SportsPLAN Studio principal Joel Leider developed a student interest survey instrument and conducted a series of focus group discussions to identify recreational preferences and to gauge the students’ willingness to assess themselves an additional fee to finance the project. Leider worked very closely with Joe MacLean and his staff to turn the students’ wish list into an affordable and operationally viable space program and architectural design.

It was an interesting challenge to work with an ambitious program, a tight budget and the University’s renewed commitment to the Spanish Renaissance style of its original buildings. Leider managed the project through the design development phase and brought BRW Architects aboard to serve as the Architect of Record. He provided continuing design and technical guidance through the construction phases.