"The state recognized the value of using natural stone materials rather than brick or precast stone," said Moyes. "It was acknowledged that significant architecture for the state was supposed to last a long time and make a visually powerful statement, which could be done through the use of stone. We were grateful that the state saw the enhanced value that stone would bring to the building."
While presenting a design that included stone would benefit the architects in this design competition, doing so under cost would be difficult. "A stone building is obviously more expensive than one made of stucco or brick, but for us there was a value tradeoff - if we could find a way to put stone on the exterior, it would work," Moyes said.