The school contracted with California-based RSK Associates, an architectural firm, for assistance during the planning stages. RSK subcontractors acted with two other firms that specialize in financing and sports facilities. The three firms helped the school come up with size and cost estimates. The money used was from the UW Foundation. Most money given as a gift to the school goes into the foundation.
Money given for a specific purposes is restricted to that use.
Maki said the money used to pay the consultants was unrestricted. Chancellor Mark Perkins said the university has been advised to work with consultants even in the early stages of projects the size of the union and sports center expansions. That helps avoid planning mistakes that could dramatically change the cost or timing of a project. Students and school leaders are firm on the fact that students have driven much of the planning for the projects while administrators have served as advisers. The students have a deep interest in the future of the university.