School of Planning, Design and Construction

In September 2024, Brandon List joined Michigan State University as the new campus planner. The campus planner helps guide the physical development of the campus: basically, how we use campus space to support the university’s mission.

"The role of campus planner is pivotal in balancing the everchanging and growing needs of our teaching, research, and outreach mission with the highest and best use of our land,” said Steve Troost, the previous campus planner who retired last fall. “The planner is responsible for protecting and enhancing the campus park while meeting our ever-changing strategic needs."

After graduating from MSU with his bachelor’s degree in 2009, List had the opportunity to work on various campus projects during his time at Hamilton Anderson in Detroit, MI, such as the Broad Art Museum, Wells Hall, and the Bioengineering Building. These experiences cemented his appreciation for the university's commitment to excellence, making the chance to become the next campus planner an irresistible opportunity. For List, this new role is both a significant challenge and a homecoming. 

List brings more than 15 years of experience as a consultant, having worked in Detroit, Chicago, and most recently in Grand Rapids, where he led the landscape architecture and planning team at TowerPinkster. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with a diverse range of universities, institutions, and school districts on master planning and site design. His impressive portfolio includes projects like a $2 billion hospital at Ohio State University, an education campus for the U.S. Army Cyber and Signal Schools, and a district-wide bond plan for Okemos Public Schools. 

In his new role, List is eager to connect with colleagues across the various departments at Infrastructure Planning and Facilities (IPF) and the university. One of the aspects he loves most about his work is learning about the many different functions within the university and the talented people behind them. List humorously notes that he plans to have everyone’s name committed to memory by 2034. 

"There is no better profession to serve in this role than a licensed landscape architect and with Brandon’s past experiences with campus planning and design,” said Troost. “He will undoubtedly serve his alma matter with dignity and respect."

List follows in the footsteps of Troost, who has been a key steward of MSU’s physical environment for nearly two decades. While acknowledging the significant legacy left by Troost, List feels fortunate to have Vision 2050: Integrated Facilities and Land Use Plan as a roadmap for his work. His focus will be on maintaining ongoing processes like the Campus Infrastructure Planning Work Group (CIPWG), Executive Committee for Buildings, Facilities, and Space (ECBFS), and the Art of Campus while building strong relationships within the unit. 

Outside of work, List makes his own peanut butter, writes fiction (and is halfway through a self-proclaimed “poorly written” science-fiction trilogy), runs, plays volleyball, and is cultivating a shade garden in the northwestern corner of his house. Most importantly, his four-year-old daughter keeps him on his toes and brings joy to his everyday life. 

We are thrilled to have him join the MSU community and look forward to the positive impact he will have as the new campus planner. Welcome home, Brandon!