In the beginning, optimism reigns. As planning for a new education facility gets underway, those with a stake in the process envision how the building will enhance the institution and the surrounding area. Teachers and students imagine spacious, comfortable classrooms and labs with the most up-to-date equipment and furniture. Administrators and community leaders picture an attractive edifice that will become a symbol of the pride people have in their neighborhood and their schools. Facility managers and maintenance workers see a cost-effective building with durable finishes and efficient systems that conserve energy and reduce maintenance demands. But for most education projects, it's not too long before those idealistic ambitions collide with painful budget realities. Enthusiasm and lofty expectations give way to hard choices. To meet spending limits, planners may have to downsize classrooms, eliminate storage space, select less-durable flooring and finishes and forgo other building amenities. This article describes how planners can enhance the aesthetic appearance of a facility without draining the construction budget.