Architecture has been a part of Roger Jackson’s entire life, but he didn’t make the decision to go ‘all in’ until he was in his early 20s. His Dad was an architect and he started in civil engineering. At some point, there was a natural transition to move to a career that would capture both his mathematical and artistic talents. He graduated from the University of Utah School of Architecture in 1984. He landed at FFKR Architects soon after and has been there ever since.
He started working early directly with principals, mainly Joe Rubin and Kip Harris, who pressed hard and encouraged him to define problems and offer solutions, which was a baseline for future success. His stellar hand-drawing skills helped him through this time. They enabled him to participate in projects like the Hotel Utah (now Joseph Smith Memorial Building) and East High School — which he calls “the most famous building in the world to a younger demographic.” Roger was provided this opportunity because he was trusted to follow through on projects, and it set the tone for a future career in the restoration of historical architecture and adaptive reuse.
He found that he enjoyed working in large teams on complex projects with unique details. Since then, he describes himself as “blessed beyond measure to work on once-in-a-lifetime projects” and has been able to engage with large teams of supportive people. Because of his gentle charisma, all types of professionals who participate in his projects love working with him. He recognizes that the work he does requires a lot of support, both in the office with colleagues and support from his family at home.
Roger has spent much of his professional career with a unique specialization in religious architecture and has become one of the most prominent architects for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in recent history, during a time of large international growth of the global faith, and its corresponding massive building expansion. This includes the sensitive preservation, restoration and renovation of iconic historic structures like the Salt Lake Temple, Salt Lake Tabernacle and Temple Square campus expansion in downtown Salt Lake City, as well as beloved tabernacle assembly halls in communities like Vernal and Provo that were converted to temples. His architectural contributions include the meticulous research into the reconstruction of the Nauvoo Illinois Temple, which historically served as a template in function and religious ceremony for future temples, as well as the design of elegant modern and classically themed temples in communities across the globe that inspire and uplift their patrons. Drawing on his understanding of classical and historic architecture, he has also designed classically inspired modern buildings, including the Utah State Capitol East & West Office Buildings, helping to execute Richard Kletting’s original vision for the Utah State Capitol campus.
During the seven years as President of FFKR, he celebrated great success and navigated the challenges of business while always being transparent with staff. Now, after his departure from the presidency, he focuses on leadership and mentoring within the office, guiding his team of talented individuals both on projects and through the FFKR Mentoring Program. He encourages people to draw and work hard in and out of the office to keep their careers fresh.
His stewardship out of the office and within the local and national AIA has stretched over his 40 years of practice, giving him an opportunity to form lasting relationships with architects outside of FFKR and share his experience and talents with the larger community of construction and design. He has given countless presentations for groups all over the world on elements of his expertise involving restoration and design. Notably for AIA National on Catastrophic Fire and Restoration and the National Stone Institute on Stone Detailing on Buildings.
He has held several positions at the local and national AIA level — notably, he served as Director at Large at a time of transition for chapter organization from Utah Society to the Utah Chapter, assisting Julie Berreth as President. He has also served on the Government Affairs and COTE Committees and is now working on collaborating with the Fellows Western Mountain Region.
Outside of AIA, he has spoken at most universities in the state of Utah, given talks in countless church community activities and has been a guest speaker for learning unit opportunities online.
Volunteering his time has been a large part of Roger’s career. Serving on many design Juries for educational organizations like the University of Utah and Women in Architecture. He is also involved with non-profit organizations, including the Utah Film Critics Association (UFCA), Urban Land Institute (ULI), and Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM). He has served on the board of directors for Utahns Against Hunger, Envision Utah.
We gratefully and proudly recognize and honor Roger as this year’s recipient of the AIA Utah Bronze Medal. Congratulations!
