The University of Texas at El Paso

From the outset, the design team focused on creating a space that reflected the cutting-edge work. Interior Design Supervisor Erin B. Rivera envisioned a space that reflected the cutting-edge work taking place. “We wanted to evoke high technology and sophistication,” she said. “We moved away from traditional palettes and created a modern, streamlined aesthetic that complements the research being done.” 

The building’s interiors are a blend of form and function. Ergonomic workstations, sit-to-stand desks, and collaborative lounges support both focused work and spontaneous interaction.

The impact of the new space was immediate. Faculty and students began exploring each other’s labs, propping open doors and inviting conversation. “It was all the little things,” said Dr. Shery Welsh, Executive Director of the Aerospace Center. “People were welcoming each other into their spaces, and that led to real collaboration. We feel so much closer now, and we can do so much more together.”

Machine shops from both centers began sharing tools and expertise. Faculty from other departments started visiting, sparking new partnerships. Even the Dean’s office got involved, commissioning work for external projects.

One of the building’s most striking features is Mission OPS, a dramatic entrance space with a wall-to-wall digital display visible through glass paneling. Visitors are greeted by the energy of a NASA-style control room, where students monitor launches and conduct research. 

“It sets the tone for the entire building,” Rivera said. “You walk in and feel like something special is happening.” 

Throughout the space, design details reinforce this sense of purpose. Blue tile accents guide wayfinding, and display cases showcase student-made components. “It doesn’t feel like a traditional university building,” Welsh noted. “It looks like an innovation hub.”

The AMAC building is a testament to how a thoughtfully designed space can shape culture, encourage innovation, and foster collaboration. Advanced infrastructure and a multidisciplinary layout make it a hub for innovation in manufacturing. It’s a place where students gain hands-on experience that prepares them for a fast-changing industry, faculty find the resources to pursue bold ideas, and visitors feel the pulse of possibility.