University of Houston-Downtown

Funke Oyesanya Jacob

I 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 Feedback

As 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. Our crew remains hurricane prepared and we monitor bayou water levels with data from national weather and oceanic agencies.

"Building automation systems helps determine occupancy patterns and energy consumption."

One Main building, formerly known as the Merchant and Manufacturers building, has an underground tunnel leading to the bayou banks, once used to ferry products to and from the building by barge. We rehabilitated it from a confined space and installed a flood door at its bayou entrance while preserving the original door and framework.

We are providing study spaces equipped with amenities for electronic devices and student productivity. Classrooms are being optimized with flexible furniture and technology for hybrid teaching. Occupancy monitoring devices give us greater control over building automation settings, reducing energy waste and costs. Our control systems are set to match population movements throughout the day.

CAFM, BAS Inform Strategy

My background allows me to understand and provide the spaces required by the University. Planning for the future involves examining the past. Using CAFM systems, I monitor occupancy trends and integrate the data into space programming and design based on historical usage and the strategic plan. This enables accurate prediction of growth patterns for academic and administrative needs.

I incorporate aesthetics by blending historic, environmental and cultural influences to create harmonious concepts that reflect UHD’s identity. Our downtown location as a group of buildings without a defined boundary requires a cohesive visual identity for recognition among surrounding streetscapes.

Facilities Managers can bridge the communication gap between construction and business professionals by using CAFM/IWMS and BAS systems to translate spatial and performance data into reports that business leaders can analyze. This helps justify funding by showing life cycles of infrastructure and space utilization. The ability to archive and track facilities assessments supports accurate forecasting for strategic master planning.

Digital Tools Elevate Voices

CAFM systems help monitor occupancy trends, departmental adjacencies and building usage. Building automation systems helps determine occupancy patterns and energy consumption. We use this data to produce reports for business and academic planning. These tools improve accuracy in analyzing facilities performance, budgeting and master planning.

Surveys through QR code signs and work-order requests enable feedback from students on facilities improvements. Student representatives are involved in the Space Planning Advisory Committee. We are introducing Power Business Intelligence tools to track project management data on our Facilities Management web portal, allowing clearer visualization and interpretation of project information.

Digital tools also improve the measurement of usable space, needs analysis and performance tracking for preventative and predictive maintenance.

Ongoing Engagement Drives Change

Observation, questioning and listening are key. The goal is to provide a safe, comfortable and productive environment for students, staff and the surrounding community. Engagement must be ongoing, as each incoming cohort has unique needs and career goals. Facilities staff should embrace technology, including Software as a Service and Artificial Intelligence, for monitoring and gathering information that improves safety and productivity.

As UHD grows, more greenspace has been added, enhancing its role as a community hub at the White Oak and Buffalo Bayous. A bike and hike trail connects diverse neighborhoods. New buildings include the Wellness and Success Center, Sciences and Technology building and an expanded Welcome Center, reflecting growth and a commitment to excellence through technology.