In order to proactively and properly address growth issues, the airport unveiled a new five-year, $1.8 billion expansion and improvement plan. Due to the importance of a consistent campus-wide design image throughout the program, BWI selected GS&P to develop the overall conceptual design criteria and architectural and interior design guidelines. GS&P was also tasked with providing design review services to ensure that the intentions presented in the guidelines were followed.

The design guidelines focused on architecture, material selection and the integration of signage, advertising, information and configuration of functional building elements to achieve a superior level of service for the traveling public. The scope of this massive improvements program included elements that touched every part of the airport, including the design of a new intermodal center.