University Park, Texas
Southern Methodist University
In partnership with Robert A.M. Stern Architects, our team was selected to study the feasibility of upgrading the SMU’s Cox School of Business, balancing cost and capability, while right-sizing space distribution based on current and projected demographics. As a result of a detailed benchmarking and programming process, the recommendation was to fully reconfigure the existing three buildings’ 165,000 GSF and provide an additional 65,000 GSF, while increasing the buildings’ efficiency. Proposed additions integrate seamlessly with the fabric of the Georgian SMU campus, stitched together to provide a unified facade where old meeting new will be indiscernible. A new multi-story commons will be the heart of the school, where students, faculty, and visitors can connect with each other. Student spaces will be concentrated on the lower level and entry floors, while the faculty spaces will be consolidated on the second floor. All primary hallways will have views to the courtyard, providing natural light and orientation. The enhanced Cox School of Business will exceed its peers with forward-thinking classroom design and an industry-leading amount of collaboration space, positioning the School of Business for its next 100 years.
Construction scheduled to be completed Summer of 2024
“The selection of our partners is a critical decision in every level and aspect of our operation and GFF has fit into our operational mindset resoundingly well! From master plan advising to project specific needs ranging from land development, programming, design and construction administration services the GFF organization has delivered three tenets of our mission statement exceedingly well.”
Michael Molina, AIA, NCARB — SMU Associate Vice President of Facilities Planning and Management / University Architect
Project Data
| Client | Southern Methodist University |
| Project Website | Cox School of Business |
| Square Feet | 235,000 SF |
| Project Budget | $140 Million |
| Project Manager | SMU Office of Facilities Planning and Management |
| Civil / Structural | RLG Consulting Engineers |
| Landscape Architecture | The Office of Christopher Miller |
| Executive Architect | GFF |
| Design Architect | Robert A.M. Stern Architects |
| MEP Engineer | Purdy-Mcguire MEP Engineers |
| Lighting Designer | Essential Light Design Studio |
| Envelope Consultant | The Conley Group |
| LEED Consultant | The Beck Group |
| Enhanced Commissioning Agent | WSP |
| AVS Consultant | DataCom Design Group |
| Environmental Graphics | Miller Zell |
| Life Safety / Fire Protection Consultant | Jenson Hughes |
| Cost Consultant | CCS |
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Construction at SMU’s Cox School of Business is Underway
The project will fully reconfigure and renovate the existing three buildings, constructing an additional 65,000 SF while increasing the buildings’ overall efficiency.
SMU launches $140 million expansion of Cox School of Business
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