Management Track: University of Texas at Austin Seeks SITES Certification

In 2013, the University of Texas at Austin began planning construction for a medical school. Michael Wallick, landscape supervisor at the university’s Dell Medical School, worked with general contractors, subcontractors and consultants in planning the project, and he knew he wanted his facility to be certified by the Sustainable Sites Initiative.

Today we are speaking with:
Michael Wallick
Landscape Supervisor
The University of Texas at Austin


"The premise for SITES is sustainability for the physical location, the soil, hydrology and plants," Wallick says. “This is (UT Austin's) first SITES project and could serve as a template for the main campus. Planning started in 2013, (and) substantial completion on phase one will be late spring 2017.”

The Dell Medical School campus sits on 25 acres that includes four buildings and a new hospital, as well as native plants and a green roof on the medical clinic building. Reviewing landscape plans and specifications, Wallick and his staff developed the best possible plan.

"The SITES component has been a challenge both for us and contractors," Wallick says. "The impact (on our staff) has been minimal, as we were able to hire staff dedicated to (the project)."

The Dell Medical School campus sits on 25 acres bisected by Waller Creek. It includes four buildings (Three new & one existing) and a new hospital all with Native plants and including a green roof. Planning started in 2013, substantial completion on Phase One will be late spring 2017.


Q) Briefly describe the Dell Medical College project. (Size of facility, landscape elements, start and end dates, cost, etc.)
A) The Dell Medical School campus sits on 25 acres bisected by Waller Creek. It includes four buildings (Three new & one existing) and a new hospital all with Native plants and including a green roof. Planning started in 2013, substantial completion on Phase One will be late spring 2017.

Q)What role did you and your staff play in planning this project?
A)We reviewed landscape plans & specifications and consulted with project managers, general contractor, sub-contractors & consultants.

Q)What was the impact of the new facility and surrounding landscape on your staff's workload?
A)The impact has been minimal as we were able to hire staff dedicated to and with salaries paid for by the Medical School.

Q) What challenges did you and your staff face during the planning process and during the project?
A)Dealing with a landscape Architect officed in Boston presented logistical challenges, and the SITES component has been a challenge both for us ant contractors.

Q)What is the significance of SITES certification?
A)The premise for SITES is sustainability, for the physical location, the soil, hydrology and plants. This is our (UT Austin) first SITES project and could serve as a template for the main campus

Q)What lessons did you and your department learn from your participation in this project?
A)Get involved at the beginning, take nothing for granted & work hard at establishing a good working relationship w/ all parties involved in the project.

posted:  5/31/2017