In September, Facilities/Construction Management (F/CM) staff represented the University of Houston (UH) at the TCUF Conference at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Houston.
TCUF, or the Association of Texas College & University Facilities Professionals, holds the titular conference every two years. The 2026 conference, which spanned multiple sessions and events over three days, gathered facilities professionals from higher education institutions across the Lone Star state.
One driving purpose of TCUF conferences is to foster conversation about new trends and best practices. Another is to offer a wealth of networking opportunities for facilities professionals working at higher education institutions. Attendees frequently include engineers, facilities planners, architects, contractors, and representatives from many other roles.
Sharing the RAD Center Story
This year, two F/CM leaders shared the story of UH鈥檚 RAD Center project with the TCUF audience. University Architect Glenn Serdar presented on the RAD Center project鈥檚 historic use of mass timber. Senior Project Manager Brad Schmidt participated in the follow-up Q&A panel discussion on the project鈥檚 construction, which architectural firm Perkins & Will facilitated.
Serdar鈥檚 presentation was on the RAD Center鈥檚 innovative use of mass timber and its efforts toward sustainability goals and students鈥� wellness. However, the presentation didn鈥檛 just cover the center鈥檚 construction. Rather, Serdar began his talk by sketching the historical context and important conversations about student needs that led UH to replace the former Student Center Satellite with the RAD Center.
"The RAD Center did not begin as a blank sheet of paper. It grew out of conversations about the Student Center Satellite, a place with decades of history and significance for the UH community," said Serdar.
Honoring the history of the Student Center Satellite was a critical part of the story
Serdar shared with the TCUF audience.
Understanding Tomorrow鈥檚 Needs
Serdar noted that the Student Center Satellite was about more than just replacing
an aging building.
"It was about understanding what tomorrow's students need and creating a facility
that helps position the university for the future," said Serdar.
When asked about key highlights from the conference, Schmidt chimed in.
鈥淪eeing and hearing that campuses across Texas are seeing the same challenges that we are seeing [was one takeaway],鈥� he said. 鈥淸Another was] discussing mass timber with fellow attendees and seeing the high interest.鈥�
Facilities/Construction Management looks forward to proudly representing UH at the next TCUF conference, taking place in San Antonio in 2028.