| |JANUARY 20268INSIDERIN MY OPINION PLANNING FOR GROWTH FROM BLUEPRINTS TO BAYOUSI received my Bachelor of Environmental Studies/Architecture from the University of Lagos, Nigeria, in 1998 and soon after received my Nigerian architectural license. I became deeply interested in the sustainability and maintenance of the built environment as an affordable way of living. This interest led me to obtain my Master's degree in Facilities Management from Pratt Institute, NY, in 2007. From there, I worked in New York City as a Senior CAFM Engineer in ROI Consulting Group, which opened me up to various company portfolios, including NBCUniversal, where I worked as a CAFM/IWMS Specialist. In 2015, I moved to Houston, TX and in 2016 was offered the position of Facilities Analyst at the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD). At UHD, I initiated the implementation of a CAFM program for space inventory and tracking of spaces according to Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) codes. My role expanded as I achieved Project Management Professional and Certified Educational Facilities Professional certifications, becoming Principal Project Manager and now Director for Facilities Planning and Projects. I have undertaken Capital Improvement projects and renovations involving the preservation of UHD buildings, including MDF spaces, classrooms, offices, the campus radio station, photo studio, auditorium and the beautification of grounds.Planning by Data and FeedbackAs a diverse and multicultural community, UHD strives to cater to all needs related to the University. Our Facilities team monitors performance indicators to assess building health. For example, we monitor Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning systems to provide better indoor air quality and comfort, while reducing energy waste by tracking occupancy movement trends through Building Automation Systems.We also use a feedback system through our work-order process and strategically placed QR codes linked to online surveys. Suggestions and requests from the community are addressed through the Space Planning Advisory Committee, which channels them to UHD leadership for master and strategic planning. We recently analyzed building performance reports for submission to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and annually submit space inventory data to THECB.Flood Mitigation for Bayou Campus The toughest challenge has been flood mitigation in preparation for severe weather. The historic One Main building is located at the confluence of the Buffalo and White Oak Bayous, sharing easements with the City of Houston and Union Pacific Rail. This location makes it vulnerable to flooding. During Hurricane Harvey in 2017, we experienced extensive flooding through openings on the first and basement floors. With a limited budget, we installed flood mitigation devices and adopted practices to protect the building and occupants. By Funke Oyesanya Jacob, Director of Facilities Planning and Projects, University of Houston-DowntownFunke Oyesanya Jacob
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