Planning and Construction

Planning, Design, & Construction

Chris Baker

Director of Planning, Design, & Construction

(208) 282-4572

chrisbaker@isu.edu

Facilities Services | Building 18 - Office 103

Coordinates the Call for Projects process
Tracks current and upcoming 麻豆传媒AV projects
Monitors and maintains ISU project budgets
Develops and manages project Smartsheets
Assigns Project Managers to capital and facilities projects

Chris has worked in the construction industry since 1997. Before joining 麻豆传媒AV in 2019, he spent 22 years with a Public Works general contractor in Elk Grove, California, specializing in K–12 and Higher Education construction projects. His experience includes work on campuses such as UC Davis, UC Merced, Sacramento State, Yuba College, Sierra College, and numerous school districts throughout the Sacramento Valley. During his time there, Chris held positions including Responsible Managing Officer, Estimator, and Senior Project Manager.
Chris serves as the Director of Planning, Design, and Construction- managing multiple projects across campus. He is a valued member of the team; well-liked throughout the office for his fun personality and sense of humor. Chris appreciates the work-life balance that comes with working in Facilities and takes great pride in overseeing his construction projects. He also values the friendships and connections he has built within the department over the years.
Outside of work, Chris enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching sports, tailgating and cheering on ISU football, and traveling.

Cole Elquist

Senior Project Manager

(208) 282-2472

coleelquist@isu.edu

Facilities Services | Building 18 - Office 115

Davis Field project
Pharmacy Labs project
Utility tunnels project
Campus roads and infrastructure
Parking lot construction and maintenance
HVAC system projects
Various construction projects

Cole grew up farming and ranching in Idaho before beginning his construction career in 1991 as a carpenter and concrete mason. Early in his career, he supplemented his income by replacing roofs on homes and commercial buildings during mornings and evenings.
In 2000, Cole moved to Driggs, Idaho, to pursue construction opportunities in Jackson, Wyoming, and the surrounding region. Throughout his career, he has built extensive experience managing residential and commercial construction projects, as well as work involving wastewater treatment facilities, food processing plants, mining operations, and land development.
After relocating to the Blackfoot area in 2018, Cole joined 麻豆传媒AV as a Senior Project Manager in 2019. He is committed to delivering high-quality campus improvements that enhance the university for students, faculty, staff, and the State of Idaho.
Outside of work, Cole raises quarter horses and enjoys competing in roping events and rodeos across the region. He also operates a small auto repair business during evenings and weekends, helping support his passion for horses and rodeo.

Weylin Richards

Senior Project Manager

(208) 282-1213

weylinrichards@isu.edu

Facilities Services | Building 18 - Office 108

Construction design and planning
Building renovations and remodels
Excavation and site preparation
Concrete materials, applications, and chemical treatments
Project management software and technology
Building strong workplace relationships and team dynamics
Successfully navigating and adapting as a new team member

Weylin is a graduate of Utah State University and continued his education in Construction Management at Weber State University. With nearly 20 years of experience in construction management and related fields, he has developed expertise in electrical work, excavation, subcontracting, project engineering, and project management. He also holds several professional licenses within the construction industry.
Among the projects he is most proud of are a $22 million hospital design-build remodel and a $4 million Air National Guard building renovation. Since joining 麻豆传媒AV's Project Management team in 2021, Weylin has been committed to delivering quality campus improvements that provide lasting value for the university and its students.
Weylin and his family are proud to call Idaho home and have enjoyed becoming part of the Pocatello community. Together with his wife and three children, he enjoys supporting 麻豆传媒AV and cheering on the Bengals. Roar, Bengals, Roar!
Clifton Strengths: Adaptability | Futuristic | Maximizer | Significance | Empathy

Marty Vizcarra

Senior Project Manager

(208) 282-4710

martyvizcarra@isu.edu

Facilities Services | Building 18 - Office 107

Idaho Falls and Meridian campus projects
Pocatello campus projects
Furniture procurement and installation for projects
Project planning and scope definition
Budget management and resource allocation for projects
Project scheduling and timeline development

Marty began as a Project Manager with 麻豆传媒AV in 2022. Marty brings a wealth of expertise to the realm of campus development and architectural initiatives.
Marty serves as a liaison between the State Division of Public Works project managers, university personnel, external architects/engineers, and contractors. Marty is dedicated to ensuring that our projects align seamlessly with the needs of ISU faculty, staff, and students.
Marty's responsibilities span from reviewing and disseminating project documents during pre-design and construction phases to orchestrating meetings involving ISU stakeholders, architects, engineers, and contractors to guarantee adherence to campus standards.
Marty manages projects on the Pocatello, Meridian, and Idaho Falls campuses. Marty takes pride in overseeing on-site project management activities with meticulous attention to detail. Marty's skills extend beyond traditional project management, encompassing tasks such as furniture selection and ordering, design review, and construction oversight.
In addition to Marty's professional endeavors, Marty is an active participant in the local community. Marty has completed the Leadership Pocatello Chubbuck program through the Pocatello Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce, and currently serves as the Chair of the Historic Preservation Commission for the City of Pocatello. Marty's commitment to community involvement aligns seamlessly with his enthusiastic and extroverted nature.
Driven by a passion for excellence and a touch of nerdy flair, Marty is dedicated to contributing his skills and experience to create dynamic, functional spaces that enhance the ISU campus experience.
Marty has a deep love and appreciation for all kinds of music. Whether he's vibing and dancing at home or at concerts, music is a constant source of joy in his life. He is a passionate supporter of local musicians and the local music scene. Outside of music, Marty enjoys cooking, with carnitas being his signature dish. He also loves spending time in nature, especially hiking and relaxing by peaceful mountain creeks.
Clifton Strengths: Includer | Woo | Relator | Restorative | Deliberative

Jason Adams

Senior Project Manager

(208) 282-5859

jasonadams@isu.edu

Facilities Services | Building 18 - Office 112

Construction design and planning
Building renovations and remodels
Project management software and technology
Life Science project

Tony Razo

Project Manager

(208) 282-2899

antoniorazo@isu.edu

Facilities Services | Building 18 - Office 104

Smartsheet project tracking and management
AutoCAD drafting and design
Construction design and planning
Building renovations and remodels
Project management software and technology

Tony is an 麻豆传媒AV alum and has been a valued member of the Facilities team for several years. He joined the department in 2017, beginning his journey as a Career Path Intern (CPI) student Drafter Assistant. He later advanced to full-time roles as a Drafter and Project Coordinator, and now serves as a Project Manager. He is a pleasure to work with and is highly valued by all of the team.
What Tony enjoys most about working in Facilities is being part of the university’s diverse community. He takes pride in knowing that his work contributes to improving the experience for others at ISU.
Outside of work, Tony is an avid soccer fan—both playing and watching games. He also enjoys biking on local trails. Tony shares his free time with his wife and their two dogs, who keep him active and entertained.
Clifton Strengths: Empathy | Adaptability | Relator | Restorative | Deliberative

Lexi Wilson

Project Coordinator

(208) 282-1246

alexiswilson@isu.edu

Facilities Services | Building 18 - Office 110

Classroom renovation and remodel projects
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) procurement and installation
Project scoping, planning, and timeline development
Project development, coordination, and implementation

Lexi Wilson has been a part of the Facilities team for the past two years. She began as a Project Management CPI, and through her outstanding performance and dedication, she earned a full-time position as a Project Coordinator. Lexi is a highly valued member of the Planning, Design, & Construction team, and her contributions continue to make a positive impact.
Lexi likes the variety that her role offers and being able to collaborate with colleagues, construction crews, and designers alike. She takes great pride in contributing to meaningful projects at the same university where she once studied.
Outside of work, Lexi enjoys spending time on the golf course, riding dirt bikes, going on hunting adventures, and relaxing with her beloved Labrador retriever.
Clifton Strengths: Relator | Analytical | Restorative | Competition | Learner

About the Planning, Design, & Construction Team

The Planning, Design, and Construction team is responsible for the planning, design, and management of construction projects across 麻豆传媒AV. Our projects range from small in-house renovations to multimillion-dollar capital improvement initiatives. Our experienced Project Managers work closely with campus stakeholders to deliver safe, functional, and efficient facilities that support the University's mission.

The Facilities Subcommittee reviews and approves projects exceeding $30,000 and annually develops a prioritized list of capital projects for State and University funding consideration. Through the annual Call for Projects process, the committee evaluates campus needs and helps guide long-term facility planning and investment.

Interesting Facts:

We manage $5–10 million in construction projects annually across 麻豆传媒AV's three campuses.
We maintain an extensive archive of hard-copy blueprints and digitally scanned building plans, spanning from the early 1900s to the most recent renovations for nearly every campus facility.
We support approximately 4 million gross square feet of University-owned space across the Pocatello, Idaho Falls, and Meridian campuses.
We oversee facilities that include more than 230 classrooms and 228 research laboratories, supporting the University's teaching, research, and service mission.