Chandler Center for Environmental Studies at Wofford College

The Chandler Center for Environmental Studies at Wofford College is a 20,000-square-foot facility located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, designed to support the Department of Environmental Studies and other sciences. The building features classrooms, offices, advanced laboratory spaces, a seminar room, an outdoor patio, and garden areas, all thoughtfully integrated to provide students with real-world application opportunities in their field. Its visually striking design includes a second level pivoted to create three cantilevers, harmonizing with the campus while showcasing sustainable and innovative construction. The facility is Green Globes Certified, with notable features such as an exposed cross-laminated timber ceiling made from locally sourced Southern Pine, a rainwater cistern for irrigation, and solar panels that power the building’s energy needs, including HVAC systems.

Throughout the project, several challenges emerged, including the integration of advanced sustainable features, coordination with multiple stakeholders, and the need to maintain campus operations during construction. Robins & Morton addressed these challenges through a collaborative project management approach, establishing clear lines of authority, responsibility, and communication. Early and ongoing engagement with the client, design team, and trade contractors ensured that potential conflicts were identified and resolved proactively. The use of cloud-based project management tools, regular coordination meetings, and transparent reporting enabled the team to track progress, manage costs, and maintain quality standards. Value engineering workshops and constructability reviews were conducted to optimize the design and ensure the project remained within budget without sacrificing functionality or sustainability.

Robins & Morton’s leadership was instrumental in the successful delivery of the Chandler Center for Environmental Studies. Their Building Forward® approach fostered a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration, which was essential for navigating the complexities of a high-performance, sustainable academic facility. The team’s commitment to quality, schedule management, and client satisfaction resulted in a facility that not only meets the needs of Wofford College today but will serve generations of students to come. The project stands as a testament to the benefits of having an experienced construction manager who prioritizes open communication, proactive problem-solving, and a deep understanding of both sustainability and educational environments.