Higher Education

Inspiring Thinkers, Leaders, and Professionals

BHDP furthers the mission, strategy, and prosperity of Higher Education institutions through the planning and design of inspiring places and experiences by leveraging our Collective Ambition, Design Process, and deep understanding of the business of Higher Education. Our multi-disciplinary expertise in integrated strategic planning and campus master planning, combined with our extensive portfolio in the design of academic, scientific, medical education, student life, and residence life spaces, is founded upon our passion for improving the student experience.

The building captured exactly what our brand is. It’s amazing how that was an intentional goal of this project, and it came together.

Tom Zechman, Assistant Dean of the College of Engineering, Ohio Northern University

Our Work

Our Higher Education Projects

An exterior view of the Scharnberg Business and Communication Center
Featured Project Cedarville University
Scharnberg Business and Communication Center Cedarville University's new 65,000 SF facility combines modern, flexible academic spaces with integrated technology to foster collaboration, enhance student experiences, and support the university's goals for growth and innovation.
A researcher stands inside a lab with a transparent glass wall
Featured Project Ohio University
Russ Research Opportunity Center BHDP transformed a historic building on Ohio University's campus into the state-of-the-art Russ Research Opportunity Center (RROC), a flexible and modern engineering space.
Exterior of the newly renovated Penn State General Classroom building on the Beaver campus.
Featured Project Penn State University
General Classroom Building Renovation BHDP worked with Penn State University to renovate the General Classroom Building on their Beaver Campus. The refreshed space includes newly optimized classrooms, integrated technologies, and malleable collaboration spaces for students to use for group work, individual study, or just to hang out.
An exterior view of UC's new law building
Featured Project University of Cincinnati
College of Law Building The UC College of Law sought to upgrade its nearly century-old current space with a state-of-the-art facility to match the upward trajectory of the law school. BHDP was tasked with renovating and adding to the existing Lindner Hall to create the new building.
Front-facing view of ONU's new engineering building
Featured Project Ohio Northern University
James Lehr Kennedy Engineering Building ONU worked with us to design a state-of-the-art engineering building to increase lab space, promote engineering on campus, and encourage faculty-student collaboration.
Students watch what is happening inside the simulation room
Featured Project Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
Allied Health Simulation Lab BHDP worked with Cincinnati State Technical and Community College to create an Allied Health Simulation Lab. The lab provides students with enhanced training and hands-on learning.
The new Lycoming College Trachte Music Center
Featured Project Lycoming College
Trachte Music Center BHDP was tasked with building a new music facility for Lycoming College. The 14,000-SF project provides students with the resources they need to find success in their education and beyond. The Trachte Music Center represents both the vast history and the future of the music program at Lycoming.
Student-athletes work out in the new weight room at Cedarville University
Featured Project Cedarville University
Callan Athletic and Academic Expansion BHDP partnered with Cedarville University to execute a new building addition to the Callan Athletic Center as part of their 10-year campus master plan. 
Students working and hanging out in commons area of Miller Hall at Heidelberg University.
Featured Project Heidelberg University
Miller Hall Study and Renovation BHDP completed the renovation of Miller Hall, the largest residence hall on Heidelberg University's campus. The project modernizes student amenities and improves the physical connection to the renovated dining hall nearby.
Two students work together in a lab while another student works beside a fume hood
Featured Project The Ohio State University
Celeste Laboratory Study and Renovation BHDP conducted a master plan study and subsequent phased renovations to Celeste Laboratory—home to The Ohio State University's undergraduate department of chemistry.
Exterior shot of Galen College of Nursing Louisville
Featured Project Galen College of Nursing
Louisville Campus and Main Headquarters Galen College of Nursing teamed up with BHDP to assist in the site selection, programming, and design of a new Louisville campus and corporate headquarters. The 130,000-SF campus features high-level clinical-learning labs, active-learning classrooms, an advanced simulation hospital, a café, and more.
The Achatz building features an overhang that looks out onto the lake
Featured Project University of Saint Francis
Achatz Hall of Science and John and Toni Murray Research Center The vision for the Achatz Hall of Science and John and Toni Murray Research Center at the University of Saint Francis was to be a modern, sustainable, collaborative, and innovative science learning center that embodies the Franciscan values that lay at the foundation of the University.
See All Projects

Insights

What We're Saying About the Future of Higher Education

A nursing student stands at a simulated patient's bedside
Blog Post 05.07.2025
From Simulation to Reality: How Design Impacts Nursing Education and Practice Explore how intentional design in nursing simulation centers boosts student confidence, clinical readiness, and long-term retention—featuring insights from Galen College of Nursing’s Louisville Simulation Center.
CFOs and Campus Futures: Innovating Financial Strategy in Higher Education
Podcast 04.25.2025
CFOs and Campus Futures: Innovating Financial Strategy in Higher Education In this episode, we explore how CFOs are redefining financial strategy to drive innovation, resilience, and long-term success across higher education campuses. Featuring insights from industry leaders, the conversation highlights emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of campus planning and investment.
A rendering of Cedarville University's Bolthouse Academic Center
In the News 04.01.2025
Construction To Begin on Cedarville University’s $35M Bolthouse Academic Center BHDP is proud to be part of the team working on Cedarville University's newest facility, the Bolthouse Academic Center. With construction set to begin in May 2025, this $35 million project will provide state-of-the-art spaces for education, research, and student collaboration.
Crafting the Campus of Tomorrow: Designing Spaces for a Diverse Student Population
Blog Post 02.27.2025
College Campus Design: Crafting Spaces for a Diverse Student Population Today’s college students are more diverse than ever, requiring institutions to rethink how they design campuses to support a broad spectrum of learners. Modern campus planning can enhance student success through rapid-paced convenience, accessible services, and dynamic learning spaces.
Shaping the Future: Designing Campus Spaces for a Changing Student Population
Podcast 02.20.2025
Shaping the Future: Designing Campus Spaces for a Changing Student Population As the student population continues to evolve, traditional residential campuses must adapt to meet the needs of a broader range of learners. In this episode, we explore the challenges and opportunities facing higher education, from shifting enrollment trends to the reimagining of campus spaces and funding strategies, all with the goal of creating vibrant, inclusive learning environments for the future.
The Future of Learning: Designing Classrooms for Engagement and Innovation
Podcast 01.29.2025
The Future of Learning: Designing Classrooms for Engagement and Innovation In this episode, we explore how integrating pedagogy, space, and technology can transform classroom design in higher education. Our experts discuss the critical role of flexible environments, active learning strategies, and cutting-edge technology in enhancing student engagement and academic success. Learn how thoughtful design can create more effective and dynamic learning experiences.
A beam is lifted up during the topping out ceremony
In the News 01.01.2025
University of Kentucky Celebrates Topping-Out Ceremony for the Martin-Gatton Agricultural Sciences Building The University of Kentucky celebrated the topping-out ceremony for the Martin-Gatton Agricultural Sciences Building, a 66,000-SF facility designed by BHDP to enhance learning and collaboration in agriculture and environmental sciences, set to open in spring 2026.
Next-Gen Students, Next-Gen Campuses: Generation Alpha’s Influence on Design
Podcast 12.23.2024
Next-Gen Students, Next-Gen Campuses: Generation Alpha’s Influence on Design In this episode, we explore the growing influence of Generation Alpha—the digitally native and socially conscious cohort poised to reshape higher education. Join us as we discuss their unique needs and preferences and how thoughtful design can create spaces that empower their learning experiences and future success.
Podcast graphic featuring Tom Sens and Marlo Cookston
Podcast 11.22.2024
Campus Checkup: Assessing Higher Education Facilities In this episode, we explore the critical role of facility condition assessments in shaping the future of higher education campuses. Learn how these evaluations provide insights into maintenance priorities, budget planning, and long-term campus sustainability. Discover why addressing facility needs is key to creating environments that support student success and institutional growth.
Students hanging out in a dorm at Cedarville University
Blog Post 11.05.2024
Understanding Generation Alpha: Designing Spaces for a Tech-Savvy and Social Future As Generation Z reaches the peak of college attendance and Millennials continue raising families, a new question has emerged: who is the next generation, and how will they shape the world around us?
Exterior rendering of the new agricultural research building for the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
Published Articles 10.22.2024
University of Kentucky’s CAFE Expands with Modern Agricultural Research Hub BHDP and The University of Kentucky (UK) recently broke ground on a state-of-the-art agricultural research building for the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (M-G CAFE).
Beyond the Classroom: How AI is Transforming Higher Education
Podcast 10.21.2024
Beyond the Classroom: How AI is Transforming Higher Education In this episode, we explore how AI is transforming higher education. BHDP’s Mike Garvey, Client Leader, and Blaze Bowers, UT Knoxville Lecturer, discuss the opportunities and challenges AI presents for students, educators, and institutions and what the future holds for technology in academia.

Our People

Leaders in Higher Education Design

Paul Orban

Paul Orban

Higher Education Market Leader, Partner

Michael Garvey

Michael Garvey

Client Leader

Tom Sens

Tom Sens

Client Leader

Peggi Anneken

Peggi Anneken

Business Development Manager

Kevin Denman

Kevin Denman

Senior Project Manager, Associate

Jeffrey T. Kring

Jeffrey T. Kring

Director of Architecture, Higher Education; Associate

Some of Our Long-Standing Partnerships

50

States in which BHDP has Registered Architects

70+

Years of Higher Education design experience

#36

2024 BD+C's University Giants Report

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