February 1, 2022

All you can ever hope for as an architecture studio is to get the opportunity to work on meaningful projects you believe make a difference in the world. So when they come your way, you give everything you have to make your clients’ life works and dreams come to reality in a way that reflects the amazing people they are.

Central to the design of Paragon Lofts is a desire to embrace the existing historical character while introducing a sensitive, sophisticated design solution. Formerly known as the Westgate Business Center, the building has gone through some poorly executed rehabilitation efforts over its life span. This project converted the original warehouse-turned-office building into 38 luxury lofts.

Sometimes a successful project requires a brave and open-minded client, particularly when the project has an incredibly restrictive budget. When Salt Lake City Fire Department approached the Design Team, their initial idea was to demolish an existing fire station to make room for a new Fire Training Center. However, the $1.3M construction budget would only allow a pre-engineered metal building or sprung structure to replace the station. The 7,300 GSF former station had largely been abandoned except for the Apparatus Bay, infrequently used for firefighter recruit training purposes.

As one progresses through the space, the shift in the program is presented with the public volume in line directly with the canyon view. The proposal included a basement level that incorporates a creative office space with a private outdoor patio. The living-room fireplace is mirrored by an outdoor fireplace; both create places for family and friends to gather. Indoor/outdoor relationships are enhanced through large openings onto the exterior concrete plinths that step with the natural topography. Careful placement of glazing allows for natural canyon breezes to flow through the home seasonally.

This vision or design concept was developed through an all-inclusive community outreach process unique to the needs of the area’s demographics. Clearfield and the surrounding communities served by the Davis County Clearfield branch are similar demographics to the Kearns Library. It is key to note that the success of the engagement process for this community required a very different approach than that of a traditional engagement process. The typical process of inviting the public to set meetings often excludes those who need the library the most. Those who are busy working multiple jobs to support their families and have little time to attend, or those without means of public transportation to attend, are easily missed.

Our design team’s purpose, and directive, was to execute the design process to meet the SLCC vision and implement and resolve SLCC overall and specific design guidelines to the entire project and environment.

In celebration of its 100th anniversary this year, the American Institute of Architects Utah Chapter conducted a poll in October to determine which Utah buildings respondents consider the best in the state. Through this poll, AIA seeks to remember the last 100 years of great architecture in Utah as we prepare to look forward to the next 100 years.

Sparano + Mooney Architecture is proud to announce that principal and co-founder Anne Mooney, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, has been awarded the 2021-2022 Silver Medal by the American Institute of Architects Western Mountain Region.

Cooper/Roberts Architects (now CRSA) was founded in 1976 as the only architectural firm in the region to specialize in architectural design for historic buildings. In this interview, Allen Roberts talks about his particular interests and specialties — history, architecture, painting, and writing, how his career unfolded, and how influential Wally Cooper was to it. Now, Allen has become recognized as a notable architect, architectural historian, author, gallery owner and fine artist. Not surprisingly, he had difficulty narrowing down his interests in the beginning.

Brixen and Christopher Architects was a well-respected firm from 1963 through 2015. Founded by Jim Christopher and Marty Brixen, the firm was known for its use of concrete and natural light. Myron Richardson joined the firm in the 1970s and, after Brixen’s retirement, became Jim Christopher’s partner and later the President of the firm. A gentle soul, Myron became the standard-bearer of Jim Christopher’s philosophy that architecture is about the people who inhabit it.

The uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic has forced us all to be more cautious in all we do, valuing each other and our families as we navigate into the unknown. 2021 also presented some challenges. However, each of those opportunities were met with optimism, and as an organization, we succeeded!

It has been my honor and privilege to serve as the president of AIA Utah in 2021. It’s staggering to me what has been accomplished within AIA Utah this past year under the still difficult circumstances of an ongoing global pandemic. Despite these challenges, we have been able to “Connect, Collaborate, and Celebrate” in this, our 100th year, through our Centennial Celebration in April, our Scholarship Golf Tournament, Annual State conference held in September, and our Awards Celebration Gala held in October. I have seen many of you in-person and online during these events and have made great friendships along the way.