Kirksey's latest higher education STEM project, the new Smith Engineering, Science, and Nursing Building at Houston Christian University (HCU), broke ground on April 9th with city officials, project team members, students, and university staff in the crowd. Thanks to the most significant gift in school history and a clear vision from HCU and the project team, a new $60 million, 71,000-square-foot, three-story building dedicated to providing state-of-the-art technology, learning spaces, and labs for STEM and nursing students will help the University reach its goal of expanding enrollment to 10,000 by 2030.
Design Philosophy
After an initial collaborative exercise with HCU, Kirksey envisioned a multidisciplinary space to meet the functional needs of both the College of Science and Engineering and the Linda Dunham School of Nursing. Located on the campus' east side, adjacent to the Morris House, the building's design bridges the University's rich history with its forward-looking mission. A distinctly modern glass curtain wall is accented with red brick, a cantilever limestone lab space, and a large two-story overhang porch supported by thin columns that create a sleek, luminous, and contemporary learning environment. This design thoughtfully evokes the HCU's established Georgian Colonial style.
Additionally, an energy-efficient shading system with dynamic LED lighting will lower energy costs by day while making a dramatic visual statement at night. Kirksey's plans include scope for future buildings and green spaces to support HCU's growth.
Layout
First Floor: The ground floor is dedicated to engineering and features computer science labs, electronic circuits, and a power lab focusing on renewable energy technologies, as well as a dedicated engineering project space to support hands-on learning and capstone projects.
Second Floor: In addition to a faculty lounge for all disciplines, the nursing floor will house simulation suites replicating acute hospital settings, seminar rooms equipped with advanced scientific instrumentation, and nursing skills labs designed to evaluate and enhance clinical readiness.
Third Floor: The top floor consists of science labs for biology, chemistry, microbiology, and anatomy, all equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation to support teaching and research.
"The development of this building has been a collaborative endeavor, with continuous input from HCU administrators, faculty, and staff, as well as our development patterns at Churchworx," said Kirksey Design Director, Michelle Old. "Our design reflected HCU's and Kirksey's shared commitment to providing students with innovative, functional environments that inspire learning."
The Smith Engineering, Science, and Nursing Building is slated for completion in Fall 2026.