"None of these buildings was built for educational purposes, and they had to be retrofitted to meet our needs," explains Pamela Hurd-Knief, SAAP development and alumni relations director. In fact, adds development specialist John Miller, the basement in the main building had a dirt floor for many years! SAAP students, faculty, and staff have had to grapple with issues of inadequate space and aging infrastructure, as well.

Though alumni no doubt have many fond memories of the old buildings—practical and "aesthetic" challenges notwithstanding—they have also led the way in making the dream of a new SAP building a reality. The state of New Mexico earmarked $9 million during the 1999-2000 legislative session to help fund construction of a new SAP facility. However, the fundraising efforts of a core group of alumni have played a major role in pushing the project forward.

The Gateway to Excellence Capital Campaign, the first of its kind at UNM, has nearly completed its "quiet phase," in which private funds are solicited. The majority of the campaign cabinet members, led by Van Gilbert, '64 BAFA, '71 MARC, are UNM alumni, and their energy, vision, and commitment have spurred an outpouring of local financial support for the project, especially from the friends of George Pearl and the local architectural community. The SAAP Alumni Association will begin the public phase of the campaign in Spring 2004.

In addition to raising money, UNM alumni are also playing a major role in the building's design. Internationally renowned architect Antoine Predock was selected to design the facility. Furthermore, Graham Hogan, '96, leads the design team, John Anderson, '73, is the executive architect, John Brawley, '84, is the contract manager, and Roger Lujan, '69, serves as UNM head of facility planning.

"It really is a 'UNM family' enterprise!" says Hurd-Knief.

UNM plans to break ground for the George Clayton Pearl School of Architecture and Planning Building in fall 2004. This 64,000 square foot facility will be located immediately east of the UNM Bookstore, on the north side of Central Avenue. Consisting of four main levels, it will contain offices, classrooms, studios, a major auditorium with seating for 190, a formal gallery/exhibition room, and the expanded Fine Arts and Design Library. And what's more – when visiting the new building, nostalgic alumni need only gaze south across Central Avenue to get a comforting glimpse of their old SAP haunts!

Gateway to Excellence Campaign, Alumni Cabinet Members
Van Gilbert, '64 BAFA, '71 MARC, Chair
Bob Campbell, '58 BASE
Glenn Fellows, '70 BARC
John Hooker, '86 MARC, '89 MSCE
Ron Peters, '72 BARC
George Radnovich, '76 BAA
Garrett Smith, '74 BARC
Bob Stamm, '42 BSCE
Jim Trump, '79 BABA
Louis Weller, '59 BARC

Learn more about the UNM School of Architecture and Planning

Visit the UNM SAAP Alumni Association web page