Unique Design & Construction Challenges

Designing and constructing a multi-service student center of this scope meant addressing complex user needs and expectations. Our team embraced a Progressive Design-Build delivery method from day one, which placed collaboration at the forefront. This approach enabled us to work hand-in-hand with diverse program stakeholders – from cultural center staff to health service providers – to identify shared goals, ensure logical adjacencies between related services, and even plan shared-use spaces that maximize flexibility. By involving the end-users throughout design, we ensured the final layout truly serves students effectively while also encouraging teamwork among the various departments.

Another challenge was timing – the design phase coincided with the tail end of COVID-19 restrictions. Traditional face-to-face meetings were limited, prompting innovative thinking about space usage in a post-pandemic world. We integrated lessons learned from the pandemic into the building’s design, creating flexible, resilient spaces that accommodate both individual needs and group activities. For example, open lounges and study areas can be easily reconfigured for social distancing or collaborative work, and enhanced ventilation and wellness features were incorporated as a direct response to pandemic-era insights. These forward-thinking design choices help ensure the center remains adaptable and safe for years to come.

Supply chain volatility during construction also required a strategic approach. To avoid delays that were impacting many projects nationwide, our team prioritized materials and systems that were readily available, without compromising quality or performance. This proactive material selection and procurement strategy kept the project on track and contributed to its timely completion. We’re proud to note that despite industry-wide challenges, the Student Support Center was delivered on schedule – a testament to careful planning and the agility of the progressive design-build process.

Key Outcomes & Impact

The collaborative spirit that defined the Center’s creation continues in its day-to-day operation. By colocating a broad spectrum of student services under one roof, the facility naturally encourages cross-department interaction and synergy. Staff from different programs now easily interact, coordinate events, and refer students to each other’s services. This integrated model not only improves operational efficiency but also creates a warm, inclusive atmosphere where students feel supported on multiple fronts.

For Fullerton College students, the impact has been immediate and positive. The new center offers a one-stop destination where they can address academic, personal, and basic needs all at once. A student can drop into the VRC for veterans’ assistance, grab nutritious items from the Food Bank, consult with an academic counselor in EOPS, and attend a cultural enrichment event at the Cadena Center – all in the same building on the same day. This convenience empowers students to seek help and engage more fully in campus life, knowing that a network of resources is readily accessible in a welcoming environment. As one college news article noted during the grand opening, the facility was

designed to enhance student success by centralizing vital resources, services and support programs in one location.

Indeed, whether it’s academic tutoring, mental health counseling, financial aid guidance, or a sense of community belonging, Fullerton College students can now navigate their journey with comprehensive support every step of the way.

Equally important, the project showcases our firm’s ability to deliver innovative solutions for educational institutions. The success of the Student Support Center highlights how a progressive design-build approach – with its emphasis on early collaboration, open communication, and flexibility – can result in a facility that adapts to evolving needs and remains resilient in the face of challenges. It stands as a living model of how thoughtful design and construction can positively shape campus culture and student outcomes.