Architecture Services
Cheryl Hanson
University Architect
(208) 282-2533
cherylhanson@isu.edu
Facilities Services | Building 18 - Office 102
- Master Planning
- Design
- Branding
- Planning
- Standards
- Cheryl is an architect with extensive experience across multiple roles at ISU, including Adjunct Professor, Project Manager, Director of Planning, Design, and Construction, and Associate Vice President of Facilities Services. Before joining ISU, she spent 21 years in the private sector, working as an architect for various firms and operating her own businesses. Her professional focus has centered on institutional and educational projects. Cheryl received her education in Chicago, Illinois; Versailles, France; and Pocatello, Idaho.
- Cheryl has been a highly valued and deeply appreciated member of the Facilities team for many years. She currently serves as the University Architect and previously stepped into the role of interim Associate Vice President of Facilities for several years—a true testament to her leadership and steadfast commitment. In both positions, she has consistently demonstrated remarkable dedication, compassion, and thoughtfulness, all of which have been invaluable to our department. She works tirelessly, often prioritizing the needs of others above her own. Her steady guidance has been a critical anchor during pivotal moments, and her leadership has helped steer the department through challenging times.
- What Cheryl enjoys most about her work is contributing to ISU’s projects and long-term plans, knowing that she plays a role in shaping a positive and impactful academic environment. She takes pride in helping create the look and feel of the Bengal campus and in supporting the Facilities team in their mission. Being part of something meaningful and lasting is what drives her dedication.
- Outside of work, Cheryl loves spending time with friends and family—especially her grandbaby, who is the apple of her eye. She also enjoys playing music and exploring her favorite cuisine: Greek and Mediterranean.
- Clifton Strengths: Connectedness | Learner | Responsibility | Belief | Includer
Rafael Cabello
University Planner
(208) 282-5345
rafaelcabellosand@isu.edu
Facilities Services | Building 18 - Office 101A
- Space request for program expansion
- Division/Department Occupancy reports
- Relocations simulation and their “domino effect”
- Floor plans and Layouts (for current use and as a preliminary study for a project)
- Specialized/Additional storage space
- Rafael earned his BS in Civil Engineering from the National Technological Institute of Mexico in 2015. His extensive experience in planning and urban development, project coordination, and maintenance and operations has prepared him for management and supervisory roles. These experiences have strengthened his ability to connect with clients, encourage creative problem-solving, and make practical, well-informed decisions.
- Rafael has been a valued member of the Facilities team for nearly three years and serves as University Planner. With his extensive knowledge and skills, Rafael plays a vital role in the success of the department and is highly appreciated by his colleagues.
- What Rafael enjoys most about working in Facilities is being actively involved in the construction process and collaborating with a team that works well together. He values the camaraderie and enjoys participating in team-building activities, social events, and employee celebrations that strengthen workplace bonds.
- Rafael takes great pride in completing projects efficiently and effectively. He finds fulfillment in helping departments and individuals accomplish their goals—ultimately supporting student success throughout their college journey.
- Rafael supports every division and department on campus. He provides guidance on administrative protocols for submitting project or space requests, helps units evaluate and optimize the use of their current space, and offers recommendations to maximize efficiency. Rafael also serves as the first point of contact when additional space is needed due to growth or expansion.
- Outside of work, Rafael enjoys going to the gym, swimming, reading science books, and playing his favorite video games. When it comes to food, he especially loves tacos and his wife’s homemade grapefruit salad. He likes animals and hopes to get a family dog in the future.
- Clifton Strengths: Learner | Analytical | Achiever | Consistency | Belief
Ujwal Sharma
Space Planner
208-282-1346
ujwalsharma@isu.edu
Facilities Services | Building 18 - Office 101
- Space request for program expansion
- Division/Department Occupancy reports
- Relocations simulation and their “domino effect”
- Floor plans and Layouts (for current use and as a preliminary study for a project)
- Specialized/Additional storage space
- Ujwal earned his Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from Tribhuvan University in Nepal in 2017 and completed his Master's degree in Civil Engineering at Idaho State University in December 2023. He has experience in both construction and consulting, specializing in design, engineering, and project management, with expertise in both on-site and off-site work.
- Ujwal has worked as an architectural and structural design engineer for several consulting firms. These experiences, combined with his site management skills, allow him to approach challenges creatively and resolve issues efficiently. His strong communication skills and ability to understand his audience have been key to fostering collaboration and ensuring successful project outcomes.
- Ujwal is wrapping up his first year in the Facilities department, where he serves as Space Planner. A valued member of the team, Ujwal appreciates the strong sense of community within Facilities, describing it as feeling like a big family. He especially enjoys the department-wide events that foster networking and connection among colleagues across different Facilities units.
- Ujwal takes great pride in developing thoughtful solutions that enhance how people use and experience spaces on campus. Seeing a space project come to life—one that he helped plan and design—is incredibly rewarding, as it reflects his contribution to creating better environments for others.
- Outside of work, Ujwal enjoys reading, working on research, watching new movies and TV series, and spending time with his energetic 9-month-old Goldendoodle, who keeps him on his toes with constant demands for attention. While he prefers home-cooked meals, he does like dining out at Himalayan Flavor for the delicious Indian cuisine.
- Clifton Strengths: Connectedness | Intellection | Responsibility | Belief | Empathy
Space Management
Space Management is the tracking and reporting of all university owned space. We maintain a database of departmental space to provide quick and accurate information to the campus community. Using this information allows the University to plan for the future and accommodate space utilization needs that arise. We also work closely with the drafter to maintain accurate building plans for emergency planning, project planning and various other uses.
Examples of information available in the space management database:
- ISU research lab space
- Departmental space occupied
- College/Division space occupied
- Total mechanical rooms on campus
- ISU clinic space
- ISU total gross square feet
- NSF reporting needs every two years