Project Strategy

Located adjacent to the Clyde V. Madren Conference Center and John E. Walker Sr. Golf Course, the new Clemson Alumni and Visitors Center will overlook the 18th green and the shores of Lake Hartwell, standing as Clemson University’s front door — inviting prospective students to explore campus and welcoming past generations back home.

Each year, approximately 70,000 individuals walk through the Class of 1944 Visitors Center. The Clemson Alumni and Visitors Center will be a welcoming first stop and memorable first impression for prospective students. The Clemson Alumni and Visitors Center will help students confirm that they are making the best decision to come to Clemson and that they are making a sound investment in their future.

The five-story Nieri Family Alumni and Visitors Center, spans 98,000GSF and serves as a welcoming, state-of-the-art hub for campus connections and events. The architectural design was led by GMC in collaboration with consulting architect Cooper Carry of Atlanta.

Inside, the Center offers a variety of specialized spaces, such as the Brown Family Lobby, the Conklin Ring Gallery, The Creel Family Auditorium (approx. 140 seats), conference and huddle rooms, office spaces, production rooms, and rooftop terraces – all designed to foster community across generations.

This approach is emphasized in the Browns Alumni Lobby and the Conklin Ring Gallery, where floor-to-ceiling digital signage is lined against the grand staircase, creating a striking branding opportunity upon initial entry. The lobby also features interactive display kiosks beneath the staircase, allowing visitors to view and virtually navigate a map of the Clemson University Campus.

Located on the third floor, the Board of Trustees conference room features a completely wireless, digital conferencing system specific tailored specifically to the board’s needs. Each trustee has access to an individual base station, giving them the ability to mute themselves and manage their own audio with ease, streamlining discussions and allowing the Board to focus on decision-making without technical distractions.

These innovations make the Clemson Alumni and Visitors Center not only a functional space, but a new landmark, designed to celebrate Clemson’s past while preparing for its future.

Single Source Interior Contractor Award Strategy

The project was delivered under a Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) model, initially bid in the open market and repriced multiple times throughout the budgeting phases. As the design evolved and costs gradually increased, Clemson University sought innovative ways to maintain budget integrity without compromising quality. To achieve this, the University pursued an alternative procurement route and removed the flooring scope from the general construction package and leveraged its negotiated flooring contract—a cost-saving alternative that ensured financial efficiency while preserving design intent.

Although the flooring contract was executed directly with the University, the general contractor continued to manage the overall project. This collaborative approach allowed for seamless coordination, with all material changes and design refinements orchestrated as a unified team effort. From conceptual inception, this iconic project remained a priority for our team. In partnership with our Starnet vendor, Milliken, we worked in tandem to deliver a solution that aligned with Clemson’s vision, combining design excellence with fiscal responsibility.