Nature of Order Webinar: James Maguire, Architect, The Design Process

This lecture aired on February 13, 2025. To access the recording, go to the Nature of Order Webinar page.

This lecture reviews the design process for three buildings: The College of Business and Economics at Boise State University; the Student Success Center at University of North Texas at Dallas; and the New Chancery Building for the Diocese of Boise.   The lecture will illustrate how the Project Specific Pattern Language (PSPL) approach is integrated in the design and construction process here in the US and demonstrates the superior results achieved.  I will also touch on how the PSPL approach as outlined supports the use of 15 properties from NoO to be utilized as guiding principles in the design implementation. In addition to presenting an overview of the process flow, the presentation will also highlight potential pitfalls and difficulties to be aware of, as well as pointing to methods of mitigating these difficulties.

After working with Christopher Alexander at CES (1988-94), I eventually became Campus Architect and Vice Chancellor of Facilities Planning Design and Construction at two different US campuses (Boise State University (BSU) and the University of North Texas (UNT) System).  While in these positions overseeing the development of 5 separate campuses, I led projects based on the lessons learned from my time at UC Berkeley and CES.

View of New Chancery building for the Diocese of Boise