Paul Leef, who has had more than 20 years of building and renovation experience in higher education, has been named director of planning, design and construction and campus architect at the University of Colorado at Boulder.
Leef will oversee the next phase of improvements and new construction to the 9.3 million-square-feet of campus buildings. His appointment in the Department of Facilities Management will become effective on Nov. 12.
In his new position he will be responsible for the conceptual planning, design, engineering and construction of all capital and noncapital projects for the campus, including the development of a five-year, $650 million capital improvement effort to support the university's "Flagship 2030" strategic plan.
Flagship 2030 is an ambitious blueprint to develop a public university that better serves Colorado citizens over the next quarter century. Among other things, it calls for continued maintenance of historic campus buildings and construction of new facilities to meet a growing demand for classroom and research space.
"We could not be more pleased with the addition of Paul Leef as the university embarks on a new era of expansion and capital improvements," said Vice Chancellor for Administration Paul Tabolt.
"The University of Colorado will reap the benefits of more than two decades of expertise he has acquired in Colorado and elsewhere," Tabolt said. "He will be the guiding force for cost-efficient, expedient projects that will maintain CU-Boulder's character, environment and much-admired architectural style."
Leef, who received a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and a master's degree in architecture from the University of Virginia, previously worked for CU-Boulder as a consultant and design and construction coordinator. Most recently he was campus architect and director of planning and construction at the Colorado School of Mines.
He is a member of the American Institute of Architects and the Association of University Architects, and is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, accredited professional. The LEED accreditation is given only to those who demonstrate a thorough understanding of green building practices and principles. Leef also is a licensed architect and member of the Society for College and University Planning.
"I am excited to return to this campus, which is nationally recognized for both the beauty of its architecture and the strength of its programs," Leef said. "This university has excelled in creating quality environments in support of its mission, using high design standards while also embracing new technology and green building.
"I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as a steward of the rich architectural heritage of this campus and to contribute to the future growth of Colorado's flagship university," he said.
For more information about the Planning, Design and Construction division of Facilities Management, go to fm.colorado.edu/planning/.