The Texas Conference of Universities and Facilities brings together higher education leaders, planners, architects, engineers, and facilities professionals to share innovative strategies shaping the future of campus environments. Through presentations, case studies, and peer discussions, attendees gain insights into planning, design, construction, operations, and sustainability across higher education facilities.

Rooted in Texas: Advancing Mass Timber from Vision to reality at the Aplin Center

• Thursday Sept. 14 | 2 PM
  Principal and Higher Education Leader Emily Winters

  Texas A&M’s Aplin Center showcases mass timber as a scalable, sustainable alternative to steel and concrete. This session explores the decision-making process, balancing fire codes, spans, and regional climate with performance and constructability. Attendees will see how structural strategy drives long-term value and examine the supply chain of Texas-grown timber – tracing its journey from forest to fabrication to understand its impact on the state’s timber industry.

Rethinking the Lab: Managing Research Facilities for a Sustainable Future

• Thursday Sept. 14 | 3:15 PM
  Principal and Higher Education Client Leader Isabel Mandujano

  Universities facing financial and environmental pressures must prioritize responsible space stewardship, especially in resource-intensive labs. Data-driven management improves utilization and cuts costs without defaulting to new construction. Through space analysis and green lab initiatives – like equipment sharing, cleanouts, and cold storage management – institutions can free up valuable space while enhancing safety, functionality, and environmental performance.