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Schenkel Shultz Selected to Design UNF's New Student Service Building

The firm aims to design a vibrant hub that fosters an inclusive environment for all students

A rendering of the new Student Services and Academic building for the University of North Florida — Image courtesy of Schenkel Shultz.

Schenkel Shultz, a Central Florida architectural and interior design studio, has been selected to design the new Student Services and Academic building for the University of North Florida (UNF).

The $40 million project will support UNF’s commitment to strategically growing its student population by 40% over the next five years. The ambition to grow, paralleled with the university’s desire to provide a broad selection of modern resources for its diverse student base, solidifies this project as a monumental step for UNF.

Schenkel Shultz aims to design a vibrant hub that provides helpful tools and fosters an inclusive environment for all students, including the international, computer and student-athlete groups. The primary purpose of this project is to enhance student academic success at several levels by increasing the accessibility and appeal of tutoring centers on campus.

“This project presents an incredible opportunity for us to positively impact the student experience at UNF,” said Ekta Desai, AIA, Design Lead and Partner at Schenkel Shultz. “We are excited to collaborate with the university to create a showcase space that fosters creativity, collaboration and personal growth among students.”

The student support facility will feature approximately 60,000 square feet of new construction positioned at the heart of UNF’s main campus. By consolidating the existing learning centers into one location on campus, Schenkel Shultz will create a flexible, synergistic environment that supports entrepreneurship and autonomy of choice. The space will also encourage “creative collisions” among students, faculty and prospective students to ultimately enhance UNF’s educational ecosystem.