A Study of Construction Costs: What Are You Getting for Your Design Dollar?

A new study on construction costs of recent projects at colleges and universiteis concludes that designers did not charge more for laboratory buildings, traditionally complicated projects, than they did for, say, residence halls, which are typically not as complicated.

The study, which is detailed in a recent issue of Engineering News-Record, says that the design fee is influenced more by the location of the project and the endowment of the institution rather than by the type of project.

Matt Feldmann, director of institutional research at Blackburn College and the lead author of the study, acknowledged to ENR that the results of his study defied common assumptions. But, he reasoned, perhaps the results reflect the growing complexity of modern residence halls. “They aren’t just rooms with baths at the end,” Mr. Feldmann said in ENR. “Now, they are building pretty sophisticated structures.”

Still, Mr. Feldmann expressed concern about what colleges were getting for their design dollar and wondered whether “designers are adding services, what marketers and sales people call ‘up-selling,’ because the school is wealthier and more prestigious,” ENR said.

Certainly, residence halls have become more complex — and have become key features in attracting students to a campus. But more complex than a laboratory building? ENR spoke with at least one professor who is not buying the conclusions of the study. —Scott Carlson