The good, the better and the best overcome headache during long meeting

Sometimes meetings can prove a headache. Unfortunately, last week I went to a long, long, long all-day meeting and I brought my headache with me. The meeting was to choose the architect to program and design our new building. Each firm was given the opportunity to make a presentation and we asked lots of questions. You might think that such an arduous meeting, coupled with a headache, would be just plain all around bad but actually, the meeting was really very good.

Ken Snyder

The architectural firms were well prepared and they all did a very nice job with their presentations. It was a case of good vs. better vs. best as opposed to good vs. bad. Despite the headache, it turned out to be an enjoyable and educational day. All of the final five were Utah firms that were partnering with other national firms that were experienced in designing business schools. While I think any of the five firms would have done excellent work, I think we picked the firm that will best meet our needs.

We selected a Salt Lake City firm, GSBS Architects, which is teaming up with a Seattle firm, LMN Architects. Just picking them, at this point, doesn’t mean, however, that they will be doing the work. We first must negotiate an agreement with them before we can proceed with the project.

LMN designed PACCAR Hall for the Foster School of Business at the University of Washington. One thing you notice about PACCAR Hall is that it is designed to let in lots of natural light. When you consider that our building will overlook Cache Valley, it would make sense that a building be designed that would take advantage of the spectacular views our location will offer. You can take a look at PACCAR Hall, which I have toured, by watching the video below.

GSBS designed the Merrill-Cazier Library right here at Utah State University. It also designed the Gore School of Business at Westminster College.

Once we’ve negotiated an agreement, we can move ahead with the programming. That’s where the fun really starts.

Ken Snyder