Since its founding in 1965, Florida International University (FIU) has experienced phenomenal growth in its student population and academic programs, and rapid development of its physical plant. The rate of this growth has had an impact on the University's ability to plan and direct resources effectively. Constant interim moves by growing departments have required repeated retrofitting of spaces under time pressure, without University-wide standards to follow. The University is also increasingly emphasizing and developing its research mission.

As part of the process, Rickes Associates (RA) collected pertinent data, conducted interviews and focus groups, and directed the updating of FIU's space database. From a compilation of space planning guidelines at various universities and from a benchmark study of peer institutions, RA produced a manual of space guidelines and procedures intended to shape space allocation decisions and budgets as well as support day-to-day facilities management. (2006)