The Capital Project Study of the Art and Architecture Building launched on 8/26/2026. Constructed in 1974, the building needs renovation as well as an expansion for the Stamps School of Art & Design.
This study is a first step toward addressing the needs of the shared facility. It will help identify an approach that combines new construction with upgrades to the existing building, makes effective use of available resources, and improves the experience of students, faculty, and staff.
SO–IL (Solid Objectives–Idenburg Liu) is leading the study with partners from IDS, Transsolar, Reed Hilderbrand and Beckett & Raeder. Stamps School of Art & Design and Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning are working with the Office of the Provost, the Facilities Planning Committee, and Architecture, Engineering, and Construction.
Community Engagement
Input from the Art and Architecture Building community is central to the study. Engagement will include small focus groups, held both in person and on Zoom, as well as broad community surveys.
The design team will seek input on:
- Classrooms and studios
- Making and fabrication facilities
- Social spaces
- Exhibition and critique spaces
- Health and comfort
- Access and wayfinding
Project Timeline
Dates beyond the initial study activities are preliminary and will be updated as details are confirmed.
- Beginning April 2026: Study Preparation
- August 26, 2026: Capital Project Study Kickoff
- September 16, 2026: SO–IL Campus Visit
- September 30, 2026: Community Survey Deadline
- Fall 2026: Focus Groups, Surveys, and Community Gathering
- Winter 2027: Finalize the Study and Pursue Approval
- Date to Be Determined: Design and Construction
Facilities Planning Committee
The committee brings together representatives from Stamps, Taubman, the Office of the Provost, and Architecture, Engineering, and Construction.
- Diana Adzemovic — Assistant University Architect, Architecture, Engineering, and Construction
- Earl Bell — Chief Financial Officer, Taubman College
- Roland Graf — Professor of Art & Design, Stamps School
- Claudia Heger — Lecturer IV in Architecture & Urban Planning, Taubman College
- Carlos Jackson — Dean, Stamps School
- Deanna Mabry — Director for Design and University Architect, Architecture, Engineering, and Construction
- Jonathan Massey — Dean, Taubman College
- Fadi Musleh — Assistant Vice Provost, Office of the Provost
- Jonathan Rule — Clinical Associate Professor of Architecture & Urban Planning, Taubman College
- Jesse Stiles — Associate Professor of Art & Design, Stamps School
- Caitlin Walton — Chief Administrative Officer, Stamps School
- Sarah Weiss — Director of Facilities, Stamps School
- Laura Wilson — Senior Operations Manager, Taubman College
Stamps & Taubman Project Management Team
- Earl Bell – Chief Financial Officer, Taubman
- Mikalia Dennis – Executive Workflow Manager, Taubman
- Janice Drake-Austin – Executive Assistant, Stamps
- Jennifer Hogan – Director of Strategic Initiatives and Internal Communications, Stamps
- Caitlin Walton – Chief Administration Officer, Stamps
- Sarah Weiss – Director of Facilities, Stamps
- Laura Wilson – Sr. Operations Manager, Taubman
Past Communications
Project announcements, presentations, meeting summaries, and other updates will be archived here.
- September 9, 2026: Capital Project Study Update
- July 1, 2026: Capital Project Study Announcement and Next Steps
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Capital Project Study?
It is an early planning process used to clarify project needs, evaluate options, establish priorities, and identify a feasible approach before detailed design and construction planning begin.
Why is the Art and Architecture Building being studied?
The building was constructed in 1974 and needs renovation. The project also considers an expansion for the Stamps School. The study will examine how new construction and improvements to the existing building can work together.
What outcomes is the study intended to support?
The study is intended to identify an approach that makes effective use of resources and improves the experience of students, faculty, and staff. It will inform future approval, design, and construction stages.
Who is leading the architectural study?
SO–IL (Solid Objectives–Idenburg Liu) is leading the study with partners from IDS, Transsolar, Reed Hilderbrand and Beckett & Raeder.
How will students, faculty, and staff be involved?
The design team will use focus groups, in-person and Zoom meetings, surveys, building tours, and broader community gatherings to learn what works well today and what should operate differently in the future.
What topics will community engagement address?
Topics include classrooms and studios, making and fabrication facilities, social spaces, exhibition and critique spaces, health and comfort, and access and wayfinding.
Has a final design or construction plan been selected?
No. The purpose of the study is to identify and evaluate an approach. Future design and construction plans will depend on the study’s findings and required university approvals.
When will construction begin?
A construction start date has not been established. The study must first be completed, proper university approvals secured, and subsequent design and construction stages planned.
How will project updates be shared?
Stamps and Taubman will communicate regularly as new information becomes available. Announcements and supporting materials will also be added to the Past Communications section of this site.
Where can I submit another question?
Send questions to the A+A Capital Project Study Project Management Team.