Rio Grande Concept Plan Screening Analysis AIA UTAH 2024-06-24 | The Rio Grande Plan (RGP), a citizen-generated concept, proposesto realign heavy freight rail (Union Pacific), regional commuter rail(FrontRunner), and Amtrak rail under 500 West, by way of a “train box.”The RGP states that the relocation of rail infrastructure would open 75acres of industrial land for re-development.The centerpiece of The RGP is the historic Rio Grande Depot, whichwould be restored and repurposed to become the hub of transit in thecity and region. This new depot would accommodate Union Pacific, UTAFrontRunner, Amtrak, as well regional rail services such as TRAX light rail.The purpose of The Rio Grande Concept Plan Screening Analysis was to review The RGP by applying existing design standards, performing preliminary engineering analysis, and engaging in stakeholder discussions to determine the potential size of the train box (depth, width, horizontal limits), its potential impacts on intersections up- and downstream of the train box, potential impacts to the existing floodplain, underground utilities and other physical factors, and the potential of freeing up land for development.The analysis does not make a recommendation but identifies key issues and provides decision-makers preliminary information about the costs and benefits of such an undertaking so that they can decide whether the concept merits further detailed study.
Legendary Utah Architect: Robert Herman FAIA AIA UTAH 2026-07-30 | As EDA President and Director of Design, Bob guides the firm’s design philosophy of Utah Modernism. He has earned a reputation crafting regionally relevant projects whose local materiality, structural expression and celebration of natural light create a meaningful sense of place. Bob’s commitment to design excellence extends across a wide range of project types, leading to recognition by the AIA Committee on Architecture for Education, the AIA Academy of Architecture for Justice, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and AIA150 Blueprint for America. He currently serves on the University of Utah College of Architecture and Planning Advisory Board; Utah Center for Architecture Board of Directors; Preservation Utah Board of Trustees; Treehouse Museum; and the Ogden Planning Commission.
Pathway to Fellowship 2026 AIA UTAH 2026-05-14 | Curious about what's involved in being elevated to Fellowship by the American Institute of Architects? Or perhaps you're not even sure what Fellowship in the Institute is?Jeanne Jackson, FAIA, 2026 Chancellor of the College of Fellows, talks about the path to Fellowship including requirements, the submission process, and more!
Legendary Utah Architect: Gary Payne, FAIA AIA UTAH 2026-05-07 | Gary was the long-term Director of the Davis School District. He was instrumental in the Districts progressive school designs that reflect how buildings influence learning in K-12
Legendary Utah Architect: Jeanne Jackson, FAIA, NCARB, LEED AIA UTAH 2026-01-06 | Jeanne Jackson is a partner at VCBO Architecture in Salt Lake City, Utah, and has been with the 130-person firm since 1990, dedicating her career to designing innovative educational environments. Nationally recognized for integrating research-based practices into forward-thinking facilities, her work enhances teaching, learning, and students' future success.Her projects have earned widespread acclaim, including the prestigious A4LE McConnell Award and recognition as a finalist twice. She has also designed Utah’s only Department of Energy–certified net zero energy schools. A sought-after thought leader, Jackson frequently presents at national conferences on designing spaces that foster learning, creativity, and well-being.A passionate advocate for the profession, Jackson has held leadership roles such as Chair of the AIA Committee on Architecture for Education, President of AIA Utah, and Chair of the Utah State Architectural Licensing Board. She has also contributed to architectural education through her work with the National Architectural Accrediting Board and NCARB, earning the NCARB President’s Medal for Distinguished Service in 2019.Among her many accolades, Jackson was the first Utah woman elevated to the AIA College of Fellows in 2013 and received the University of Utah’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2019.
Legendary Utah Architect: Prescott Muir FAIA AIA UTAH 2025-11-06 | Prescott Muir is an award-winning architect practicing in Salt Lake City, Utah and southern California since 1976.Among Muir’s design projects are familiar Utah cultural icons, including the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center in Salt Lake, Ethel Wattis Kimball Visual Arts Center in Ogden, the Bridge Project for Artspace in Salt Lake, and the Pleasant Valley Library in Ogden. No stranger to the academic setting, Muir also has been an adjunct professor at the U since 1993, teaching design studios for graduate architecture students.Muir’s community involvement demonstrates a deep interest in the Utah’s future. He is past president of AIA Utah, served on the board of governors of the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce, and board chair of the Downtown Alliance. He led the scenarios committee of Envision Utah, a state-wide plan for quality growth that protects the environment and maintains economic vitality and quality of life. In addition, he oversaw AIA Utah’s first annual carbon footprint competition for architects in 2008.
Legendary Utah Architect: Anne Mooney FAIA AIA UTAH 2025-10-23 | Anne G. Mooney, FAIA, LEED AP has over 25 years of experience in architecture. Anne co-founded her practice in 1997, and as a founding principal of Sparano + Mooney Architecture, she oversees the planning, programming, design and design process management of the firm’s key projects from offices in Salt Lake City and Los Angeles. She also develops and coordinates the SMA community outreach efforts with key stakeholder groups. She has served as the Co-Chair of the AIA Utah Committee on the Environment (COTE) and the Building Envelope Council (BEC), as well as on the Board of Directors of the AIA. Anne is also an architectural professor and design critic, training, educating and mentoring emerging architects and design professionals. She is a committed educator of the next generation of architects holding an appointment as Professor of Architecture at the University of Utah School of Architecture.
Legendary Utah Architect: RK Stewart AIA UTAH 2025-06-16 | RK Stewart, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C, is an experienced Architect, manager, and leader with the honors and awards to match. RK has extensive experience leading and managing organizations as well as multi-disciplinary teams in the public and private sectors.Mr. Stewart has been active in community involvement and served AIA as local president, state president, regional director, two terms as national vice president, first vice president, and 2007 president. While at AIA, RK emphasized green building, leading the organization to adopt the 2030 Challenge. Today, Mr. Stewart leads organizations applying his expertise in design, development, and communications processes to drive change and inspire others to achieve challenging goals.
What Do Juries Look For? w/ RK Stewart and John Sparano AIA UTAH 2025-05-29 | Esteemed architects John Sparano, FAIA, and RK Stewart, FAIA, share insights on what architecture awards juries look for in an awards submission.
Legendary Utah Architect: Brenda Scheer AIA UTAH 2024-12-02 | Brenda Scheer, FAIA, FAICP is the former Dean of the University of Utah’s School of Architecture and Planning. In addition to her administrative and teaching experience, Brenda is an internationally recognized urban designer, and the author of scores of papers and several books. She specializes in urban morphology, which is the study of the history of cities. Brenda has sat on a number of local non-profit boards, and the Salt Lake Planning Commission where she has made significant contributions to Salt Lake’s urban fabric.
Legendary Utah Architect: Roger Jackson AIA UTAH 2024-10-21 | Roger Jackson, Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, Bronze Medalist, Former President of FFKR and current architect of the Salt Lake Temple – watch this interview with this legendary architect.
KL&A Mass Wood and Cross Laminated Timber CEU 07.16.24 AIA UTAH 2024-07-17 | This presentation will introduce Cross Laminated Timber with information on manufacturing, specification and code-related considerations. A series of project examples that demonstrate its use and associated benefits in a range of applications will also be discussed.
Legendary Utah Architect: Mike Vela AIA UTAH 2024-04-19 | Michael Vela, who has been practicing architecture for nearly 40 years at HKS, opened the firm’s Utah office 25 years ago. In the following interview he talks about the University of Texas, working with a large firm that grew much larger, regretting not getting into arts architecture sooner, and the amazing role technology has played in the profession since he began practicing.
Pathways to Fellowship 2024 AIA UTAH 2024-03-26 | Are you curious about what's involved in being elevated to Fellowship by the American Institute of Architects? Or perhaps you're not even sure what Fellowship in the Institute is?Join Jeanne Jackson, FAIA, 2024 Bursar of the College of Fellows, to learn more about the path to Fellowship including requirements, the submission process, and more.
Legendary Utah Architect: Tim Thomas AIA UTAH 2024-03-13 | Tim Thomas, a very well regarded Utah Research and Medical Lab architect, was one of the founders of Thomas Peterson Hammond that merged with Jensen Haslam to become Architectural Nexus. Fran Pruyn chatted with Tim about how he built his career and the joys that architecture brought him.
Legendary Utah Architect: William Miller FAIA AIA UTAH 2024-02-08 | William Miller, FAIA was Dean of the University of Utah’s College of Architecture and Planning from 1992 – 2002, and then a full professor at the school until 2011. He has served on the Board of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture and received several ASCA. Other service has include board membership on the National Architectural Accrediting Board, and the American Institute of Architects. A Fellow in the AIA’s College of Fellows, Bill is an authority on Scandinavian Architecture. He has researched, written and lectured extensively on the subject, including penning : Nordic Modernism: Scandinavian Architecture 1819-2015, a book published by Crowood Press in 2016.
Legendary Utah Architect: Ken Naylor AIA UTAH 2023-12-22 | Ken Naylor took the helm of Silver Allsop Naylor architects after Dale Allsop and Ron Silver retired in the mid-eighties. The firm, which was founded as Roy Richards Silver Architects in 1952, was a small but established practiced. As its president, Ken helped grow the firm to the powerhouse that is now recognized for its projects in the federal, educational, and religious sectors. Ken talked to Fran Pruyn about his career, its evolution, and his thoughts about architectural education.
Legendary Utah Architect: Tom Jensen AIA UTAH 2023-11-28 | Tom Jensen migrated from Wisconsin to work with Design West Architects in 1976. After helming the Logan Regional Hospital project for Design West, Tom founded Jensen Haslam architects. Jensen Haslam’s merger with Thomas Peterson Hammond formed the powerhouse firm, Architectural Nexus. In this latest installation of AIA Utah Legends, Fran Pruyn talks Tom about the trajectory of his long career.
Legendary Utah Architect: David Brems AIA UTAH 2023-11-08 | David Brems has been a mainstay of the Utah design community for forty years. In the following interview, Fran Pruyn talks with David about how and why he became an architect, his training, his mentors and his long-held advocacy for environmentally responsible design.
2021 IBC Code Update Pt 2 AIA UTAH 2023-10-20 | The Utah State Legislature adopted the 2021 International Building Codes in the 2023 Legislative Session, which will be implemented on July 1, 2023. Changes happen in every code cycle and George Reid, DFCM Assistant Building Official will review the significant changes made in the building code along with the amendments made to the code by the Legislature. Part II, which will happen later in the year, will focus on the changes to the ICC-ANSI A117.1-2017, and the accessible changes that impact design.
Legendary Utah Architect: Donald Finlayson AIA UTAH 2023-07-11 | Don Finlayson, AIA, is an architectural icon in the Healthcare Industry. He is known, not just in Utah, not just in the Intermountain West, but for his work all over the country. A former principal of Architectural Nexus, here is his story.
2021 IBC Code Update Pt 1 AIA UTAH 2023-06-30 | The Utah State Legislature adopted the 2021 International Building Codes in the 2023 Legislative Session, which will be implemented on July 1, 2023. Changes happen in every code cycle and George Reid, DFCM Assistant Building Official will review the significant changes made in the building code along with the amendments made to the code by the Legislature. Part II, which will happen later in the year, will focus on the changes to the ICC-ANSI A117.1-2017, and the accessible changes that impact design.
Legendary Utah Architect: Peter Brunjes AIA UTAH 2023-03-21 | Interviewed by Fran Pruyn. This is the fourteenth in a series of architectural legends; interviews with architects who practiced in Utah during the second half of the twentieth century. These memories archive these architects' personal careers and speak to the evolution of the architectural industry in the United States.
Legendary Utah Architect: Dr. Jack Smith, FAIA AIA UTAH 2023-02-22 | Interviewed by Fran Pruyn.This is the thirteen in a series of architectural legends; interviews with architects who practiced in Utah during the second half of the twentieth century. These memories archive these architects' personal careers and speak to the evolution of the architectural industry in the United States.
Legendary Utah Architect: Stephen Smith AIA UTAH 2022-11-22 | Interviewed by Fran Pruyn.This is the twelfth in a series of architectural legends; interviews with retired architects who practiced in Utah during the second half of the twentieth century. These memories archive these architects' personal careers and speak to the evolution of the architectural industry in the United States.
Legendary Utah Architects: John Shirley AIA UTAH 2022-10-24 | Interviewed by Fran Pruyn.This is the eleventh in a series of architectural legends; interviews with retired architects who practiced in Utah during the second half of the twentieth century. These memories archive the personal careers of these architects and also speak to the evolution of the architectural industry in the United States.
Legendary Utah Architects: Max Smith AIA UTAH 2022-09-02 | Interviewed by Fran Pruyn.This is the tenth in a series of architectural legends; interviews with retired architects who practiced in Utah during the second half of the twentieth century. These memories archive the personal careers of these architects and also speak to the evolution of the architectural industry in the United States.
Legendary Utah Architects: Fred Babcock AIA UTAH 2022-08-18 | Interviewed by Fran Pruyn.This is the ninth in a series of architectural legends; interviews with retired architects who practiced in Utah during the second half of the twentieth century. These memories archive the personal careers of these architects and also speak to the evolution of the architectural industry in the United States.
Legendary Utah Architects: Burke Cartwright AIA UTAH 2022-07-29 | Interviewed by Fran Pruyn.This is the eighth in a series of architectural legends; interviews with retired architects who practiced in Utah during the second half of the twentieth century. These memories archive the personal careers of these architects, and also speak to the evolution of the architectural industry in the United States.
Legendary Utah Architects: Mike Stransky AIA UTAH 2022-05-20 | Interviewed by Fran Pruyn.This is the seventh in a series of architectural legends; interviews with retired architects who practiced in Utah during the second half of the twentieth century. These memories archive the personal careers of these architects, and also speak to the evolution of the architectural industry in the United States.
Legendary Utah Architects: Tony Wegener AIA UTAH 2022-05-20 | Interviewed by Fran Pruyn.This is the sixth in a series of architectural legends; interviews with retired architects who practiced in Utah during the second half of the twentieth century. These memories archive the personal careers of these architects, and also speak to the evolution of the architectural industry in the United States.
Legendary Utah Architects: Niels Valentiner AIA UTAH 2022-05-19 | Interviewed by Fran Pruyn.This is the fifth in a series of architectural legends; interviews with retired architects who practiced in Utah during the second half of the twentieth century. These memories archive the personal careers of these architects, and also speak to the evolution of the architectural industry in the United States.
Legendary Utah Architects: Allen Roberts AIA UTAH 2022-01-25 | Interviewed by Fran Pruyn.This is the forth in a series of architectural legends; interviews with retired architects who practiced in Utah during the second half of the twentieth century. These memories archive the personal careers of these architects, and also speak to the evolution of the architectural industry in the United States.
Legendary Utah Architects: Myron Richardson AIA UTAH 2022-01-25 | Interview by Fran Pruyn.This is the third in a series of architectural legends; interviews with retired architects who practiced in Utah during the second half of the twentieth century. These memories archive the personal careers of these architects, and also speak to the evolution of the architectural industry in the United States.
Restroom Revolution!: Designing Restrooms for Everyone AIA UTAH 2021-10-12 | It’s 2021, and a nursing mother crouches on a dirty toilet in a stall so she can sit while she feeds her child. A father is out with his baby but finds there is no baby changing station in the men’s restroom, leaving him searching for a clean or appropriate location. Inclusive restroom design has a complicated history and a controversial future. Join us to discuss opportunities for the future of restroom design.
Discussions with Utah AIA Legends AIA UTAH 2021-10-12 | Speaker: Frances PruynJoin us to learn from the experiences of six significant AIA members who practiced between 1960 and 2021. Their stories, which will be told through video interviews conducted earlier this year, will explore how and why they became architects, the evolution of the industry during this period, struggles they faced, and advice they have for younger practitioners.
Citizen Architect Panel: Advocate for Your Profession (1 LU) AIA UTAH 2021-10-07 | Speakers: Jackson Ferguson, AIA, Peggy McDonough, AIA, Darin Mano, AIAHave you been inspired to get involved as a Citizen Architect but do not know where to begin? Are you an emerging professional who wants to make a tangible difference in your community? Are you seeking new ways to transfer your architectural skills to improve the well-being of others? If so, this session is for you. Light breakfast served.
AIA Utah 2021 Conference Opening Keynote and Welcome with Peter Exley, AIA AIA UTAH 2021-09-29 | Join us to kick-off the AIA Utah 2021 Conference and to hear from AIA National President Peter Exley via Zoom. Peter will share his insight on the state of the profession and the future of AIA. Exley has served AIA in a number of roles, including as the at-large-director on the AIA Board; chair of the AIA’s Public Outreach Committee; 2013 president of AIA Chicago; Illinois regional representative to the Strategic Council; and more.
Legendary Utah Architects: Elden Talbot AIA UTAH 2021-08-13 | Interview by Fran Pruyn and Robert PinonOur first interview was with Elden Talbot. Fran Pruyn and Robert Pinon (MHTN) met with him in May 2020 and talked about what attracted him to architecture, as well as his practice, his partners, struggles, successes, and guiding philosophies. Talbot was one of the second generations of architects that guided the architecture firm that was Ashton Evans and Brazier, founded in 1923, into a new iteration of the firm that they called Montmorency Hayes and Talbot.(MHT, later MHTN)Elden Talbot is now 89, retired for thirty years, and living with his son-in-law. Robert and I met with him one morning in May in their home in Emigration Canyon. He was bright, happy to tell his story, apologized that he is a little hard of hearing, but very quick with clear answers and quite a few opinions
Legendary Utah Architects: Frank Ferguson, FAIA AIA UTAH 2021-08-13 | This is the second in a series of architectural legends; interviews with retired architects who practiced in Utah during the second half of the twentieth century. These memories archive the personal careers of these architects, and also speak to the evolution of the architectural industry in the United States.Frank Ferguson, FAIAFrank Ferguson is the second “F” of the prominent architectural firm –FowlerFerguson Kingston and Ruben (FFKR). Fran Pruyn and Darby Doyle of City Home Collective spoke with the very vital Frank Ferguson in his home in Holladay in late May 2021. He chronicled his decision to enter architecture, his education in Utah and Minnesota, his experience in Europe, the Midwest, and San Francisco, and how FFKR became an important and established firm in Salt Lake City.
AIA Utah - Architects Day - April 8, 2021 AIA UTAH 2021-04-23 | On April 8, 2021, Utah Governor Spencer Cox declared it "AIA Utah Day" to celebrate the contributions of our organization and members for the past 100 years. Thank you, Gov. Cox, for celebrating with us!
Building Permit Review - Process and Recent Changes AIA UTAH 2021-03-18 | This program helps architects understand some of the issues plans examiners see in the field; and how to avoid them, either with clearer drawings, better communication, or more information. We're really all in this together trying to create the best projects for our clients as possible. Let's discuss how to design solutions for our issues and we'll be able to help the inspectors job go easier (and your project go faster!)
2021 Legislative Day AIA UTAH 2021-02-04 | AIA Utah members review 2021 Utah legislative priorities with support from Anne Law (AIA National Staff); Mike Ostermiller and Chris Kyler (KKOS Lawyers; paid lobbyists); Rep. Ward and Rep. Stoddard (UT Legislature); and Darin Mano, AIA (SLC City Councilman and AIA Member). AIA Utah is a chapter of the American Institute of Architects, a national member organization supporting architects in creating better places to live, work and play. AIA Utah believes that good design makes a difference, and we are committed to guiding community conversations with clarity. Learn more online: www.aiautah.org
Presidents Message January 2021 AIA UTAH 2021-01-15 | Message from the AIA Utah 2021 President, Phil Haderlie, AIA.
CONNECTIONS AIA UTAH 2020 Conference: Thom Mayne FAIA, Closing Keynote AIA UTAH 2020-09-29 | Thom Mayne, FAIA, shares his outlook on architecture in the time of social change, pandemic, and technological innovation. Part of the 2020 AIA Utah conference. AIA Utah is a chapter of the American Institute of Architects. Learn more: www.aiautah.org
