A National Conference Recap from Hawaii: Presenting UMaine GEM at the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP) Conference
And just like that, we’re back in Maine! We were honored to present at this year’s SCUP National Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii. Alongside the University of Maine and our design partners at Grimshaw, Adam Yothers and I shared the story of the innovative design work behind UMaine’s Green Engineering and Materials (GEM) facility in a…
Bridging the Data Gap: How Custom Tools Transform A/E Design
Architecture and engineering are changing. The demand for high-quality design is still strong, but clients facing increasingly complex projects expect more. A well-structured BIM (Building Information Model) file used to produce 2D drawings is no longer enough, and the I in BIM – information – is not always complete or accessible. At the same time,…
The D3 Roster Dilemma and How Facilities Are Adapting
In the world of collegiate athletics, NCAA Division III (D3) schools often stand out for their commitment to balancing the academic and athletic needs of their student-athletes. But there’s another unique and often overlooked challenge these institutions face: roster size. With no cap on team sizes, D3 rosters often swell far beyond their Division I…
5 Steps to Campus Electrification: A Strategic Engineering Perspective
Campus electrification isn’t just a trend, it’s an essential part of the path toward decarbonization, climate resilience, and operational sustainability. But make no mistake: beneficial electrification is a long game. It requires vision, strategy, and a willingness to take measured steps today to ensure a more sustainable tomorrow. As institutions face aging infrastructure, growing demands…
Return to Trust: The Human Side of Return-to-Office Decisions
Since the online algorithms know me and my obsession with all things workplace so well, I can’t log on to any device or app without being bombarded by articles about Return to Office policies (RTOs) – and naturally, I read all of them! RTOs are a careful calculation of risk vs. reward for executive leaders….
Second Chances: Reimagining Big-Box Retail as Healthcare Hubs
The story of architecture is one of continuous evolution, where second chances breathe new life into spaces that have lost their original purpose. In today’s context, few building types are more emblematic of this opportunity than big-box stores. As of Q4 2024, the retail vacancy rate in the United States was 5.4% (Cushman & Wakefield…
The Power of Architectural Renderings for Nonprofits: A Marketer’s Perspective
The adage “seeing is believing” holds extraordinary weight in the nonprofit world. For these organizations, architectural renderings—realistic visualizations of future projects—can mean the difference between securing critical funding and an organization’s vision fizzling into obscurity. From a marketer’s perspective, architectural renderings are indispensable. When your project hinges on external funding sources, communicating the story of…
Cleanroom Technology Features SMRT’s Andy Tyner and His Expertise on the Complexities of Radiopharmaceutical Facility Design
The field of radiopharmaceuticals is rapidly transforming the treatment of life-threatening diseases. Andy highlights key design considerations to overcome unique challenges and stringent requirements. The article explores site selection, facility layout, infrastructure, environmental controls, and regulatory compliance opportunities as well as strategies to weave in safety, efficiency, and collaboration into radiopharmaceutical facility design. Explore the…
My First 40 Years Â
I joined SMRT in 1984, after my first year of architecture school in New York City. Having spent my childhood summers in Maine, it seemed like a good idea to get out of the big city and find a summer internship in Portland. The founding partners of SMRT, Paul Stevens, Dana Morton, Duane Rose, and…
Interns in Action: Real Projects, Real Impact at SMRT
As the summer winds down and our interns head back to school, we look back on an unforgettable summer internship program. These past few months have been filled with learning and growth, showcasing the power of immersive experiences in the professional world. Here we take a closer look at how the program is designed to…