Client Q&A: Value Added Through Trusted Design
As universities navigate the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics, facilities have become a focal point of investment and strategy. A trusted design partner is one of the most valuable assets an athletics department can have to support its long-term vision.
For 15 years, our sports design experts have been trusted design partners of the University of Houston Athletics, delivering projects such as the Guy V. Lewis Development Facility,ÌýFootball Operations Center, and TDECU Stadium. The university has made significant investments in its athletics facilities, prioritizing student-athletes, and fostering an elite training environment that attracts and retains the nation’s top talent. These enhancements also elevate the gameday experience, creating an electrifying atmosphere for Cougar fans.
Hear from T.J. Meagher, Senior Associate Athletics Director for Facilities, Operations and Capital Projects at the University of Houston, on why our firm was the ideal partner in bringing the Cougars� aspirational facilities to life.
Why is having a trusted facilities design partner an advantage to athletics departments?
TM: A trusted design partner knows the client, demonstrates they pay attention, and proves they embrace the client’s values. Offering that commitment to the project outcome provides a pathway to maximizing any investment.
How has Houston’s approach to facility planning allowed them to manage the changing landscape of college athletics?
TM: Success in facility planning is driven by investing time and resources in the aspects of a project that return the most value. The recent and seismic changes in college athletics catalyzed a shift in perceived value in the recruiting process. It was not that long ago that modern facilities affected prospective student-athletes� decision making process of where to attend college. The appeal of personal financial gain seems to be deprioritizing the facilities arms-race. However, a winning program will generally offer innate value in the recruiting process.
How has Houston’s investment in its facilities enhanced the student-athlete experience at Houston?
TM: The facilities investment is crucial for the opportunity to maximize a student-athlete’s potential. Even if personal financial gain is more available in college, the ambition to compete as a professional athlete is still a driver for making a career after NCAA participation. We need to expect that coaches will challenge leadership to consistently improve conditions that promote excellence in competition.
As the demands of your fans have changed, how have your facility priorities met those demands and set Houston up for success in the future?
TM: We, and the rest of the programs at the top of the industry, are experiencing an extraordinary demand for the premium experience. With the beginning of our facility renaissance 13 years ago, we aspired to find a balance of capacity and upscale seating.Ìý We are now far more inspired to optimize the premium experience by creating multiple levels of premium amenities to cater toward anyone’s sport entertainment budget.
What are the biggest financial challenges Power Five athletics departments are facing and how can they leverage investment in their facilities to provide solutions?
TM: There is a perception right now that whoever funds revenue sharing and NIL distributions best will challenge for championships, and there is some truth to that. It may start out that way, yet I can’t help but think that the most successful programs will bet the ones that have balance among good coaches, good student-athletes, and good training conditions. I support the idea that should all three aspects be prioritized; sustainable success is possible.
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