Success

The panelists also stressed the importance of not only building facilities for learning and research, but also for preparing students to apply what they learn in the market after leaving campus.

“One of the keys in our new building was the ability to teach science differently, with studio-style instruction,” Domingo said. “Instead of going to lecture, then going to the lab afterwards, the space allows us to integrate lab and lecture together, so they’re putting into practice what they’re learning.”

Meanwhile, Johnson spoke about UCLA’s incubator programs, which allow students to work directly with startups.

“We are thinking about what it means to build a culture where our students can see the bridge between what they do in the university, in their classrooms and their labs, to ultimately taking their ideas into industry,” said Johnson.

On the topic of real estate, Peek-Asa added how UCSD’s status as the largest residential campus in the nation has kept students closer to their classrooms and has had positive effects in preserving housing in the local market.

“It’s important, because we’re trying to move our students onto campus so they’re not competing in our real estate market for affordable housing,” she said.

Ultimately, the conversation came back to the importance of public-private partnerships in helping universities develop industry leaders of tomorrow.

“Students are local, so if you invest in your local students, they don’t have to move into the area to be part of your workforce — they’re already there,” said Domingo.

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By Denzil D’Sa and Jack Carter

Across California, universities are racing to meet the evolving demands of today’s students — none more urgent than the need for on-campus housing. Once considered “commuter colleges”, many public institutions are now experiencing a seismic shift as more students seek a residential university experience. This change is reshaping campus master plans and challenging school leaders to rethink how student housing is delivered — faster, smarter and with less disruption.

For example, California’s CSU (California State University) and UC (University of California) systems are facing a mounting student housing crisis fueled by rising enrollment, limited on-campus housing, and unaffordable rental markets surrounding many campuses. Combined, these pressures have left tens of thousands of students without stable housing options. UC campuses report a shortfall of more than 20,000 beds, while CSU estimates its gap to be over 14,000. This has left many students on lengthy waitlists, commuting extreme distances, or facing housing insecurity that directly impacts their ability to succeed.

Responding to the Housing Crisis with Innovation

Enter Progressive Design-Build (PDB), a collaborative, solutions-forward delivery method that’s helping universities break ground faster and open doors sooner, all while maintaining quality and cost control. This design-build model has reshaped what’s possible, allowing companies like McCarthy, a long-standing partner in California’s higher education landscape, to deliver more than 5,000 student beds in the last four years.

From Concept to Completion in Record Time

At San Francisco State University (SFSU), the clock was ticking. The campus urgently needed student housing to support its growing population and improve the student experience. Thanks to the Progressive Design-Build (PDB) delivery method, project stakeholders were engaged from the very first design workshop through to ribbon-cutting — enabling the construction and delivery of 700 beds in just 17 months. That pace makes it the fastest-delivered housing project in the California State University (CSU) system to date.

Early alignment with the university, designers — EHDD Architecture, and trade partners allowed the team to evaluate options, control costs and iterate in real time — rather than waiting for full design completion before pricing and procurement. This approach built deep trust between the university and the design-build team, a critical element for making decisions at speed.

Speed was supported not just by process, but by purpose. The team prioritized minimizing disruption to ongoing campus life, particularly since construction occurred during active school sessions. Deliveries and site activities were coordinated around academic calendars to reduce noise, traffic and student impact — especially during finals and move-in weeks.

Student-centered thinking also influenced material selection and scheduling. The design and preconstruction teams worked closely with SFSU to choose materials that supported the campus vision while navigating the constraints of an occupied site. “Through the early partnership with SFSU, we were able to release long lead items — like electrical equipment — early to ensure timely delivery,” shared McCarthy Building Companies Senior Project Engineer Lana Jarnutowski.

Operations personnel were brought in early to contribute to design decisions and foster strong collaboration with the broader team. According to Jarnutowski, that trust laid the groundwork for seamless field execution. “Together, we designed and built a place where 700 people can call home. That is something we should all be proud of.”

The result? A state-of-the-art student housing community delivered not just on time, but ahead of expectations. Today, SFSU has a signature facility that reflects its evolving identity, enhances student success, and supports a vibrant living-learning environment.

The success of this project demonstrates the power of early collaboration and flexible delivery models — an approach that’s now being used to accelerate other projects across California.

Scaling the Model Across California

Following the success at SFSU, McCarthy’s approach is scaling across multiple campuses. At UC Riverside, a similar progressive design-build model is being combined with prefabricated Cold Form Steel (CFS) panels to deliver 1,500 student beds in just 23 months. This evolving delivery method — Progressive Design-Build + Prefab = Accelerated Results — is now being applied at UC Davis, where the team is building on lessons learned to enhance speed, quality and efficiency on its next major student housing project.

This kind of “rolling expertise” is critical for higher education systems managing multiple projects across different locations. Rather than starting from scratch each time, institutional leaders can rely on proven delivery partners to bring transferable knowledge, repeatable systems and a tested playbook for success.

The Shift from Commuter to Campus Community

Behind all these housing projects lies a deeper story. Once known as commuter schools, institutions like SFSU and UC Riverside are now embracing a residential campus identity, providing students with immersive, community-oriented environments. This is not just about beds; it’s about creating spaces where students can thrive, learn and grow.

Amenities such as study lounges, wellness spaces, community kitchens, and outdoor courtyards are no longer “nice to have” — they are expectations. And because design-build teams are engaged early, these features can be designed, priced, and integrated efficiently into the plan without creating late-stage cost overruns or schedule delays.

Driven by student needs and supported by delivery innovation, this shift is shaping a new era of campus development. Institutions are turning complexity into clarity and crisis into opportunity. They’re reimagining the college experience not as a logistical challenge, but as a chance to create spaces that reflect their mission and meet the real needs of their students.

As funding opportunities like California’s $2 billion Higher Education Student Housing Grant Program continue to drive new projects forward, the importance of smart, student-centered delivery models will only grow.

Denzil D’Sa is Preconstruction Director and Jack Carter is Vice President, Project Executive with

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