Celebrating Excellence in the Southwest – Smith & Perkins Renovation & Expansion Wins DBIA 2025 Project/Team Merit Award
- Sep 5
- 2 min read
We are thrilled to announce that the Smith and Perkins Renovation & Expansion project at Southern Methodist University (SMU) has been honored with a 2025 DBIA Project/Team Merit Award, in the Rehabilitation / Renovation / Restoration category—recognizing outstanding achievements in design-build delivery.
A Landmark Project in Modernization and Heritage Preservation
This transformative project united two 70-year-old residence halls—Smith Hall (1949) and Perkins Hall (1948)—with a thoughtful connector that fosters community, collaboration, and preserves SMU’s iconic Collegiate Georgian architectural style.
Delivered in under one year and timed to welcome students in the fall semester, the renovation tackled multiple complex challenges simultaneously, including hazardous material remediation, HVAC system upgrades, moisture control, code compliance, technology integration, and roof replacement—all while keeping classes in full session and ensuring minimal disruption on an active campus.
Collaboration, Innovation, and Cost Savings
The success of this ambitious project was a direct result of the design-build delivery method, which enabled seamless integration between design and construction, fast and well-informed decision-making, and exceptional coordination with university operations.
Through this collaborative approach, the design-build team achieved a 7.5% budget reduction, freeing up funds to support future phases of SMU’s residence hall modernization plan.
A Blueprint for Inclusive and Sustainable Campus Living
Beyond operational excellence, the project sets a new standard for inclusivity and accessibility on campus. It features:
Fully accessible routes from multiple entry points
A new elevator and ramps connecting historic and modern spaces
Modern amenities and performance upgrades that enhance student comfort and sustainability
A unifying connector that redefines residential life for nearly 200 students.
It also serves as the model for future renovations—establishing design, materials, and accessibility benchmarks for the remaining 11 residence halls in SMU's phased modernization strategy.
Design-Build Team
Client/Owner: | Southern Methodist University |
Design-Builder: | ECBuild |
Architect: | EwingCole |
Engineers: | EwingCole; RLG Consulting Engineers |
Subcontractors: | RLG Consulting Engineers; Armko Industries; The Office of Christopher Miller |
Project Cost: | $29,993,674 |
Construction Duration: | 14 Months |
Recognition and Next Steps
By earning the DBIA Project/Team Merit Award, the Smith & Perkins project advances in national-level competition for top honors—including DBIA's Awards of Excellence, Project of the Year, and other distinctions. Final awardees will be celebrated during the annual DBIA Design-Build Conference & Expo Awards Ceremony, scheduled for November 6, 2025, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.
