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As director of student life capital projects at the University of Michigan, Robert Yurk manages planning, development, and renovation efforts for University Housing, Recreational Sports, Michigan Dining, the Trotter Multicultural Center, the Ginsberg Center, and Greek life facilities for the Wolverines. The director’s purview is over 30 buildings and 5 apartment complexes, encompassing 6 million gross square feet and ranging from iconic residence halls to multicultural hubs.
Yurk’s core responsibility revolves around maintaining the university’s 3/5/10-year capital plans and an annual capital reserves program, which channels more than $12 million into critical renovations, sustainability upgrades, and new construction that collectively shape the student experience in Ann Arbor.
Current Victories
Trotter Multicultural Center
One of Yurk’s flagship accomplishments during his tenure is the stewardship of the Trotter Multicultural Center, an award-winning example of community-driven campus design. The newly reconstructed Trotter Center was lauded by the Association of University Interior Designers, receiving second place in their 2019 national competition.
“We are very honored to receive this recognition and pleased that our efforts to provide a welcoming, inclusive environment for students via the use of design elements have been recognized by our peers,” Yurk said in a prepared statement.
The AUID competition saw 76 entries from 22 university designers, with Trotter Center’s design standing out for its sensitivity to social context and student well-being.
The Trotter Center serves as a central hub for multicultural engagement, social interaction, and university programs. It also provides meeting rooms, lounges, event spaces, and accessibility features for students from all backgrounds. The interior design incorporates modern aesthetics, ample natural light, and prioritizes spatial flexibility, enabling both small group meetings and large-scale campus events.
Alice Crocker Lloyd Hall
The director’s previous work includes innovative renovations of Alice Crocker Lloyd Hall, where sustainability upgrades demand a closer look. The design team implemented energy-efficient measures such as motion-sensor lighting, low-flow water appliances, and energy recovery systems that redistribute heating and cooling from bathrooms for reduced consumption. Feedback from student surveys and focus groups shaped many aspects of the redesign, ensuring that each building blends academic rigor with leisure and community-building.
Leinweber Computer Science and Information Building
The Leinweber Computer Science and Information Building is another feather in the director’s cap. The 163,000 square-foot hub for information science and computer engineering was a $145 million build that took four years to complete. The building unified disparate departments and features technology-rich maker spaces, as well as large-scale geo-exchange system for heating.
Hadley Family Recreation & Well-Being Center
The Hadley Family Recreation & Well-Being Center is slated for completion by the end of 2025. The new complex aims to revolutionize student recreation, wellness, and community engagement. It includes fitness, sports, aquatics, and multi-use gathering spaces.
Projects in Motion, Projects with Purpose
Looking ahead, the university is in the first phase of its Central Campus Residential Development plan. The multiyear residential expansion includes constructing new apartment-style living units and upgrading traditional residence halls with sustainability and community amenities integrated throughout.
There’s also an extensive renovation of the Marsal Family School of Education and security upgrades ongoing for residence halls and apartments that began in fall of 2025.
Projects on Yurk’s watch are marked by environmental responsibility and deep engagement with campus communities. The director has made eco-friendly materials, advanced insulation, and technology-driven resource management systems a priority in builds, whether they be residence halls or multi-use spaces. Yurk focuses on creating buildings that foster the “neighborhood experience” that break down silos and encourage interaction among students in adjacent facilities. It’s what college is supposed to be all about.
The Trotter Center’s interior stands out for its initial use of color, light, and gathering spaces, designed to welcome all identities and facilitate cross-cultural connections. In so many ways, it’s a reflection of the university’s values.
“We have been very fortunate to have the opportunity to partner with Robert and his team at the University of Michigan for nearly 20 years. IDS [Integrated Design Solutions] has consistently been impressed by his strategic foresight and dedication to enhancing the student experience through innovative facility development and management,” says Brandon Sundberg, Senior Vice President of IDS.
“Robert’s leadership in overseeing the planning, design and construction of numerous capital projects for the University Housing, Union, Recreational Sports, and Michigan Dining demonstrates his commitment to guiding the team towards achieving long-term goals and providing outstanding spaces that foster a thriving and engaging student community.”
Yurk has helped nurture students from a variety of different perspectives. He established and continues to support the interior design intern program at the university, where students work closely with professionals, gaining hands-on experience in large-scale capital planning and project execution. His own career path spans more than two decades, from project architect to director, and serves as inspiration just starting their own professional journeys.
Throughout his tenure at the university, Yurk has had responsibility for the operational aspects of the university housing, overseeing 18 resident halls and more than 12,000 beds, leading teams of directors, managers, tradespeople, and hundreds of student workers. This variety of experience and leadership places Yurk high, not just in Michigan higher ed, but those in roles like his across the country.
Integrated Design Solutions (IDS) is a full-service architecture and engineering firm delivering client-focused solutions across a wide range of markets, including education, healthcare, commercial, industrial, and research. With in-house energy and technology specialists, IDS brings a comprehensive, efficient approach to every project, treating each as a unique opportunity to create purposeful and high-performing environments. Their collaborative process ensures that architecture, engineering, and systems work in harmony, resulting in smart, future-ready spaces tailored to the specific needs of each client. IDS is committed to thoughtful design, clear communication, and delivering lasting value through every phase of a project. For more information, visit http://www.ids-michigan.com/.
