Peter Gray-Mullen – UMass Building Authority

As higher education continues to evolve, so must the campuses supporting academic excellence, research and student success. Modernization efforts across the University of Massachusetts system are crucial in ensuring facilities meet 21st-century needs.

Peter Gray-Mullen, the director of construction for the University of Massachusetts Building Authority (UMBA), leads these initiatives. Committed to sustainability, efficiency and campus growth, Gray-Mullen is helping shape UMass’s future through ambitious projects that balance innovation with fiscal responsibility.

The University of Massachusetts Building Authority oversees the design and construction of facilities across the UMass system, which includes five campuses. The organization ensures that new projects align with each campus and the UMass system’s strategic goals while addressing deferred maintenance backlogs and enhancing sustainability. With a funding structure reliant on student fees, bonding and state allocations, UMBA is tasked with maximizing resources to improve learning environments for tens of thousands of students and faculty.

Over the years, UMBA has successfully modernized various facilities to accommodate the growing needs of students and faculty, ensuring that the institution remains at the forefront of academic excellence.

“Every UMBA building, lab, arena or utility project aligns with the university system’s mission, to provide high quality, accessible and affordable education that advances knowledge and improves lives,” Gray-Mullen says.

A sustainable future

Gray-Mullen’s leadership has focused on integrating sustainability into every facet of UMBA construction. From mass timber construction to net zero-ready facilities, his team is pioneering efforts to reduce the university’s carbon footprint.

One of the most significant sustainability initiatives involves shifting from traditional materials to eco-friendly alternatives. The renovation and retrofit projects include using wood over concrete, significantly lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The university is also implementing geothermal wells and electric heating systems to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

“Several projects in design or under construction prioritize these sustainable principles, reflecting a broader industry shift toward environmentally conscious architecture,” Gray-Mullen explains.

Sustainability efforts extend beyond materials to energy efficiency, water conservation, and environmentally conscious design. UMass has committed to reducing operational energy use across all campuses, leveraging cutting-edge technology such as smart HVAC systems, solar panels and LED lighting to create buildings that not only function better but also minimize environmental impact. As these initiatives expand, the institution aims to serve as a model for other universities looking to integrate green solutions into their construction and renovation efforts.

Sustainability at UMBA goes beyond industry buzzwords,” Gray-Mullen says. “Our approach ensures that each project meets the university’s mission while setting a precedent for other institutions in New England.”

As UMass continues to advance sustainability-driven construction, these innovations are poised to influence other educational institutions nationwide.

Projects driving change

UMass campuses are undergoing significant transformations, with multiple projects at various stages of development. In 2023 alone, UMBA had $1.5 billion in capital projects in progress, with nearly half focused on the Amherst campus.

The Amherst campus, as the flagship institution, attracts the most attention and funding. Among its notable projects is the Sustainable Engineering Building, a testament to the university’s commitment to green building practices. A new Student Success Hub for the School of Public Health and Health Sciences will also provide research and learning spaces designed for collaborative engagement. This project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

At UMass Lowell, modernization efforts are focused on Olney Hall, the campus’s largest instructional and research lab facility. Built in 1974, the project involves a comprehensive upgrade, including a new north entrance, improved chemical handling facilities, mechanical infrastructure updates and demolishing an outdated lecture hall to make room for a 51,300-square-foot addition. Gray-Mullen says completion is targeted for 2027.

The UMass Dartmouth campus is launching its LARTS (Liberal Arts & Sciences) Restoration project. This comprehensive renovation will upgrade the building’s mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, improve accessibility, and address long-standing maintenance issues. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

Several smaller but equally impactful projects are underway, including modernizing student service facilities, classroom enhancements, and new research lab developments. These projects aim to create more functional, flexible learning environments that support the evolving needs of students and faculty.

Pushing UMass forward

While overseeing these projects, Gray-Mullen faces the complexities of working within a collaborative environment where multiple stakeholders—including university leadership, students, and faculty—shape project priorities. Budget constraints also influence decision-making, as the state primarily funds deferred maintenance rather than new construction.

One solution to these financial challenges has been leveraging public-private partnerships (P3) for residential housing projects. This allows the university to expand housing without overextending its debt capacity. Additionally, the Inflation Reduction Act presents new funding opportunities, particularly for geothermal systems and apprenticeship programs that train the next generation of workers. This financial strategy allows UMass to move forward with much-needed campus improvements without undue straining the university’s resources.

Beyond sustainability and budgeting, workforce development is another critical aspect of Gray-Mullen’s vision. The shortage of skilled workers in construction has been a growing concern, but UMBA continues to attract top-tier construction management firms that provide quality labor.

Diversity in the workforce is also a priority. Gray-Mullen emphasizes active engagement rather than passive compliance when hiring women and minority workers. Through partnerships with construction firms and organized labor unions, the UMBA is helping to create an inclusive work environment that encourages young professionals to enter the industry and advance their careers. The construction industry has historically struggled with inclusivity, but efforts at UMBA are helping pave the way for greater representation and professional development opportunities for underrepresented groups.

Furthermore, mentorship and apprenticeship programs are being developed to encourage more individuals to enter the construction and engineering fields. By offering hands-on learning experiences, UMBA is helping to train the next generation of professionals who will lead the industry in the coming years.

For Gray-Mullen and the UMass Building Authority, modernization is about more than just new buildings—it’s about ensuring campuses remain competitive, sustainable, and adaptable to the needs of students and faculty.

“Whether through cutting-edge engineering facilities, lab buildings, or student-centered spaces, the university’s construction projects reflect a commitment to academic excellence and environmental responsibility,” he notes.

As UMass continues to expand, Gray-Mullen’s leadership will play a crucial role in shaping the next era of campus development. He ensures that the university’s physical infrastructure matches its mission of providing world-class education for future generations through strategic planning, sustainability-driven initiatives, and innovative funding solutions.

“With the continued push for sustainability, inclusivity and innovative design, UMass is set to be a national leader in higher education construction for years to come,” Gray-Mullen says.