Planning, Design, & Construction

Chris Baker

Director of Planning, Design, & Construction

(208) 282-4572

chrisbaker@isu.edu

Facilities Services | Building 18 - Office 103

Assign project managers to capital and facilities projects.
Coordinate the Call for Projects process.
Develop and maintain project Smartsheets to track progress and milestones.
Monitor and manage Idaho State University project budgets.
Track the status of current and upcoming university projects.
Represent the Planning, Design, & Construction (PDC) team at PBFAC meetings.
Serve as a PDC liaison with the State of Idaho and other external partners and agencies.

Chris Baker joined Idaho State University in 2019. He currently serves as the Director of Planning, Design, & Construction, where he oversees the Facilities project managers and supports a wide range of campus projects.
Chris began his career in the construction industry in 1997, spending 22 years with a Public Works general contractor in Elk Grove, California, specializing in K–12 and higher education projects. His work includes major campus projects at UC Davis, UC Merced, Sacramento State, Yuba College, Sierra College, and numerous school districts across the Sacramento Valley. During this time, he held roles including Responsible Managing Officer, Estimator, and Senior Project Manager.
Chris values the work-life balance that comes with working in Facilities and takes great pride in leading and delivering successful construction projects. He also appreciates the strong relationships he has built within the department and is well known for his approachable personality and sense of humor.
Outside of work, Chris enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching sports, tailgating and cheering on ISU football, and traveling.

Cole Elquist

Senior Project Manager

(208) 282-2472

coleelquist@isu.edu

Facilities Services | Building 18 - Office 115

Construction planning, design, and project development.
Coordinate parking lot construction, maintenance, and renovation projects.
Lead a variety of construction, mechanical, and HVAC system improvement projects.
Manage campus road and infrastructure improvement projects.
Oversee the planning and coordination of the campus utility tunnels project.
Project Manager for multimillion-dollar capital projects, including the Davis Field project and the Pharmacy Remodel & Labs projects.

Cole Elquist joined Idaho State University in 2019 as a Senior Project Manager, bringing decades of construction and project management experience. He is dedicated to delivering high-quality campus improvements that enhance the university for students, faculty, staff, and the state of Idaho.
Raised on a farm and ranch in Idaho, Cole began his construction career in 1991 as a carpenter and concrete mason. Early in his career, he supplemented his work by replacing residential and commercial roofs during mornings and evenings.
In 2000, Cole relocated to Driggs, Idaho, to pursue construction opportunities in Jackson, Wyoming, and the surrounding region. Throughout his career, he has managed a diverse range of residential and commercial construction projects, as well as developments involving wastewater treatment facilities, food processing plants, mining operations, and land development. He moved to the Blackfoot area in 2018 and continues to apply his extensive expertise to advancing Idaho State University's campus.
Outside of work, Cole raises quarter horses and enjoys competing in roping events and rodeos across the region. He also operates a small auto repair business during evenings and weekends, helping support his passion for horses and rodeo.

Weylin Richards

Senior Project Manager

(208) 282-1213

weylinrichards@isu.edu

Facilities Services | Building 18 - Office 108

Apply knowledge of concrete materials, applications, and chemical treatments in construction projects.
Coordinate building renovation and remodeling projects.
Foster strong workplace relationships and promote effective team dynamics.
Oversee excavation and site preparation for construction projects.
Project Manager for the Physician Assistant Program addition and remodel project.
Support construction design, planning, and project development activities.
Utilize project management software and technology to track and manage project progress.

Weylin Richards joined the Planning, Design, & Construction team in 2022. Since then, he has been dedicated to delivering high-quality campus improvements that provide lasting value for the university and its students.
A graduate of Utah State University, Weylin continued his education in Construction Management at Weber State University. With nearly 20 years of experience in construction management and related fields, he has developed expertise in electrical work, excavation, subcontracting, project engineering, and project management. He also holds several professional licenses within the construction industry. Before joining ISU, he was especially proud to contribute to a $22 million design-build hospital remodel and a $4 million Air National Guard building renovation.
Weylin and his family are proud to call Idaho home and have enjoyed becoming part of the Pocatello community. He and his wife, along with their three children, enjoy supporting Idaho State University and cheering on the Bengals. Roar, Bengals, Roar!
Clifton Strengths: Adaptability | Futuristic | Maximizer | Significance | Empathy

Marty Vizcarra

Senior Project Manager

(208) 282-4710

martyvizcarra@isu.edu

Facilities Services | Building 18 - Office 107

Coordinate the procurement and installation of furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) for capital and renovation projects.
Develop and maintain project schedules and timelines to ensure projects remain on track.
Lead project planning, scope development, and definition.
Manage project budgets and allocate resources to support successful project delivery.
Serve as the Project Manager and primary liaison for Idaho Falls and Meridian campus projects.

Marty Vizcarra is an Idaho State University alum who joined the Facilities team in 2022 as a Project Manager. In recognition of his leadership, expertise, and contributions to the department, he was promoted to Senior Project Manager in 2024.
Marty manages projects across the Pocatello, Meridian, and Idaho Falls campuses and provides detailed on-site project oversight. Driven by a passion for excellence and a touch of nerdy flair, he is dedicated to contributing his skills and experience to create dynamic, functional spaces that enhance the ISU campus experience.
In addition to his professional role, Marty is actively involved in the local community. He completed the Leadership Pocatello-Chubbuck program through the Pocatello-Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce and currently serves as Chair of the City of Pocatello Historic Preservation Commission. Marty is also an active member of NeighborWorks Pocatello, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to community development and service.
Marty has a deep appreciation for music of all genres and is a strong supporter of local musicians and the regional music scene. He also enjoys cooking, with carnitas being his signature dish. In his free time, Marty loves spending time in nature, especially relaxing near mountain creeks and lakes. He also enjoys playing D&D, testing his knowledge with trivia, and making lasting memories with his family and friends.
Clifton Strengths: Includer | Woo | Relator | Restorative | Deliberative

Jason Adams

Senior Project Manager

(208) 282-5859

jasonadams@isu.edu

Facilities Services | Building 18 - Office 112

Construction planning, design, and project development.
Coordinate building renovation and remodeling projects.
Participate in project management seminars, workshops, and professional development opportunities to stay current on industry best practices.
Support the planning and coordination of the multimillion-dollar Life Science Building project.
Utilize project management software and technology to track and manage projects.

Tony Razo

Project Manager

(208) 282-2899

antoniorazo@isu.edu

Facilities Services | Building 18 - Office 104

Construction planning, design, and project development.
Coordinate building renovation and remodeling projects.
Coordinate classroom renovation and remodeling projects from planning through completion.
Develop and maintain project schedules and track progress using Smartsheet.
Utilize project management software and technology to support project execution.

Tony Razo is an Idaho State University alum and has been a valued member of the Facilities team since 2017. He began his career with the department as a Drafter Assistant Career Path Intern (CPI) and has since advanced through roles as a Drafter and Project Coordinator before being promoted to Project Manager. His career progression reflects his dedication, expertise, and commitment to supporting the Facilities team.
What Tony enjoys most about working in Facilities is being part of ISU’s diverse campus community. He takes pride in knowing his efforts help enhance the experience of students, faculty, and staff across the university. He is highly regarded by his colleagues and a pleasure to work with.
Outside of work, Tony is an avid soccer fan who enjoys both playing and watching the game. He also spends time biking local trails and enjoys his free time with his wife and their two dogs, who keep life active and entertaining.
Clifton Strengths: Empathy | Adaptability | Relator | Restorative | Deliberative

Lexi Wilson

Project Manager

(208) 282-1246

alexiswilson@isu.edu

Facilities Services | Building 18 - Office 110

Assist with project development, coordination, implementation, and tracking.
Coordinate classroom renovation and remodeling projects from planning through completion.
Manage the procurement and installation of furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E).
Provide project support to the Planning, Design, & Construction (PDC) team.
Serve as a liaison between the PDC team and campus departments, contractors, and other stakeholders.
Support project scoping, planning, scheduling, and timeline development.

Lexi Wilson is an Idaho State University alumna with a Master's degree in Business Administration with emphasis in Project Management. She began her career with Facilities in 2024 as a Project Management Career Path Intern (CPI). Through her dedication and performance, she quickly advanced to a full-time Project Coordinator position before earning a promotion to Project Manager. Her continued growth reflects the commitment and valuable contributions that she brings to the Facilities team.
Lexi appreciates the variety that her role provides and the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues, construction crews, and designers. She takes pride in contributing to meaningful projects at the same university where she once studied. She is a valued member of the Planning, Design, & Construction team, and her work continues to have a positive impact across campus projects.
Outside of work, Lexi enjoys being out on the golf course, riding dirt bikes, and going on hunting trips. She also enjoys spending time with her beloved Labrador retriever.
Clifton Strengths: Relator | Analytical | Restorative | Competition | Learner

About the Planning, Design, & Construction Team

The Planning, Design, & Construction team is responsible for the planning, design, and management of construction projects across Idaho State University. Our projects range from small in-house renovations to multimillion-dollar capital improvement initiatives. Our experienced Project Managers work closely with campus stakeholders to deliver safe, functional, and efficient facilities that support the University's mission.

The Facilities Subcommittee reviews and approves projects exceeding $30,000 and annually develops a prioritized list of capital projects for State and University funding consideration. Through the annual Call for Projects process, the committee evaluates campus needs and helps guide long-term facility planning and investment.

Interesting Facts:

We manage $5–10 million in construction projects annually across Idaho State University's three campuses.
We maintain an extensive archive of hard-copy blueprints and digitally scanned building plans, spanning from the early 1900s to the most recent renovations for nearly every campus facility.
We support approximately 4 million gross square feet of University-owned space across the Pocatello, Idaho Falls, and Meridian campuses.
We oversee facilities that include more than 230 classrooms and 228 research laboratories, supporting the University's teaching, research, and service mission.