Add as a preferred source on Google

Architecture Firm Announces New Higher Education Leader

  • By Matt Jones
  • 10/04/23

Baker Barrios Architects recently announced the addition of a new leadership position to its staff, according to a news release. William Maffett, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, MBA has been named as the firm’s new national director of higher education. Maffett works out of the Baker Barrios office in Nashville, Tenn.

The firm also announced the appointment of Jeff Saad, LEED AP, as the new Midwest regional director of healthcare.

“Establishing a physical presence in multiple markets and attracting top talent in the sectors we serve has been key to our success in growing from Central Florida’s biggest architecture firm to becoming a nationally known player with a portfolio of high-profile projects across the country,” said Baker Barrios cofounder and CEO Tim Baker. “The experience and expertise William and Jeff will bring to our higher education and healthcare practices in the Midwest and beyond will be a tremendous asset to Baker Barrios and our clients.”

Maffett’s experience includes decades of experience in higher-education planning, design, and construction. He previously served as a campus architect for Auburn University and oversaw more than $360 million in capital projects.

“William is known as a relationship-builder, both in terms of fostering collaboration and innovation among his team as well as serving as a solutions-oriented resource for clients,” Baker said. “Designing spaces in the higher education sector often involves balancing the desired outcomes of many stakeholders, and William is great at addressing the needs of every group at the table.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Pittsburgh High School Upgrades Athletics Facilities’ Technology

    Plum Senior High School in Pittsburgh, Penn., recently partnered with South-Dakota-based Daktronics through the We’re All Mustangs Here Foundation to upgrade the technology in its athletics facilities, according to a news release. Daktronics designed, built, and installed new LED video displays and finished the project in time for the beginning of the 2025 high-school football season.

  • Florida SouthWestern State College, Skanska Partner for Humanities Hall Renovation

    Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) in Fort Myers, Fla., recently announced that it is partnering with construction firm Skanska to renovate the school’s Humanities Hall, according to a news release.

  • Creating Long-Term Sustainability on College Campuses Through Fair Student Housing

    The quality of student housing can have a significant impact on an individual’s college experience. Today’s higher education institutions face mounting challenges, including declining enrollment, low retention rates between the first and second years, and a rise in student mental health concerns. Thoughtfully designed living spaces can help address these issues by creating environments that promote both academic focus and personal well-being.

  • Empowering People Through Smart, Sustainable Campuses

    Sustainability is facing increasing scrutiny, with some questioning its costs and priorities. Yet for universities, it remains an essential driver of resilience, operational efficiency and long-term competitiveness. At the same time, there is a growing recognition that sustainable transformation is not just about reducing energy consumption and emissions to comply with tightening regulations ‒ it’s about creating vibrant, comfortable environments where people can thrive, innovate and connect. For university leadership, this is a complex balancing act, with rising energy costs and limited budgets only adding to the challenge.

Digital Edition