The Social Architect Digest is a thought-provoking, digital blog authored by H. David Porter, a trailblazing visionary with over five decades of experience in strategic planning, campus design, and innovative food service operations. As President and CEO of Porter Khouw Consulting, Inc., David has redefined the college and university dining experience throughout his career pioneering the concept of SOCIAL ARCHITECTURE™. This holistic approach merges design, community-building, social interaction, and strategic foresight to create transformative campus environments.
This weekly blog delivers expert insights and ideas for university administrators, food service professionals, and architects striving to craft Next Generation Residential and Retail Dining Programs. This blog bridges the gap between visionary strategy and real-world application. Drawing exclusively from David’s extensive experience and knowledge of consulting for college and university dining programs since 1990, in addition to 19 years of hands-on operations and management experiences that all began at the iconic Pillar House fine dining restaurant (circa 1971-1979) and including Harvard University in the late 80s.
Self-Operated vs. Contracted Food Services: The Wrong Question?
This blog explores why reframing the conversation and focusing on strategy first, colleges and universities can transform their dining programs from transactional services into transformative tools for campus success.
The Hidden Cost of the Race to the Bottom in Campus Dining: A Case for Value-Driven Strategies
This blog explores why lowering meal plan prices is a short-sighted approach and how institutions can adopt a value-driven strategy that transforms dining programs into powerful tools for student engagement, retention, and success.
