Higher education institutions face many challenges: space utilization, attracting and retaining students, adapting to changing demographics, and ensuring financial sustainability. Data-driven planning powered by in-house architectural advisory services, seeks to address these challenges. By engaging advisors early in the visioning and planning process, colleges and universities are maximizing space utilization and budgets, while increasing their capacity to serve students, faculty, staff, and surrounding communities.
Campus planning without academic planning, space utilization and demographics is left to rely on anecdotal evidence and gut feelings, leading to inefficient solutions and missed opportunities. Imagine embarking on a significant renovation project. In the past, the process might have started only with a series of meetings where various stakeholders voiced their opinions and wish lists. The architect would then attempt to synthesize these often-conflicting desires into a design that, hopefully, satisfied everyone. How can you be sure those desires are based on accurate perceptions of how space is used?
This is where in-house architectural advisory services come in. Choosing to partner with architectural firms capable of combining data analytics with planning expertise and advanced GIS capabilities, institutions gain access to an experienced team using the latest digital tools.
By teaming with architectural firms capable of combining data analytics with planning expertise and GIS capabilities, institutions gain access to an experienced team using the latest digital tools.”
This approach transcends traditional physical planning by grounding design solutions in concrete evidence, leading to more effective, efficient, and financially sustainable outcomes.
Data + Design Integration: Why In-House Matters
One of the key advantages of in-house advisory services is the integration of data analysis and design. As Minta Ferguson, McMillan Pazdan Smith (MPS) Principal and Director of Planning and Advisory Services, points out, “One of the reasons I joined MPS in particular was to really integrate the data into the design world because we can solve a lot more problems when we use the two together.”
The campus facility assessment pictured above, is one example of data analysis provided for college space planning and design.
Data and design integration eliminates the “cold handoffs” that often occur when architecture firms outsource advisory services to external consultants. With in-house expertise, architects and data analysts work collaboratively from the outset, fostering a continuous feedback loop that ensures the design remains aligned with the institution’s data-backed needs and goals. This close collaboration translates into several tangible benefits:
- Streamlined workflows: In-house teams can respond quickly to changing project requirements and adapt their analysis as new data becomes available. This agility reduces project schedules and minimizes delays.
- Enhanced communication: With everyone under one roof, communication is more fluid and transparent. Architects can easily consult with data analysts to clarify findings, explore alternative scenarios, and ensure the design reflects the data’s insights.
- Elevated team knowledge: By working alongside data experts, architects develop a deeper understanding of data analysis techniques and their application to design. This cross-pollination of knowledge enhances the entire team’s capabilities and fosters a culture of innovation.
Space Utilization Data that is Beyond the Anecdotal
One of the most compelling benefits of data-driven design is its ability to challenge assumptions and reveal an institution’s true needs. In our experience, stakeholders often articulate what they want, but those desires may not align with what they actually need. Data analysis helps institutions differentiate between perception and reality.
Space Utilization Study
For example, faculty members may believe they need additional classrooms, but a space utilization study might reveal that existing classrooms are underutilized due to inefficient scheduling or inadequate technology. By uncovering these hidden inefficiencies, institutions can make more informed decisions about resource allocation, prioritizing investments that will have the greatest impact on student learning and faculty productivity.
According to MPS Data Analyst, Alec Stover, data eliminates much of the guesswork involved in design. “While intuition and experience still play a role in design, data provides a solid foundation for decision-making, ensuring that choices are based on evidence rather than speculation,” Stover said. “This is particularly important in today’s environment of increasing accountability and scrutiny of higher education spending.”
GIS: Mapping the Future of Higher Education
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are a powerful tool for visualizing and analyzing spatial data. Stover’s background in geology and GIS brings a unique perspective to the architectural advisory services team at MPS, as his work enables clients to see their facilities, campuses, and communities in a new light.
GIS can be utilized to:
- Analyze demographics: Understand the characteristics of the student population, identify underserved areas, and target recruitment efforts.
- Optimize campus layout: Improve pedestrian flow, identify areas of congestion, and plan for future expansion.
- Assess community impact: Evaluate the institution’s role in the surrounding community, identify opportunities for partnerships, and address local needs.
- By presenting data in a visual, intuitive format, GIS helps stakeholders understand complex information and make informed decisions.
“When people are presented data visually, they can connect with it really easily,” said Ferguson. “For example, with GIS, our advisory services team can portray five different data points on one map, and people are going to be able to envision our design plan and results holistically.”
Owning the Data, Owning the Future
It’s been said that ‘those who own the data own the future.’ This is particularly true in advisory services, as owning and organizing data early in a project unlocks a wealth of strategic possibilities.
When an institution understands its data, it can make more informed decisions about everything from higher education space utilization to program development to student services.
Getting a comprehensive data picture of spaces early makes it easier to identify opportunities and unlock potential.
Leadership can analyze data to identify emerging patterns in student enrollment, space utilization, and resource allocation. They can create performance indicators, comparing their performance to peer institutions and identifying areas for improvement. Perhaps the best use of owned data in higher education is utilizing it to predict future demand for space, programs, and services.
Leveraging owned data for a competitive edge can position institutions for long-term success, as proven by recent work done at Newberry College.
Real-World Impact: Data-Driven Campus Design Case Studies
The benefits of in-house architectural advisory services are not just theoretical. They have been demonstrated in numerous real-world projects.
When Newberry College experienced significant growth in several academic programs, the institution sought a space needs assessment to address its evolving requirements. MPS Advisors were engaged to explore alternative solutions for optimizing existing campus spaces. Together with Newberry’s vice president of academic affairs, the team analyzed data such as seat fill rates, classroom scheduling, and net assignable square feet (NASF) to determine the current and ideal allocation of academic space. Input from faculty, staff, students, and alumni was collected via online surveys to prioritize campus improvements and renovation. This resulted in a comprehensive plan that will create a more dynamic, adaptable campus.
Recent use cases for advisory services in higher education planning and design:
- Smaller private institutions are using space utilization assessments to adapt facilities, such as residency and athletic spaces, to accommodate the changing student body.
- Community colleges are incorporating utilization studies to maximize program space, avoiding the need for costly new construction and ensuring that the college could offer desired programs and classes.
- Technical colleges are benefiting from demographic analysis that aids in site selection for new facilities that will be home to programs serving local workforce development needs.
- Public and private universities of all sizes are discovering new ways to aid recruitment, keep students engaged, and best serve their communities.
These examples illustrate the importance of grounding higher education expansion and renovation decisions in evidence. By taking this approach, institutions can achieve better outcomes, optimize resource allocation, and create more vibrant and inclusive learning environments.
When to Engage Architectural Advisory Services
The best time for an institution to engage with advisory services is during or after the completion of a strategic plan, as the information gathered during strategic planning can inform a campus vision. These services can also be provided when completing due diligence.
Trailblazer the mascot gives master plan input at A-B Tech.
An institution may want to build consensus among stakeholders, boards, and councils to get funding for projects. They can also be helpful when an institution isn’t sure what a program needs to be, what the student growth is, or what classroom utilization needs to look like. They may also want to reassess staff work styles, space allocation, or future models to inform the program and plan.
Embracing Curiosity
Ultimately, the success of in-house architectural advisory services hinges on a culture of curiosity. “My work is driven by a constant pursuit of those ‘aha!’ moments that ignite something in our clients and our own team,” Ferguson said.
This spirit of inquiry is essential for uncovering hidden insights, challenging assumptions, and developing innovative solutions. Stover argues it’s as essential to the planning process as collaboration.
Data analysis should be an interactive and dynamic process,” Stover said. “By engaging with stakeholders and incorporating their input, data analysts can help institutions envision a brighter future for their students, faculty, and staff.”
A New Era for Higher Education Planning
In-house architectural advisory services represent a shift in higher education planning and design. By integrating data analysis, planning expertise, and GIS capabilities, institutions and their architectural partners can unlock a wealth of insights.
As the challenges facing higher education continue, data-driven design will become increasingly essential for institutions seeking to thrive in the 21st century. By embracing this approach, institutions can move beyond guesswork and create a future where design is guided by evidence, driven by curiosity, and focused on the success of students, faculty, and the community as a whole.
For more insight into data-driven planning from MPS Advisors, listen to our podcast, IdeaXchange: The Future of Education, Episode 9:
