I Guess I Don't Understand

The small college I work at recently decided to "improve" their auditorium. So last year at this time plans were made for the project to commence as soon as classes finished for the summer. The bulk of the plans included, raising the stage a few inches and re-finishing the floor, Painting, new carpet, padding the benches, installing A/C and a few minor configuration changes to the small backstage area. The plan was to have the project done by the beginning of school (Some details are still pending completion)

To give credit to the Maint. (the responsible party for overseeing the project) they decided to install extra conduit and floor pockets to run more mic lines, and add a sound/technical booth at the back. Being a sound technician I was elated, to not only have more space but finally have things laid out correctly. It was also recently approved to revamp the entire system including new control desk, amps, speakers etc. This was wonderful. Until recently.

I then found out the reality of life, or at least due process. Unfortunately they did not consult the staff responsible for the sound equipment. This makes an interesting situation, having people skilled (We have some fine craftsmen I must say) in fixing plumbing and heating ducts, made responsible for building sound cabinets and installing DVD players.

I am having trouble understanding WHY anyone in maintenance even cares how tech gear gets set up. It is confusing why end-users are not embedded in the process, let alone consulted. When a company builds a hospital I am sure they get input from the doctors in regards to how and what they like in the operating rooms. They probably ask nurses what they need easy access to at the nurses station and how many linen closets they want on a floor. Why would a college undergo a building project, installing an expensive system that will be used at least once a day, and not solicit input from those who know best, the operators.

I guess I don't understand.