Department of Architecture, Design and Construction
Submitted by Paula J. Behrens, A.I.A.
Department Head
Architecture, Design & Construction
The Department of Architecture, Design & Construction is delighted to announce some of the recent changes in the department. As the preceding name indicates, the Design Technologies Department has been replaced with this new, clearer name. All of our courses have been consolidated to one designation, “ADC,” rather than the trio of ARCH, CADT, and CSTR. We have revised all our programs as well, so for advising or general knowledge, please check out the catalog for changes in Architecture, Interior Design, Computer-Assisted Design and Construction.
We are delighted to announce a new degree: A.A.S. in Facility Management, with a choice of two options: Design or Construction. This is the first 2-year degree in the United States that is in the process of becoming recognized by the International Facilities Management Association (IFMA), so we are forging a new path in the professionalization of this rapidly-growing field.
“Facility Management” may not be a common career goal yet for the average college-bound student, but the jobs are there, and the need for educated employees is as well. All employers who own or manage real estate need trained facility managers. They are in demand at: - Health care systems; - School districts, colleges and universities; - Banking and investment corporations; - Pharmaceutical research companies and civic institutions;- Commercial High-Rise and many other property-owning employers – even Disney World employs FM’s! It’s no longer our grandparents’ building management world – maintaining today’s intricate, complicated properties need much more than the traditional building engineer or janitorial service. Educated individuals with up-to-date knowledge in real estate, design, construction, finance, operations, management, and planning are needed by all these employers. Today, facility managers need to be entrepreneurial specialists, educated and effective in dynamic problem-solving, decision-making and communications skills. Until now, the responsibility to train staff in the complex requirements of this field fell to employers. For many years, the members of the Philadelphia Chapter of IFMA recognized the need for higher education to prepare candidates for this career path, especially here in the Philadelphia region. Our department, with the support of Dean Sharon Thompson of the Division of Liberal Studies, is the first to launch a degree program in the Philadelphia area. With energetic support and guidance from the IFMA Chapter, the College is enrolling students into the degree now. In late October, Paula Behrens, Department Head, will be attending the “World Workplace” – IFMA’s annual international conference, in New Orleans. She will be strengthening ties with local IFMA members and their companies, meeting with the other FM college programs in the nation (six currently, at baccalaureate and masters level, the closest being Cornell), making contact with exhibitors for jobs for our graduates, and attending sessions on the diverse aspects of the field. She also plans to find time for jambalaya, jazz, zydeco and, on the last day, some volunteering for the ongoing hurricane relief efforts. Please help us get out the word: students interested in pursuing a highly rewarding career in the design or construction aspects of Facility Management need to know about this exciting new prospect. With courses in Management, Leadership and Real Estate, the degree may appeal to students with varied interests. Transfer schools are also coming on board quickly. Widener has a Certificate in Facility Management in conjunction with a business degree, and Temple’s Fox School of Business and the Architecture Program there are discussing a minor in FM. It is also possible to become recognized in the field through IFMA’s certification process, so our two-year degree can lead directly to a full-time career.
