Colorado State University begins a new chapter with a state-of-the-art engineering building

Adolfson & Peterson and DLR Group team up to design and build the new CSU Don and Susie Law Engineering Future Technologies Building

DENVER, Colo. (Sept. 10, 2026) - Colorado State University, in partnership with Adolfson & Peterson Construction (AP) and DLR Group welcomes a new era of innovation on campus with the development of its landmark academic facility, The Don and Susie Law Engineering Future Technologies Building. Demolition of the former Glover Engineering Building began in early May to make way for the 125,000 SF new building, which will replace the existing 52,000 SF structure. The new facility aims to act as the “innovation hub” of the campus for students in the Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering by strengthening interdisciplinary interaction across all engineering, computer science, and emerging technologies majors.

Located at the heart of campus, the design of the Law building shortens daily paths and clarifies movement between making, teaching, advising, and research, with student-support services in visible, easy-to-reach locations maintaining the goal of creating a student-centric environment while staying true to the unique Prairie style of campus. Active edges of the interior and open stairs encourage chance encounters, fostering connection. Quiet rooms and focus laboratories provide areas for concentrated work. Natural materials and biophilic elements, paired with visible technology and CSU branding, create a welcoming, future-focused environment that signals innovation and Ram Pride. DLR Group’s design creates a highly connected environment that integrates laboratories, adaptable classrooms, research hubs, and informal study areas.

“The Don and Susie Law Engineering Future Technologies Building actively supports cross‑disciplinary collaboration and discovery,” said Principal and Higher Education Design Leader Benjamin Strain, AIA, LEED AP. “By making hands-on learning, research, and student support highly visible and interconnected, the design re-envisions how engineers learn today while positioning Colorado State University at the forefront of future technologies.”

Signature spaces include an entry commons main street, fabrication machine shop, rapid prototyping labs, computer classrooms, and dedicated hands-on learning hubs featuring an AI makerspace, along with “The Sandbox”—a dynamic zone encompassing augmented and virtual reality suites and a robotics arena. Overall, the space will serve as a beacon on campus for interdisciplinary collaboration that will provide the tools for research, growth, and development.

“By leveraging the power of Design-Build project delivery, AP and DLR Group have broken down traditional silos to foster collaboration, innovation, problem solving, and shared success,” said Senior Project Manager Katie Hegarty at Adolfson & Peterson Construction. “Together, we’re delivering a state-of-the-art facility and a positive project experience that will serve CSU students, faculty, and researchers for generations.”

DLR Group is providing architecture, electrical engineering, interiors, lighting design services, planning, programming, and high-performance design services. Foundation started Summer 2026 with the opening slated for Fall 2028.

About DLR Group

Celebrating 60 years in 2026, DLR Group is an integrated design firm delivering sustainable, human-centered solutions for communities locally and globally. The firm’s architects, engineers, interior designers, and planners collaborate with public and private sector clients to create projects with long-lasting social, economic, and environmental value. Fast Company named DLR Group among the World’s Most Innovative Companies for its industry-leading adaptive reuse strategies: innovative design that serves clients and communities while significantly reducing carbon emissions.

DLR Group’s promise is to elevate the human experience through design. As a 100% employee-owned firm, DLR Group fosters a culture of ownership and accountability that shapes its daily practice and drives its commitment to sustainability initiatives, including the 2030 Challenge, the China Accord, and the AIA 2030 Commitment.

About the Colorado State University Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering

Experience academic and research excellence at the Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering, with $131 million in annual research funding and more than one-third of CSU’s patents. Its state-of-the-art facilities, including the Powerhouse Energy Campus, provide collaborative spaces for students, faculty and industry partnerships. The College excels in climate and sustainability research in all programs, with top Atmospheric Science and Systems Engineering graduate-only departments. Undergraduate programs offer hands-on learning and mentorship from pioneering faculty, empowering students to drive innovation in their fields.

Media Contacts:

Michael Cox, DLR Group, 773-828-6279, mcox@dlrgroup.com

Josh Rhoten, Colorado State University MarComm., 720-480-3660, joshua.rhoten@colostate.edu

Source: Colorado State University.