Higher Education

Learning environments that propel students to become who they are meant to be, through smarter design, is how we measure our own success. Designing with the end user in mind, we approach each design opportunity with a fresh perspective, innovative approach, and collaborative teaming to create the ideal environment that enables students to grow in knowledge and succeed in their academic careers. With an impressive resume in higher education facility engineering design, SKA has been fortunate to make positive impressions on tens of thousands of students via educational spaces that shape who they are.

  • Ashrae
  • IBEC Building Enclosure
  • AAMP
  • ABAA
  • ASCE Civil Engineering
  • American Concrete

FEATURED PROJECTS

Frequently Asked Questions
What engineering services do higher education buildings require?

University and college buildings require structural design, MEP engineering, building enclosure consulting, commissioning, roofing, and condition assessments — often with added complexity from phased construction around active campus operations. SKA Consulting Engineers provides all of these disciplines for higher education clients including new academic buildings, residence halls, parking structures, athletic facilities, and historic renovations.

Which universities has SKA provided engineering services for?

SKA has served more than 30 college and university campuses, including NC State University, UNC Greensboro, UNC Charlotte, Wake Forest University, Appalachian State, Western Carolina University, NC A&T State University, High Point University, Liberty University, GTCC, Virginia Tech, and the University of Virginia. Our higher education work spans new construction, renovations, historic restorations, and campus infrastructure projects across North Carolina, Virginia, and the Southeast.

How does SKA handle engineering projects on occupied campuses?

University projects often require phased construction so academic operations, housing, and campus life continue uninterrupted. SKA coordinates structural, MEP, and building enclosure work around academic calendars, dining schedules, and residence hall occupancy — designing systems that can be installed in stages while keeping adjacent spaces safe and operational.

Does SKA engineer university parking structures?

Yes. SKA provides structural design and condition assessments for higher education parking decks, including post-tensioned concrete structures, precast systems, and multi-level garages. Our portfolio includes parking structures at High Point University, Novant Health HVI-CI, UNC Greensboro, and Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, where we also designed the helipad structure.

Can SKA commission MEP systems in new university buildings?

Yes. SKA provides MEP and building envelope commissioning for higher education construction projects to verify that HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and enclosure systems meet the owner's performance requirements. Commissioning is especially important for university buildings like research labs, nursing instructional facilities, and performing arts centers where system performance directly affects the learning environment.

Does SKA work on historic university buildings?

Yes. SKA has extensive experience with historic campus structures, including the NC State University Belltower restoration and the UNC School of the Arts Stevens Center. Our structural repair, building enclosure, and MEP teams work together to preserve historic character while upgrading systems to meet current codes and performance standards.