The Virginia Institute of Marine Science has begun the design process for two new buildings on its Gloucester Point campus.

One building would consolidate several diverse departments now housed in substandard buildings, VIMS’s director of communications David Malmquist said, while the other will serve as new quarters for its facilities management component.

The larger building will have 32,000 square feet, said project manager Mike Kershner, will provide new space for the Center for Coastal Resources Management, Virginia Sea Grant, Advisory Services, Internet Technology Networking Services, and for the Communications and Publications Office.

That structure will be built on Spencer Road near the Sea Water Lab close to the main entrance to the VIMS campus, Malmquist said. He said he thinks that building could be occupied in about three years.

Ron Herzick, project manager for the facilities management building, said that 15,000-square-foot building might be completed befor...