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Ian Banner’s career milestones include law school, STEM building
From the smallest county in the country England, Ian BannerHe entered architecture not so much because of his professional ambitions as because of his mother’s ultimatum.
“When I was 18, my mom told me it was time to leave home,” Banner said. “She struck out some job postings in the newspaper, one of which was for the National Bus Company’s architect’s office in Peterborough. I pressed on and got a junior technician position there.”
Little did he know that his first job printing blueprints and holding the “dumb end” of tape would be the beginning of a long and distinguished career.banner recently from University of Mississippicapping a nearly two-decade chapter as the agency’s master planner and chief architect.
“I am pleased to congratulate Ian on his well-deserved retirement, but there is no doubt that his immeasurable vision and influence will be missed as his contributions were critical to preserving the integrity and beauty of our campus,” Chancellor Glenn Boyce explain. “His passion for his profession and respect for his team have always been on full display.
“We will certainly miss his beautiful way with words and ability to bring light humor to any moment.”
Banner’s architectural influence can be found from nearly every vantage point on campus.He played a major role in construction projects such as Robert C. Khayat Law Center, The Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Missand South Campus Recreation Centeras well as the renovation of dormitory buildings and the restoration of historic buildings, including wreath, huddlestonand Meyers Halls.
Even the unfinished building was directed under Banner’s leadership.construction in progress Jim and Thomas Duff Center for Science and Technology Innovation Reflecting the efficient design principles Banner implemented when he first arrived on campus in 2004.
“STEM buildings manage energy really well,” he said. “So, it’s an efficient building. That’s really the ultimate goal for me, even though I won’t see it completed.”
Yet these landmark projects belie his humble beginnings, which set him on an unplanned architectural path.
Gradually, as he served national bus company, Banner’s interest in architecture grew day by day. However, after failing school exams, university seemed out of reach – a result of his love of playing football and career ambitions that consumed him but failed to materialize.
He began attending evening classes at a technical college in Peterborough, eventually matriculating University of Plymouth For architecture school. Banner completed a three-year degree course and a year’s internship before returning to Plymouth to study for a postgraduate degree in architecture.
during his tenure plymouthhe plays football semi-professionally penzance association football club and his architecture school roommate, Eno Udobecoming one of his closest friends.
Banner said the experiences made for a great time at Plymouth, where he improved both in the classroom and on the field. Then, toward the end of his term, an unexpected opportunity presented itself.
As fate would have it, Dean of the School of Architecture Mississippi State University Planning a visit to Plymouth. Banner serves as Dean’s tour guide.
“He asked me if I wanted to come to Mississippi State University and write a research paper,” Banner said. “That’s where it started. That’s why I’m here today.”
Banner also met Gary Shaferan architect based in starkville That term he was teaching in Plymouth. Eventually, Banner became the first exchange student between MSU and Plymouth.He traveled to Starkville and wrote the paper—the beginning of his transition to Starkville mississippi.
After returning to the UK and working in the UK LondonAfterwards, Banner returned to Mississippi and began working for Schaeffer.He eventually became a partner Schaeffer Banner Architects and moved to Huntsville, Alabamaopening an office there.
Banner met his future wife in Starkville, Betsy, while teaching at Michigan State University. They married in 1991 and welcomed their son, McFarland,1993.
That year, Banner returned to England and studied environmental design at university. Cambridge University.
“They only accept six people a year into the program, so I joined,” he said. “I was scared to death, but Betsy from Texas told me to control myself and have confidence.
“It was an amazing experience. I learned everything about sustainability; we are experimenting with efficient buildings.”
Banner earned a master’s degree that would have a direct impact on his next career move: become a miss.
“(Shaffer Banner Architects) has designed some projects at the university,” he said. “I was contacted by Dr. Carolyn Staton, our provost at the time, and she asked me if I wanted to apply for a position as a university architect. I seriously thought Gary might have had something to do with that phone call.”
In December 2004, Banner became university architect. Within a year, he was promoted to director of facilities planning.
Banner said that of all the projects and accomplishments he has accomplished while at Mississippi State, he is most proud of managing the university’s first master plan, which began in 2007.
“I take this very, very seriously,” he said. “I’m figuring out how to deal with growing up. I think that was the biggest challenge — and still is.”
banner partners Sasaki Officea famous boston A company specializing in campus planning.A few years ago, the university hired Olmsted’s office, also from Boston, and its founders Frederick Law Olmsted, is recognized as the father of American landscape design. Interestingly, both companies are headquartered in the same suburb of Boston.
“Olmsted built great parks — he built Central Park and many other parks in America,” he said. “His sons work on our campus; they work to shape it.”
Drawing on his background in environmental design, Banner prioritized getting people out of their cars.
“In my opinion, parking is best around campus,” he said. “Why bring vehicles into the center of campus unnecessarily? Then implement bus service, mass transit.
“The only way public transportation on college campuses is going to work is if it’s better and more beneficial than driving.”
this Oxford University Transport The system, which first became operational in 2008, makes this possible with parking facilities strategically placed on the edge of campus.
One of Banner’s most notable projects is the Legal Center, completed in 2011. It is a crowning achievement in sustainable design on campus as it is certified as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building.
“It’s awesome that it got a gold medal, it’s something we’re really proud of,” Banner said. “So, it’s a very energy-efficient building.”
Some of the center’s sustainable features include glazing that reduces solar heat, occupancy and daylight sensor controls, and low-volume plumbing fixtures. Thirteen percent of its materials are recycled, and 20 percent come from less than 500 miles away. Additionally, 94% of construction waste is diverted from landfills.
In 2012, Banner became a director of the company. Sustainability Office, in addition to his other roles. He has led several projects involving the “recycling” and restoration of older buildings on campus. Garland, Hedleston and Mayes, home to the School of Applied Sciences, are three such buildings.
“Those buildings are old and dilapidated,” he said. “They needed to be renovated and restored. So, we restored those three buildings. I’m very happy with the project because anytime you can renovate instead of tearing down and building new, you save energy.
“You’re also giving Mississippi students and taxpayers a better deal because they’re buying these buildings for less money than we can build new, so we can always renovate the buildings, which I love so much.”
Within the office, Banner was known affectionately as “Ianisms” by his colleagues for his kindness, humility, and funny turns of phrase.
“When I think about these ‘Eia-isms’ from time to time, they laugh,” he said. “I’m reminded of an incident yesterday where I allegedly said I wasn’t feeling well but I wasn’t ready to ‘take my clogs off’ yet.”
Chad HunterThe interim director of facilities planning and university architect said he has been fortunate to have had the “opportunity and pleasure” to work with Banner over the past 17 years.
“Ian has made a positive impact on campus, the Oxford community and the state of Mississippi,” Hunter said. “While we are excited for him and his future adventures, we miss seeing him every day.
“His humility, levity, humor … and his ‘religiousness’ will certainly be missed.”
Outside of the office, football remains a big part of Banner’s life.Ten years ago, he agreed to provide commentary for the first SEC Network Broadcast the Ole Miss women’s soccer team.
“I’ve called every home game since then, except when they send their big guy in a nationally televised game,” he said. “It’s kept me in the game and over the years I’ve seen incredible improvements in technical ability, skill and the fun factor of watching these women compete.
“I still do it and I’ll do it again this year.”
After retiring, Banner has no plans to slow down.He will work with his son in his construction company north carolinahelp with drawings and assist with projects.
As for his hopes for the university’s future, Banner emphasized balance — respecting the university’s historic buildings while allowing new buildings, like the STEM Building, to express a technologically advanced and forward-thinking vision.
“As we enter a new phase of advanced building technology and architectural expression, our new buildings should reflect a forward-thinking university,” he said. “While historic buildings will always be respected and protected, our modern facilities must be transparent truly reflect the university’s vision for the future through innovative, sustainable design.”
Erin Garrett
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