Scott Utter (he/him/his) has been named the new Director of Campus Planning and Landscape Architecture (CPLA). He transitioned into this role on March 24, 2024.
Scott has more than 24 years of experience as an architect and project manager. Since 2021, Scott has been part of FP&M’s Campus Planning & Design department, which is led by Peter Schlecht. He most recently served as a project manager within the FP&M Capital Project Delivery department.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as Director of CPLA for UW-Madison, as we begin the 2025 Campus Framework Plan and translating the institution’s vision into reality,” Scott said. “With new projects, like Irving and Dorothy Levy Hall, Morgridge Hall, and the new engineering building, the face of campus is changing, and the Framework Plan will need to anticipate and evolve to meet these demands.”
As Director, Scott leads the Campus Planning and Landscape Architecture unit within the Campus Planning & Design department. This unit is responsible for interpreting, updating and recommending strategies that are aligned with the Campus Framework Plan (formerly called the Campus Master Plan). He will serve as a liaison between the City of Madison, our adjacent neighborhoods and the campus community to ensure expectations are managed and site development is viewed within the campus context.
“I intend to bring my knowledge and experiences from the past 23 years of practicing architecture to assist in sustaining and improving UW-Madison for generations of new students,” said Scott. “I am looking forward to incorporating Chancellor Mnookin’s sustainability goals and RISE initiative into our long-term view of campus.”
Additionally, Scott will lead the initiative to create a comprehensive repository of information related to Campus Planning at UW-Madison, ensuring the university’s past, present and future visions are readily accessible and well documented.
Peter is thankful for the leadership of interim director Aaron Williams, who stepped in to assist in the role while it was filled permanently. Aaron became interim director in June of 2022.
“We are grateful for Aaron’s leadership during this period,” Peter Schlecht said. “Scott and I look forward to working with him to continue sharing his talent and experience.”
Scott holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture and a master’s degree in architecture and historic preservation from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Please join us in congratulating Scott on this new role.