UH�S FPC PROJECT MANAGERS TAKE CAMPUS TO NEW HEIGHTS


We build excellence here at the University of Houston, not just academically but also structurally. Our university is growing fast and new construction is popping up all across the campus. Leading this construction effort is a dynamic team of Project Managers in Facilities Planning and Construction who work behind the scenes to transform the campus landscape and continue our tier-one environment.

As a Project Manager (PM) at UH, you are responsible for overseeing and managing renewal construction and renovation projects for the main campus as well as system campuses. PMs also manage and review the project schedule and budget as well as oversee compliance during construction to make sure the building is safe and sound. Throughout the projects, PMs also serve as the liaison to customers and building occupants and handle problem solving and overall communications. UH�s PMs all have impressive backgrounds and experience individually to create a superior team that works together to make the campus vision a reality.

Meet our FPC Project Managers:

Morris L. Bennett, Jr.
How long have you been with UH? Over 8 years all as a Senior Project Manager in the University of Houston Facilities Planning and Construction department.

UH Projects: Various renovation projects throughout the UH campus such as Science and Research school, Creative Writing Center, Moores School of Music, and School of Engineering as well as major capital projects such as the East Parking Garage the Stadium Parking Garage and the upcoming 1A Parking Garage.

Years of experience in the industry? I have over 30 years of experience in the Architectural and Engineering Industry.

Other companies you have worked for? Various Architectural Firms � 6 years; Dow Chemical USA, Engineering and Construction Services � 25 years; Houston � HISD � 3 years; University of Houston � 8 years to present

Why did you decide to work for UH? I have always wanted to work for a major University providing my talent, experience and knowledge for managing and building higher educational facilities for our students. It gives me great pleasure in seeing the students enjoying the campus and the facilities we provide for them.

What do you like most about your job? I love my job. I love working with the faculty, the students, my co-workers, the design teams, architects, engineers and contractors to develop new major facilities and renovating the existing facilities on campus. As I said before it gives me great pleasure in seeing the students, the faculty and the staff, enjoying the campus and the facilities we provide for them.

Kelly Buehler
How long have you worked for UH? Almost 4 years

UH Projects: The interior build-outs of SERC, the new Science Teaching Lab Bldg., Central Plant Addition

Years of Experience in the industry? 12 years as an architect

Other companies you have worked for? Gensler, Jackson & Ryan Architects, Remington Hotels

Why did you decide to work for UH? My architecture degree is from UH, and it�s so much fun to be here now as staff and to see the campus grow.

What do you like most about your job? I love being involved in the entire process, from selecting the design and construction team, through the design, and finally the construction of the project. It�s a very exciting process and there are new challenges every day that keep me on my toes.

Mei Chang
How long have you been with UH? It will soon be 6 years.

UH Projects: 8 minor projects, some work for ERP, 3 major projects: Calhoun Lofts, Cougar Village, and University Center Transformation on-going.

Years of experience in the industry? I have been a licensed architect for 30 years, in the industry 20+ years.

Other companies you have worked for? I have been a small business owner (design & construction) for many years. Prior to that I worked for architectural firms 3D/I and Caudill Rowlett Scott.

Why did you decide to work for UH? I was looking for an opportunity to contribute to larger, common good.

What do you like most about your job? Two-fold: contributing to the community, and sharing the experience with like-minded colleagues.

Emily Eldridge
How long have you been with UH? 8 months

UH Projects: Science and Research 1 � Life Safety Renovations, Lamar Fleming � Life Safety Renovations, Health and Biomedical 5th Floor Vivarium

Years of experience in the industry? Approximately 13 years

Other companies you have worked for? Roy Anderson Construction, Gilbane Building Company, W. G. Yates and Sons Construction and J.E. Dunn Construction

Why did you decide to work for UH? I have previously worked as a general contractor on campus and when I was presented with the opportunity of working at the University of Houston, I jumped on it. Even though the job is a different side of construction I saw the position as a growth opportunity which would help me to learn new aspects of construction from a different perspective.

What do you like most about your job? I really have enjoyed meeting and getting to know various people that I have had the pleasure of working with at the University.

Bernie K. Harless
How long have you been with UH? 11 years

UH Projects: UH Classroom and Business Building, UHD Shea Street COB Building/Parking Structure, UHD Urban Education/Criminal Justice Building, UH Health and Biomedical Research Center (program/conceptual), UHD Administration Renovation, UHD Campus Development Plan, UHD Willow Street Pump Station Renovation, UH Women�s Softball Complex, UH Auditoriums/Classrooms Renovations, UH Biomed Renovation, UH Michael J. Cemo Hall, UH AGL Computing Center, UH Bayou Oaks Housing, UH Cullen Oaks Housing, UH Burdette Keeland Design Exploration Center

Years of experience in the industry? 31 years

Other companies you have worked for? Calhoun, Tungate Jackson & Dill Architects; STOA International Architects; Morris & Associates Engineers; Construction Strategies Incorporated

Why did you decide to work for UH? Represent and develop a project from the owner�s/user�s perspective.

What do you like most about your job? Developing a project comprehensively and interactively from conception to completion and insuring the user is satisfied with the end results.

Luiza C. Maal
How long have you been with UH? 4 � years

UH Projects: Hilton Hotel Renovation, Weather Study tower at Moody Towers Residence Hall, West Dining Hall, Blaffer Gallery, Jaguar Hall @ UH-Victoria.

Years of experience in the industry? 20 plus years

Other companies you have worked for? Texas Southern University, Rice University, Baylor College of Medicine

Why did you decide to work for UH? The opportunity to work in a growing campus.

What do you like most about your job? Participating in various projects and meeting different members of the UH community.

Frederick W. Maddox
How long have you been with UH? Almost 2 � years

UH Projects: Senior Project Manager for Health and Biomedical Sciences Center and New Stadium Project

Years of experience in the industry? 35 years

Other companies you have worked for? I was a partner and director of design in an architectural firm in private practice. Also worked as a director within Cushman & Wakefield Advisor Services Group, a commercial real estate firm.

Why did you decide to work for UH? It is my way of giving back.

What do you like most about your job? Assisting the University build for the future generation of students.

Margaret Manley
How long have you been with UH? 9 months. It will be one year on July 1st. However, it feels like I am back home in many ways because I attended college here from 1976 through 1982 and obtained my degree in architecture.

UH Projects: My first project is Cougar Place Replacement/SophomoreHousing Project.

Years of experience have in the industry? Almost 30 years and 20 years as an owner�s representative for construction projects.

Other companies you have worked for? I worked as a draftsman for several engineering firms through architectural school including geo-technical, civil, and planning projects. I was partner in a small architectural firm for 8 years. I worked for a contractor on a design-build radiation containment laboratory and for Fort Bend ISD for nineteen years.

Why did you decide to work for UH? This position expands upon my experience in K-12 construction for a public school district (Kindergarten through 12th grade buildings) and provides new experience in higher education projects.

What do you like most about your job? I love working with the university stakeholders, project architects and engineers and contractors, all of whom I have great respect. It is a pleasure to be involved with design & programming as well as with the actual construction of a project and to know that I am looking out for the best interests of UH. I enjoy being part of a well-working team of individuals dedicated to creating a successful project. I believe that the more successful the team the more successful the project will be. This is a constant learning process and one that makes me a well-rounded professional.


William A. Rieck, Jr.
How long have you been with UH? 9 months

UH Projects: UH ERP Buildings and a new project currently in planning at UH Victoria.

Years of experience in the industry? 12 years in the architecture and project management community. Licensed Architect in Texas.

Other companies you have worked for? Kirksey Architecture, Philip Ewald Architecture. Other pre grad experience with urban planning at The University of Louisiana at Lafayette Community Design Workshop.

Why did you decide to work for UH? To further expand my knowledge of architecture by transitioning to the owner representation side within the public sector.

What do you like most about your job? To hear that an end user is satisfied and pleased with their completed project.

Dean Ruck
How long have you been with UH? 22 years

UH Projects: Many, many minor projects; TS Allison recovery, particularly University Center Underground; major capital projects include Calhoun Lofts, UHCL Student Service / Classroom Building, UHCL Arbor Expansion and Renovation, Cougar Village II (current).

Years of experience in the industry? 20+ years

Other companies you have worked for? Self-employed as an independent artist, and also in collaboration with Havel Ruck Projects, LP.

Why did you decide to work for UH? Bob Bourdon, head of Sculpture department, recruited me in 1990 to help re-establish the sculpture area after the closing of Lawndale. I did some affiliate teaching as well as ran the wood and metal shops at South Park Annex. In the course of projects at SPA, I met Tom Wray and Virgil Gay at Facilities Planning and Construction, who hired me as a Project Manager at FPC in 2000

What do you like most about your job? Contributing to the significant expansion and improvements to UH campuses in the past decade.


Anna Wiesman
How long have you been with UH? 2 years

UH Projects: While working in Minor and Planned Projects I accomplished a myriad of projects throughout campus. Most notable have been the Moody Towers & Quadrangle Renovations, Moody Towers & Quadrangle Security Upgrades and Law Center Breezeway Renovation. Currently, I am working with the Facilities Planning & Construction department as one of the managers assigned to the New Football Stadium project.

Years of experience in the industry? 3 years

Other companies you have worked for? Texas A&M Facilities Management

Why did you decide to work for UH? My interest in Facilities Management was piqued by the time I spent at Texas A&M. While there I had the opportunity to estimate, execute and manage projects under the close guidance of seasoned Project Managers. After graduating from Texas A&M, I sought out a position where I could continue to learn and grow. I found that opportunity at U of H where I have garnered the skills which have led to many successful projects.

What do you like most about your job? I enjoy that every day presents a different challenge. It requires quick, decisive action while encouraging creativity in order to further the University�s mission. This outside thinking is what helps us keep budgets low, set �green� initiatives and, most importantly, further student growth. As a junior member of our team, it is exciting to give back to the student population knowing that I was in their shoes less than 2 years ago.


For information on current and future projects in Facilities Planning and Construction, visit https://www.uh.edu/plantops/departments/fpc/index.php.