Moments when thoughtfully designed spaces bring people together are what drew her to architecture decades ago and continue to guide her work at UMB.
For Ginger Burcham, MS, the best part of designing a space doesn’t happen when construction crews pack up their tools.
It happens when people walk through the doors.
She remembers watching employees stream into the lobby of a newly renovated office building for the first time. Within minutes, a once-quiet space came alive as co-workers gathered around tables, settled into new seating areas, and admired the redesigned environment.
“You could literally hear the noise of conversation,” Burcham recalled. “People were all excited.”
Those moments, when thoughtfully designed spaces bring people together, are what drew Burcham to architecture decades ago and continue to guide her work as the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s (UMB) new facilities lead planner in the Division of Real Estate, Planning, and Space Management (REPSM).
“I’ve always been drawn to architecture, art, history, and community service," she said.
That combination of creativity, technical expertise, and strategic planning stood out during the hiring process.
"Her experience doing planning work for the federal government and how closely her skill set and experience aligned with the job description really stood out," said Luke Mowbray, MS, director of REPSM. "She also came highly recommended."
A Foundation Built on Design
Growing up in the Washington, D.C., area, Burcham discovered her passion for design through drafting, art, and history classes. This inspired her to earn a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Ball State University. She later completed a master’s degree in project management focused on construction and built her career working in architecture firms and on construction sites.
"It takes a village to design and build a large commercial building," she said. "Working with clients, engineers, builders, artisans, and countless others is one of my favorite parts of the profession."
After several years in private architecture, Burcham decided to pursue a career in the public sector, inspired by a mentor who had made a similar transition and by the opportunity for greater work-life balance. That decision eventually led her to UMB.
For Mowbray, filling the position was an important step for the University.
"The campus hasn’t had a senior planner in several months," he said. "Having Ginger fill this role will allow us to improve campus space efficiency and strengthen our analytical capacity."
Although many people may not recognize the REPSM name, its work affects nearly everyone at UMB. The department oversees campus planning, real estate, and space management, ensuring the University’s buildings and facilities support education, research, patient care, and administrative operations.
Burcham’s job is to balance today’s needs with tomorrow’s possibilities.
"A facility planner looks to the past, present, and future of a campus and organization," she said. "We focus on leased space, owned buildings, and ensuring every group on campus has the right-sized facility to support their day-to-day needs."
That long-range perspective reflects Administration and Finance’s commitment to their Guiding Principles, making thoughtful decisions today that position the University for the future. It’s a job that offers her a lot of variety.
Burcham may spend one morning visiting construction sites and another meeting with departments to discuss renovations or future space needs. She also collaborates with colleagues across campus and peers at universities throughout Maryland to ensure UMB’s planning efforts reflect higher education best practices.
Going with the Design Ebb and Flow
Among her current projects are renovations supporting several UMB schools and departments, completion of the WISER Lounge, and preparations for the University’s next campus master plan. She is also the acting facility manager for the Saratoga, Lexington, and Bar Center buildings until the role can be fully automated.
One of the ideas that excites her most is that good design is never truly finished.
"You never know, as a designer, 100 percent how people are going to use a space," she said. "You design something, you change it, and you ebb and flow with what people need from the space."
That willingness to listen, adapt, and continuously improve aligns with another Administration & Finance ethos: putting the needs of the campus community first.
Mowbray said Burcham brings exactly that mindset to the department.
"She is very well organized and a talented designer," he said. "She understands how to clearly identify the scope of a planning issue and develop a systematic process for creating a solution."
For Burcham, however, the greatest reward still comes after the drawings are complete and construction ends.
It’s watching people make a space their own.
Whether it’s employees gathering in a renovated lobby, students collaborating in a new lounge, or departments finding spaces that better support their work, those moments remind her why thoughtful planning matters.
More than anything, she wants the UMB community to know that REPSM is a partner in bringing ideas to life.
"We want you to love where you work and to have a vibrant community here at UMB," she said.
For Burcham, planning is about far more than floor plans or construction schedules. It’s about creating spaces that foster collaboration, strengthen community, and help everyone at UMB do their best work.