Physical Planning & Design is a collaborative, interdepartmental, and multi-campus team led by the Associate Vice President for Facilities, Planning, and Capital Programs (FP&CP). United by a shared mission, the team leads long-term strategic placemaking across the University of Nebraska system. As the central hub for planning and design leadership, Physical Planning & Design oversees the University Project Evaluation Board, whose members are responsible for the selection of programming, design, and construction teams, as well as for coordinating Project and Aesthetic Reviews. The team also provides leadership across key disciplines, including Master Planning, Physical Facilities, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Interior Design.
Through close collaboration with campus clients and stakeholders, Physical Planning & Design ensures that planning efforts are inclusive, forward-thinking, and aligned with institutional goals. This integrated, multidisciplinary approach supports the thoughtful optimization of land use, building performance, and environmental impact—key factors in promoting sustainability, operational efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Backed by deep institutional knowledge and cross-campus expertise, the team offers strategic guidance on the physical, environmental, and economic aspects of development. Architecture and Interior Design play essential roles in shaping the user experience: architecture balances space, form, and natural context to create lasting and functional environments, while interior design enhances well-being and sustainability through thoughtful spatial planning. With proactive leadership and collaborative engagement, Physical Planning & Design delivers enduring value throughout the project lifecycle—serving as a trusted advocate for the University and shaping environments that advance its academic, research, and community missions.
Services
- Planning & Strategy – Shaping the future of our campuses through visionary master plans, space optimization, and long-term growth strategies.
- Architecture & Design – Delivering thoughtful reviews, interior environments, and cohesive design standards that bring campus ideas to life.
- Site & Landscape – Creating welcoming, sustainable outdoor campus spaces that connect people and place.
- Preservation & Sustainability – Revitalizing historic campus buildings and integrating resilient, future-ready/adaptive reuse solutions.
- Engagement & Wayfinding – Guiding campus communities with collaborative planning and clear, intuitive navigation systems.
Professional Organizations
Key professional organizations team members are connected to include:
- American Institute of Architects
- Association of Physical Plant Administrators
- Association of University Architects
- Society of College & University Planners
- U.S. Green Building Council and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
