2019 | Award of Merit | ENR Mountain States

2024 | BEST Learn - Higher Ed Project | IIDA Intermountain 

2022 | "Engineering on Display" | Utah Construction & Design 

Weber State University Noorda Engineering, Applied Sciences & Technology Building

"Architecture relies on engineered systems that are typically hidden from users view, but in the Noorda Engineering Building, these building systems are intentionally exposed, allowing students and occupants an honest view of the essential systems that bring the building to life."

— Celestia Carson, Principal VCBO Architect

Weber State University Noorda Engineering Building

Celebrating the precision, creativity, and complexity of engineered systems, this new academic facility reflects the interdisciplinary spirit of innovation within its walls. Positioned on the north end of Weber State University’s campus, the building serves as the new home for the College of Engineering, Applied Science & Technology. VCBO worked closely with university leadership to design a functional, intuitive environment that showcases the building blocks of engineering — both literally and metaphorically. A dynamic exterior sculpture, Between the Currents, captures the essence of invisible natural forces and the unexpected beauty that emerges when diverse data and disciplines converge.

Inside, the building brings together collaborative study zones, classrooms, and labs for Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, the School of Computing, and Professional Sales. It also supports early-college programming through dedicated space for NUAMES High School. Purposefully designed to promote interaction, focus, and experimentation, the facility offers students a forward-thinking environment to learn, collaborate, and thrive — reinforcing Weber State’s mission to prepare future-ready engineers in a space that mirrors the precision of their craft.

2025 Best Small Project | ENR Mountain States

2025 Award of Excellence Landscape/ Urban Development Project of the Year (Under 25 Million) | Associated General Contractors of Utah

Set into the mountainside above Weber State University, this reimagined hillside monogram transforms a long-standing campus tradition into a landmark of sustainable design. What began in 1938 as a temporary letter formed with tin cans has evolved into Utah’s first solar-powered mountain monogram—integrating architecture, renewable energy, and campus identity.

The W is constructed atop an eight-inch-thick shotcrete slab anchored securely into bedrock with more than 100 soil anchors, permanently embedding the structure into the landscape. Solar panels form the letter itself, while recessed LED lighting outlines its shape, allowing the landmark to glow across campus and the city below.

Careful visual studies ensured the letter’s proportions read clearly from both campus and Ogden, reinforcing its presence as a recognizable civic marker. Generating more energy than it consumes and returning surplus power to the grid, the W stands as a visible expression of Weber State’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and enduring design.

2025 Most Outstanding K-12 Large Project | Utah Construction & Design

2025 Excellence in Concrete - Educational | ACI Intermountain Chapter

2025 Award of Excellence K-12 Education | Associated General Contractors of Utah

Innovative Architecture for Innovative Education 

Deseret Peak High School is the second school in the state designed with the flexibility required to support future learning models. This design was a result of a hands-on collaborative planning process with involvement from Tooele County School District administrators, staff, faculty, students, and the VCBO architectural team. Utilizing a series of interactive workshops with the stakeholders, key design ideas including different size classrooms, flexible learning spaces, collaborative learning suites with maker space labs, and teacher office suites were developed.

With a focus on increased efficiency and overall project costs, the Tooele County School Board challenged VCBO to hit a utilization factor of 95% in the new high school prototype. VCBO achieved this goal by moving teachers from their classrooms and into teacher office suites designed to provide teachers with all of the amenities necessary for their continued success. Another key aspect to achieving this goal was to create three learning studio types of varying sizes. Another key design element was the safety of students and staff. Each compartmentalized learning suite is created to optimize daylight, transparency, and safety. The resultant design of the new high school is safe, energy-efficient, supportive of current and future learning models, and continues the goals of the District to enhance collaborative learning.

2025 Best Higher Education Project in the United States

2025 Best Higher Education Research Excellence in Sustainability 

IIDA Intermountain Chapter 2025 BEST - Merit Award - Healthcare 

2024 Utah Construction & Design - Most Outstanding Green/Sustainable Project

The new Integrated Wellness Center is an exciting development for Westminster College. The forward-thinking campus will support a holistic model of health and well-being.

Westminster College Integrated Wellness Center

Where student wellness and sustainability come together under one roof. Inspired by the university president’s vision, this facility was created to give every student access to resources for living well. Inside, a medical clinic, counseling center, wellness studio, demonstration kitchen, outdoor activity courtyard, gathering space, and staff offices come together to support holistic wellbeing. Since opening in August 2024, it has already become a vital resource for nurturing the mental, physical, financial, intellectual, and social health of Westminster students.

Sustainability is at the core of its design. Built with mass timber beams, columns, and cross-laminated timber (CLT) roof decking, the building operates as a net-positive energy facility. A rooftop array of 145 photovoltaic panels more than offsets energy use, eliminating reliance on carbon-based sources. Natural materials were chosen for their durability and benefits to occupant wellness, ensuring the center not only supports healthier lives but embodies them.

Utah Construction & Design 2025 Most Outstanding Community/ Cultural Project

Restoring a Legacy of Connection and Care

Reimagined in partnership with Ogden City, the new Marshall N. White Community Center serves as a vibrant hub for recreation, wellness, and community connection. The design reestablishes the center as a gathering place for a diverse population, supporting the needs of children, adults, and seniors through recreation and education.

Originally opened in 1968, the center is Ogden’s sole community recreation facility. For decades, it has served as a vital social and wellness hub for residents of all ages. However, the building had not undergone major renovations since opening and had become worn and outdated.

The new facility — twice the size of the original — features an expansive exercise area, gymnasium, indoor pool, fieldhouse, and running track, providing a range of year-round activities. In addition to its athletic amenities, the center includes flexible classrooms and multipurpose rooms that accommodate cooking classes, fitness programs, and community workshops — expanding the center’s role in fostering learning and connection as well as recreation.

This transformation not only modernized the Marshall N. White Community Center but also reaffirmed its role as an essential community anchor. The result is a facility that fosters pride, supports health, and brings people together — serving as a lasting investment in Ogden’s vitality.

2023 IIDA Intermountain West Merit Award in Best Learn, Higher Education

Built for Innovation and Polytechnic Learning

Utah Tech University Science, Engineering, and Technology Building

Where innovation meets education, the SET Building equips Utah Tech students for the future of STEM. The facility houses advanced laboratories and classroom spaces for physics, chemistry, biology, geosciences, mechanical engineering, technology, and computer science, along with faculty offices and collaborative support areas.

Developed to address increasing demand for lab access and course availability, the SET Building enables more students to take critical classes when needed, accelerating graduation timelines and preparing graduates for careers in high-demand fields. The project scope also included the demolition of the existing Performing Arts Building and the demolition and repaving of the Whitehead Education Building. Designed as a High Performance Building, the facility emphasizes energy efficiency, sustainability, and occupant comfort while creating an adaptable environment for discovery and innovation.

2025 Most Outstanding K-12 Project  | Utah Construction & Design

2025 Excellence in Concrete - Educational  | ACI Intermountain Chapter

Bringing two aging schools together into one future-ready campus, this elementary school was designed to be flexible, inclusive, and welcoming for every student. Developed through close collaboration with educators and specialists, the building prioritizes accessibility and neurodivergent-friendly design with sensory-supportive materials, adaptable furnishings, and inclusive play environments.

The architecture reflects the district’s vision of excitement and wonder. Castle-like forms, precast crenellations, and Tudor arch portals establish a memorable identity while framing courtyards for outdoor learning and gathering.

Inside, adaptable learning neighborhoods combine classrooms with collaboration zones, STEM areas, and small-group rooms to support diverse teaching styles and individualized learning. Daylight and transparency energize the interior, while bold color and stained-glass–inspired graphics guide wayfinding through four themed learning suites—Terra, Ignis, Ventus, and Aqua—creating identity and intuitive navigation throughout the school.

2025 Award of Excellence Interior/ Tenant Improvement Project of the Year | Associated General Contractors of Utah

2025 Most Outstanding Publisher's Pick | Utah Construction & Design

Ogden’s premier gathering place has undergone a transformation, delivering modern amenities while honoring its unique character. The remodel elevated all major interior spaces and systems — from wall and floor finishes to A/V, lighting, technology, furniture, and fixtures — while preserving the site’s signature postmodern Egyptian theme. Updates to the kitchen, back-of-house areas, and restrooms further improved efficiency, comfort, and operations.

Originally built in 1997 alongside the restored Peery’s Egyptian Theater, the OECC anchors downtown Ogden near Historic 25th Street. Hosting nearly 100,000 guests annually and generating an estimated $10 million in local economic impact, the refreshed facility now offers two ballrooms, six meeting rooms, a boardroom, networking lounges, and a new outdoor terrace. With flexible, hospitality-inspired spaces, the OECC continues to serve as a vital civic and cultural hub for the region.

2021 Most Outstanding Restoration/Renovation Project of the Year | Utah Construction & Design

Scientific Precision for Science Education

Utah State University Noelle E. Cockett Life Sciences Building

Thoughtfully designed to address Utah State University’s growing demand for foundational biology courses, the Noelle E. Cockett Life Sciences Building is a flagship facility on the Logan campus. In conjunction with the adjacent Biology & Natural Resources Building, the LSB supports the science learning community and stands as a LEED Gold-certified example of sustainable and innovative design.

The building offers a dynamic mix of spaces tailored to inspire learning and foster discovery. Key features include a 350-seat lecture hall, 13 teaching laboratories, collaborative research labs, an outdoor teaching laboratory garden, and over 5,000 square feet of student study areas. The design integrates a five-story laboratory research tower with advanced vibration control alongside a four-story classroom and office wing that houses faculty offices, graduate student workspaces, and an interactive central commons. An informal atrium and on-site café provide additional opportunities for collaboration and connection, fostering a comfortable and inspiring environment.

The exterior cladding system blends brick, glass fiber-reinforced concrete panels, metal panels, and glass curtain wall to create a modern, enduring presence on campus. Distinctive features include a grand stair with precast concrete treads and a striking 30-foot art glass installation entitled Surface Tension. The building’s structural system was engineered to meet rigorous seismic standards, employing steel buckling-restrained braced frames in an innovative way to balance strength, stiffness, and architectural integration — ensuring the facility will serve students, faculty, and the broader community for generations.

Nestled at the head of a bubbling spring in a steep valley within Baguio’s thick pine forest, rises a bespoke luxury boutique resort hotel luring those seeking a respite and rejuvenation destination with a soul-centered reconnection to nature and clear mountain air at 1,400-meter elevation. The Baguio Mountain Luxury Boutique Resort creates an exclusive oasis where all amenities and venues are in a private valley, where is heard a babbling creek, waterfalls, birds and whistling pine needles, and where may be seen eagles flying overhead or an afternoon fog rising from below.

Amenities for the 190-key, 37,000-square-meter resort include seven food and beverage facilities from the more luxurious specialty boutique to the informal pool side bar and snack bar, and from places to be seen jet setting at the lobby lounge with two double-sided fireplaces and multiple terrace fire pits to the discrete privacy of an intimate speakeasy bar. There is also a 710-square-meter ballroom ideal for weddings with a hilltop wedding gazebo seating 160. Ample covered parking is provided as well as a heliport for the ultimate arrival experience.

The design is inspired by nature, its mountains thick with towering pine trees and blanketed with ferns parted by meandering trails and a spring fed stream cascading down the valley on water-worn grey stone, and manifested as a contemporary interpretation of the classic mountain lodge, juxtaposing wood, stone and glass horizontally and vertically filtering daylight deep into the interior, like the glorious sunlight streaming down through the pine needle canopy above.

This project was completed by FSC Architects prior to joining VCBO.

Changbaishan Preservation District Long Tang Real Estate Development LTD.

Changbaishan Chixi Ski Resort is an all-season outdoor lifestyle destination where nature and community converge with contemporary design. Thoughtfully designed to celebrate the synergy between indoor comfort and the Great Outdoors, this vibrant resort embraces active living in every season — from skiing and snow play to hiking, biking, and lakeside leisure.

Woven into the forested landscape, curvilinear roads slow the pace and heighten the pleasure of arrival, offering sweeping views and a sense of immersion in nature. At the heart of the resort, the pedestrian-only Resort Village and adjacent Villa Green are designed at a human scale to foster connection and conviviality. Boutique retail and lively public spaces are framed by restaurant, café, and bar anchors that open to outdoor terraces, inviting al fresco dining and social gathering in every season.

Above the bustling ground floor, three- to four-story mixed-use buildings offer multi-family residences and vacation rentals that bring energy and life to the village throughout the day and into the evening Beyond the village, the community expands to include single-family homes and a private clubhouse — ideal for those seeking a more relaxed and immersive connection to the alpine lifestyle. Whether you’re here to live, visit, or play, Changbaishan Chixi Ski Resort’s exquisite place-making, defines a destination that blends vitality, nature, and style into one unforgettable experience.

Fujian Huaxintong International Tourism, Co, LTD

Inspired by the sweeping wings of Hainan’s native sea birds, this visionary modern tropical resort is designed to surprise and delight, every turn revealing something new. Guests can literally swim through the building, flowing seamlessly from pools to restaurants and public spaces, creating a sense of playful exploration and effortless luxury.

An iconic multi-level “event stair” weaves through the resort, connecting key areas and turning movement into an immersive journey. With 188 elegantly appointed guest rooms and 12 private villas — most offering stunning ocean views — this resort is a sanctuary for both relaxation and excitement.

Unwind in the full-service spa, entertain little ones at the kids club, or stay active in the health club. A rich variety of amenities includes gourmet restaurants, stylish meeting rooms, a vibrant pool bar, indoor and outdoor pools, and lush tropical gardens with direct beach access.

At the heart of the resort, a soaring, wing-inspired roof shelters the grand ocean view lobby, a dramatic architectural statement that sets the tone for a stay filled with wonder.

Fujian Huaxintong International Tourism, CO, LTD

Xiamen Marriott Hotel & Conference Center

Evoking the timeless charm of a grand seaside hotel, this resort blends formal symmetry with a relaxed coastal spirit. The architecture draws inspiration from China’s rich heritage, gracefully woven with influences from Southeast Asia and the tropical elegance of Hawaii — contemporary regionalism design that feels both refined and welcoming resulting in authentic guest experiences.

Guests arrive via a gently winding, sloped drive that offers a sense of seclusion from the outside world and builds anticipation before revealing the stunning entrance. The dramatic porte-cochère and grand ocean-facing lobby set the stage for a memorable stay.

With 300 spacious guest rooms and 13 private villas, this resort offers the perfect blend of luxury and comfort. A state-of-the-art conference center ensures seamless experiences for business travelers, while resort-style amenities invite leisure guests to unwind in style. Whether for business or pleasure, this is coastal grandeur with a Pacific soul.

Tucked between a tranquil canal and an untouched stretch of beach, this contemporary island resort offers an unforgettable arrival — guests glide in by private electric boat or cruise silently in an electric car to a serene lagoon courtyard porte-cochère, setting the tone for a stay where sustainability meets elevated sophistication. 

The 350-room hotel’s sculptural façade undulates like the nearby sea, its flowing curves and perforated shell echoing the forms of marine life. This bold, modern organic architecture draws guests into a space where nature, design, and luxury exist in harmony.

Inspired by Nayarit’s storied pearl-diving legacy, this contemporary resort shimmers with bold elegance and coastal allure. The design reveals a quiet seductiveness, infused with abstract nods to local marine life, coral formations, and the rhythms of beachside living. 

Guest wings gracefully embracing the resort’s elevated centerpiece: a lush event garden bordered by vibrant swim-up suites and a dramatic infinity-edge pool running long and parallel to the ocean and appearing to merge seamlessly with the turquoise Pacific horizon.

Sanya Zhongxing Ruihai Investment, Co, Ltd

Inspired by the graceful sea birds native to Hainan Island, this modern architectural masterpiece captures the elegance and motion of a bird in flight — its sweeping form rising above Ya Zhou Bay as if gliding effortlessly over the ocean in search of shimmering fish below.

Nestled within the heart of Creative New Town, this five-star resort redefines coastal luxury using contemporary regionalism design for the 250 guest rooms, two exceptional restaurants, a world-class conference center, and a serene spa and fitness retreat.

Step into the breathtaking ocean-view lobby, where a lush indoor garden with soaring ten-meter palm trees welcomes you. 

Perched above, the Starlight Bar offers 180-degree panoramic views and a spectacular retractable roof that opens to the night sky — inviting guests to drink in the stars along with handcrafted cocktails.

Perched in the foothills overlooking the sacred Brahmaputra River and framed by snowcapped Himalayan peaks, this 230-room five-star hotel, designed in a traditional-leaning form of contemporary regionalism, rises like a modern-day Tibetan palace, blending cultural grandeur and sensitive site planning with serene luxury.

The resort offers a rich array of world-class amenities, including two signature restaurants with private dining rooms, a tranquil spa, indoor pool, fitness center, games room, modest conference facilities, a cultural center, and a stargazing tower for unforgettable nights under the Himalayan sky.

In harmony with nature, the resort architecture elegantly weaves around centuries-old trees, preserved as living monuments and embraced as part of the hotel’s natural soul, creating immersive authentic guest experiences with cultural resonance – critical drivers of both guest satisfaction and long-term hospitality success.

KBHL, LLC (Purchased by Outrigger Hotels & Resorts) 

Inspired by the spirit of the traditional kauhale — the Hawaiian village — this transformative resort vision blends the past and present across a thoughtfully curated landscape of gardens, courtyards, and both renewed and newly constructed buildings. Rooted in cultural respect and executed in contemporary regional design, the result is a dynamic gathering place that honors heritage while inspiring guests today and for generations to come.

Indoor and outdoor venues throughout the beachfront property on the world-famous Ka’anapali Beach serve as a living canvas for Hawaiian storytelling, brought to life through the resort’s internationally recognized Po‘okela program — renowned for its dedication to creating authentic, deeply meaningful guest experiences rooted in place.

Kunming Aerospace Science & Industry (CASIC) Investment Development, Co, LTD

Nestled beside a natural hot spring and blessed with a year-round mild climate, this 225-room urban resort is designed as a serene escape, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Xi Shan’s panoramic peaks. Elegant offerings include themed specialty restaurants, an indoor-outdoor gym and spa, conference facilities, and a rooftop lounge. 

Cradled by a network of historic canals, the resort blends contemporary architecture with rich regional influences, creating a harmonious fusion of modern luxury and timeless charm.

University of Utah Spencer Fox School of Medicine

At the center of the University of Utah’s Health Sciences campus, a new School of Medicine Building is redefining how medical education, research, and clinical care come together. Rising along a key campus crest, the project establishes an academic focal point while revitalizing a previously understated campus entry and framing views of the Wasatch Mountains.

VCBO, in collaboration with The Yazdani Studio of CannonDesign, is designing the building as a hub for learning and discovery. Dynamic education environments include adaptive classrooms, a state-of-the-art advanced simulation center, a gross anatomy lab, and shared spaces that support both formal instruction and informal knowledge exchange. A multistory forum anchors the interior, providing a central gathering space for large presentations, events, and daily interaction among students and faculty.

Tucked between the existing hospital, nursing school, and medical library, the steeply sloped site rises more than 40 feet from south to north. The design responds with a series of outdoor terraces at each level, integrating the building into the landscape while encouraging student wellness, social connection, and learning beyond the classroom, with expansive views across the Salt Lake basin.

Rebuilt on the site of the original 1971 facility and reopened in December 2024, this new fire station strengthens emergency response capabilities in Provo’s growing downtown core. Strategically located near City Hall, the Public Safety Building, and historic Center Street, the station plays a central role in the city’s public safety network.

Planned in close collaboration with the City of Provo, the design balances operational efficiency with thoughtful integration into the surrounding neighborhood through carefully considered massing, materials, and landscaping. The facility is equipped to support expanded response needs, including housing a ladder truck and additional apparatus required to serve a denser, more vertical urban environment.

Designed as a resilient, future-ready civic facility, the station reflects Provo’s long-term investment in public safety infrastructure while contributing positively to the character of the downtown district.

Utah Construction & Design Most Outstanding Project Public Over $10 M 

Supporting Wellness at Every Stage of Life

Anchored between the Wasatch Mountains to the east and Utah Lake to the west, the Spanish Fork Recreation Center provides a year-round destination for health, play, and community connection.

The two-story facility brings together a diverse mix of recreation and wellness spaces. Indoor and outdoor leisure pools, a competition pool, and a lazy river connect aquatic areas across the site. Beyond aquatics, the center includes a double gymnasium, indoor pickleball courts, a spacious fitness area, multipurpose rooms, and a dedicated senior center with lounge, program, and gathering spaces.

Design priorities of openness and transparency shape the experience throughout. Expansive glass facades frame panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, while clear interior sightlines visually connect activity zones across the building. A distinctive sloped suspended track loops through the facility, guiding users past pools, gyms, and fitness areas and reinforcing a dynamic sense of movement.

The architecture draws inspiration from the region itself. An industrial mountain aesthetic reflects both the rugged natural setting and the city’s pioneer heritage. More than a facility, the Spanish Fork Recreation Center serves as a civic landmark designed to bring people together and enrich daily life.

Legacy in Motion: A Place to Belong, Grow, and Lead

Built on the belief that sport can shape stronger lives and stronger communities, this purpose-driven facility brings together mentorship, movement, and meaningful connection. Honoring the legacy of the Fullmer brothers, the center is the new home for the Fullmer Legacy Foundation and its no-cost boxing programs, which have supported and empowered youth across Salt Lake County for decades. Designed by VCBO Architecture to reflect both discipline and compassion, the center includes a full-size boxing ring, open training areas, and dedicated rooms for meetings, events, and educational support — all working in concert to foster character, confidence, and resilience, one round at a time.

Beyond its core boxing mission, the facility includes amenities that strengthen its role as a true community hub. These include a Hall of Fame museum commemorating the Fullmer brothers, a café, a small gift shop, and flexible space to host Golden Gloves tournaments, community meetings, and fitness events. Generous natural light, thoughtful circulation, and accessible programming enhance the sense of belonging throughout. With a mission rooted in leadership, legacy, and service, the Fullmer Legacy Center offers not just a gym — but a place of growth, connection, and lasting impact.

Utah Design & Construction
Healthcare Large – 2024 Outstanding Project

ENR Mountain States Regional
Best Project – 2024

Associated General Contractors of Utah
Project of the Year – 2024 Award of Excellence

Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Campus

The opening of the Primary Children's Hospital Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Campus represents a significant advancement in expanding pediatric healthcare in the rapidly growing Utah County and southern Salt Lake County region. The second full-service location of the world-renowned provider, the new campus will greatly enhance children’s healthcare in the Intermountain West and support Intermountain’s vision of building the nation’s model pediatric health system.

Led in partnership with Page Southerland Page, the project involved 19 months of detailed planning and design to create a comprehensive hospital and clinic in one contiguous structure with a focus on the community and Intermountain Health's needs, ensuring our efforts positively impact residents. VCBO facilitated extensive stakeholder workshops involving more than 130 participants to ensure the design would maximize efficient care delivery, patient well-being, and staff comfort.

The Miller Family Campus — designed with children at its heart — incorporates elements aimed at making patients and families as comfortable and engaged as possible. Beyond healthcare, the campus is designed to be a supportive environment, offering family spaces, childcare, and a park for all abilities, reflecting a focus on children.

The five-story, 66-bed facility adds vital pediatric services not previously available in the area, including trauma and emergency care, behavioral health, intensive care, and specialty surgical and clinical services. With state-of-the-art equipment and facilities — including intensive care units for newborns and children, a surgical unit, and comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services — the Miller Campus stands as a beacon of outstanding pediatric healthcare in the region.

Raising the bar for both sustainability and student engagement, this forward-thinking elementary campus creates a flexible, project-based learning environment grounded in environmental stewardship. Designed as a Net-Zero Energy facility, the school is one of the most energy-efficient public schools in Utah, integrating thoughtful orientation, a robust envelope, and advanced systems such as thermal displacement ventilation to minimize energy demand throughout the day. Photovoltaic panels serve dual roles as roof elements and sunshades, contributing to both energy generation and passive cooling, while LED lighting and responsive controls drive efficiency and support the building’s exceptionally low Energy Usage Index of 17.4.

Thematic classroom wings — Connect, Unite, Build, and Explore — define the academic core of the school, using vibrant finishes and graphics to reinforce identity and support student discovery. Flexible furnishings, overhead glass doors, and adjacent collaboration zones allow learning to flow beyond the classroom and into shared spaces. Larger programs, including a media center and multipurpose room, open directly into the main commons to foster community engagement. Inspired by a “Bodies in Motion: Connection” theme, the exterior design introduces tactile and visual learning moments through patterned masonry, landscape elements, and coded messages embedded in benches, pavers, and walkways — creating an educational environment that is immersive, inclusive, and deeply connected to place.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Architecture for Reverence and Awe to Thrive

The Temple was inspired by contemporary Italian design, yet based on classical Baroque Italian 16th Century architecture. The design from Italian architects Bernini and Borromini are expressed in the curved design and inspired by “San Carlos Alle Quattro Fontane” in Rome.

The Temple Complex's four major buildings, the Temple, Patron Housing, Visitor Center, and Chapel are designed around a traditional Italian Piazza with beautiful paved planted box areas, travertine paved surfaces and small pizzettas with olive trees and the center landscaped areas for quiet contemplation be Temple Patrons and Visitors.

Challenging traditional models of secondary education, this innovative high school redefines how students and teachers engage, collaborate, and thrive. Farmington High School is a unique and innovative comprehensive high school as a result of a hands-on collaborative planning process involving Davis School District administrators, staff, faculty, students, and VCBO Architecture. Utilizing a series of interactive meetings with the stakeholders, key design ideas including different size classrooms, flexible learning spaces, and learning suites with teacher offices were developed. In conjunction with this input, VCBO Architecture conducted a detailed study of class sizes of four DSD high schools which provided integral data that acted as a driver in the change of the high school design model that the District had been using. The design of the new high school uses fact-based assumptions for class size, accommodates project- and problem-based learning, and continues the model of collaborative learning that Davis School District has been a leader in propagating for the past 20 years.

One very critical aspect of the concept is to treat teachers as professionals. Providing classroom spaces that are varied in size and completely flexible allows instructors to utilize the right space for the right learning experience for students. Additionally, every instructor has a private office to use during prep periods and before and after class time. This allows the school to significantly increase the utilization of learning spaces, key to meeting the district construction budget and student load requirements.

Hughes General Contractors Warehouse- Carpets Plus

Built to serve both a trusted local business and the broader community, Carpets Plus Plaza balances functionality with a refreshed retail presence in St. George’s fast-growing market.

The project began with a warehouse addition to support Carpets Plus, a family-run retailer specializing in home appliances, flooring, and window treatments. To complement this expansion, a new retail building was introduced at the front of the site — enhancing curb appeal while creating leasable space that diversifies revenue opportunities.

The design team employed tilt-up concrete construction to deliver a durable, cost-efficient warehouse and shopping addition, ensuring long-term flexibility for future tenants. The exterior of the existing building was updated in parallel, establishing visual harmony across the expanded campus and presenting a cohesive, inviting frontage to the community.

Rooted in a deep respect for place and purpose, this comprehensive temple renovation brings new clarity and dignity to a beloved spiritual landmark. The design preserves the temple’s original structural framework while introducing a refined classical architectural language inspired by the cultural and historical vernacular of the southeastern United States. Updated massing, a redesigned portico, and a taller, more prominent steeple contribute to an enhanced exterior presence, while a new limestone cladding and art glass window systems elevate the temple’s overall expression.

Inside, the entire layout has been reconfigured to improve functionality, accessibility, and the quality of experience in both sacred and support spaces. Increased spatial volume in key areas enhances reverence and focus, while new interior finishes, furnishings, and decorative lighting reflect the surrounding region’s aesthetic heritage. A new cast-in-place baptismal font and updated building systems ensure long-term performance. Exterior improvements include refreshed landscaping, enhanced lighting, and thoughtfully integrated site elements that support both beauty and security — resulting in a renewed temple experience rooted in local character and lasting spiritual tradition.

Rooted in Community, Designed for Connection

Created to foster connection, identity, and next-generation learning, this forward-looking campus brings Draper its first public middle school — a vibrant academic environment shaped by integrated curriculum and collaborative teaching. Replacing the former Crescent View Middle School, the design centers on four distinct learning communities: three grade-specific houses, and a fourth dedicated to the arts, computer science, CTE, and family and consumer sciences. Each house is anchored by central collaboration space, reinforcing relationships and promoting both independence and community.

Every academic house includes planning offices, breakout zones, and grade-specific lockers, creating self-contained environments that foster belonging and student ownership. A 700-seat auditorium, full-sized gym with elevated track, green screen TV studio, and integrated media center enhance opportunities for creative learning and student expression. Driven by the needs of a rapidly expanding population, the project advanced on a fast-track schedule enabled by close coordination and shared commitment. Named in honor of 19th-century educator John R. Park, the school embodies a legacy of purpose-driven education and deep community roots.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Located on a 13-acre site with an existing stake meeting house, the Temple has a strong flavor of the Art Deco period of early 1900 architectural design as well as Colonial Classical Architecture.

Designed with small town historical architecture in mind, the Temple was classically designed with simplified details. The stone carvings, decorative paint, and art glass patterns are reminiscent of quilting patterns and tatted lace, giving a nod to the small American town. The building incorporates a diamond motif throughout its exterior and interior, as Arkansas is home to the only diamond mine in the United States.

Dogwood Blossoms and sunbursts along with soft colors of red, yellow, and blue are reminiscent of an American quilt and the small town heritage of Bentonville.

Design with Devotion and Local Immersion 

Characterized by its highly ornamented Mayan-inspired exterior, the Mexico City Mexico Temple is an acclaimed landmark in northeastern Mexico City, located near Bosque de Aragón—one of the city’s principal parks.

Built in 1983, the Mexico City Temple was the first temple built in Mexico. VCBO was hired as the architect for three phased projects from 2006 to 2015 to replace the exterior concrete panels, remodel the temple interior, and upgrade utility systems.

The Mayan-inspired detailing from the exterior was incorporated more into the interior design of the building and the spaces were completely re-imagined and refreshed to provide patrons with a more functional and modernized temple worship experience.

Interior improvements include geometric Mesoamerican designs; new art glass with coordinating Mesoamerican designs; new millwork, including carved columns with a waterfall design, which is found on the temple’s exterior.

Weber State University Dumke IPE Building Physicians Assistant Space

An adaptable remodel transforms existing space into a home for Weber State University’s Physician Assistant Program. The project reconfigured approximately 45% of an existing building to create specialized spaces including debriefing rooms, a patient simulation lab, a control room, exam rooms, classrooms, and additional office space.

The remodel also upgraded the student lounge, adding improved food and study accommodations to support daily campus life. Together, these updates provide a versatile, functional environment that advances hands-on learning and professional training for future healthcare providers.

Utah Tech University Greater Zion Stadium West Side Expansion

Designed to elevate Utah Tech University’s athletic and fan experiences to new heights, the Greater Zion Stadium West Side Expansion is a visionary addition to the southern Utah campus. The design introduces a cutting-edge skybox structure that houses a state-of-the-art press box, event operations center, and a range of premium seating options, including private suites, lounge seats, club seating, and an exclusive club lounge.

This expansion signifies the football program's ascent to NCAA Division I status by enhancing the university's athletic infrastructure with advanced training facilities, a renovated football team locker room, a team lounge, and equipment management areas. The addition of two extra levels within the skybox structure accommodates expansive athletics offices and team meeting spaces.

To improve fan engagement, the reimagined stadium entrance features a modernized entry plaza alongside a new ticketing and merchandise building, updated stadium fencing, and dynamic branding elements that stand out along the I-15 corridor. Altogether, these enhancements are set to boost student-athlete recruitment, enrich the spectator experience, and solidify the university's distinguished reputation in the region.

Weber State University Stewart Stadium East Seating Replacement

As a symbol of Weber State University’s vibrant athletic culture, the newly revitalized Elizabeth Dee Shaw Stewart Stadium east stadium seating will continue to foster this community spirit for generations of Wildcats.

This project replaced what was deemed “the oldest concrete structure” on campus with a new cast in place concrete risered stadium seating for 5,440 occupants.  The new stadium seating improves sightlines, provides ADA seating, and adds a mid-level concourse that can house food trucks and concessions stands.  

Faced with weather-induced challenges, our team — alongside esteemed partners — employed a deep-pile foundation system to ensure structural integrity in a seismic event and adherence to the project schedule.

VCBO’s commitment to excellence is reflected in the meticulous attention to detail, from robust cast-in-place concrete structures to vibrant, intuitive wayfinding signage. Beyond a sports venue, the renovated Stewart Stadium stands as a strong community pillar, poised to host a diverse array of sporting and community events, fostering communal bonds and creating enduring memories in the heart of Ogden.

This replacement is an essential phase in the incremental growth and upgrade of the entire university stadium. The stadium, track, and field enhancements accommodate the growth of Weber State’s athletic program through ticket sales, guest experience, recruitment, and retention, and provide a facility that enables student athletics to thrive.

Stadium Facilities that Make a Statement 

University of Utah Rice-Eccles Stadium South End Zone Expansion

The celebrated home of Utah Football has undergone a significant expansion. The new South End Zone at Rice Eccles Stadium is now fully enclosed, providing a continuous concourse around the stadium. The refurbished South End Zone proudly accommodates an additional 6,049 spectators, which pushes the overall seating capacity of the stadium well beyond 51,000. 

The South End Zone is a premium hub for fans and teams, featuring luxurious club spaces, private loge boxes, and innovative ledge seating. The rooftop terrace offers incredible game views, while advanced locker facilities ensure seamless transitions on and off the field. This expanded space represents an optimal blend of comfort, style, and practicality, enriching the game-day experience for all.

Architecture for Next-Level Athleticism  

Being the first of its kind, Ogden School District wanted to make a bold statement with this Athletic Center, not only in its architecture but also in its unique functionality and energy efficiency. The District hired VCBO Architecture and Hughes General Contractors to lead the effort in bringing that bold statement to life. The vision for this stand-alone athletic center was to break the mold of the traditional, boxy, cave-like, artificially lit, high school gymnasium complex by creating a fusion between an indoor practice facility for outdoor sports, with a highly transparent, visually engaging, and energy-efficient gymnasium complex, that accommodates all student athletic groups. The new Ben Lomond High School Athletic Center has proven to be a resounding success! The VCBO Architecture, Hughes General Contractors, and Ogden School District team have delivered a highly efficient, extremely functional, and absolutely beautiful building that has proven to be a truly dramatic statement of their combined commitment to the students of Ben Lomond High School now and well into the future. GO SCOTS!

Blending housing, retail, and community space, Wilmington Gardens transforms a small parcel in Sugar House into a vibrant urban garden destination. The mixed-use development includes 105 market-rate apartments, seven luxury townhomes, and a mix of retail, restaurant, bar, and office space. At its center is a large outdoor plaza designed for concerts, farmers markets, and seasonal community gardens, all supported by an underground parking structure.

Set within the eclectic Sugar House business district and adjacent to the Hidden Hollow riparian corridor, the project balances urban density with environmental stewardship. It enhances pedestrian connections to transit, Sugar House Park, and Westminster College while strengthening the neighborhood’s distinctive small-business culture. Developed in collaboration with public agencies, local institutions, and community advocates, Wilmington Gardens is a model for thoughtful, community-driven urban development.

IIDA-Intermountain- 2023 BEST Live - Multi Unit

Where downtown energy meets modern living, Paperbox Lofts redefines urban life in Salt Lake City. Developed in partnership with the Salt Lake City Redevelopment Agency, the six-story community includes 195 apartment homes in a mix of studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units, as well as distinctive live/work residences at street level. Retail spaces, community rooms, and a mid-block public thoroughfare strengthen the connection between the building and the city. Careful attention to the façade creates variety and visual interest along the street, while premium full-floor residences in Building C offer private elevator access for an unparalleled living experience.

Residents enjoy abundant amenities, including a rooftop sunset deck overlooking the Oquirrh Mountains, an elevated lounge with views of the Wasatch, a fitness center, and a large clubhouse with a shared kitchen. Paperbox Lofts also introduces Salt Lake City’s first and largest freestanding automated parking system, accommodating more than 100 vehicles in the footprint of just 18 traditional stalls. Together, these features establish Paperbox Lofts as a dynamic, connected community at the center of city life.

Designed to embody the company’s mission of wellness through nature, dōTERRA’s Pleasant Grove campus integrates architecture, landscape, and community in one cohesive environment. Six interconnected buildings are unified by a sweeping circulation spine and a shared four-story atrium, with plazas and water features positioned between structures to connect daily life to the surrounding landscape. Interiors are oriented to maximize natural light and frame views of Mt. Timpanogos and the Wasatch Mountains.

Set on a 20-acre site of wetlands and marshland, the campus design restores and enhances the natural environment with recirculating ponds, native plantings, and an improved sinkhole now classified as a community-accessible wetlands area. A locally sourced sandstone “plinth wall” defines pedestrian zones and elevates the site above the high water table, while innovative soil stabilization using more than 500 deep aggregate piers ensures stability for long-term growth. The result is a headquarters that strengthens dōTERRA’s identity and celebrates the restorative qualities of the natural world.

Ranked among America’s 150 favorite buildings by the American Institute of Architects, the Salt Lake City Main Library has become a beloved civic landmark and community gathering place. Its triangular main building, adjacent administration wing, and glass-enclosed Urban Room are united by a sweeping public piazza and a curving, climbable wall that integrates shops, cafes, and a rooftop garden. These elements flow seamlessly between inside and out, creating a cultural destination at the heart of downtown Salt Lake City.

The soaring Urban Room extends the full height of the building, filled with natural light and open to expansive views of the Wasatch Mountains. Multi-level reading areas along the glass façade overlook the piazza by day, while at night the illuminated structure reflects across a crescent-shaped pool, extending the vibrancy of the library into the surrounding public space.

ENR Mountain States 2017 Best Projects : IM Government/Public Building Best Project

Transforming a dated utility site into a modern, sustainable operations hub, the Provo Power Campus reflects both the history and future of the city’s energy services. The 10-acre redevelopment replaced aging facilities with a two-story administrative office building, warehouse, maintenance bays, and extensive parking and storage areas. Department layouts were carefully planned to support daily workflows and to safeguard essential emergency functions, which are located on the second floor to mitigate flood risk.

Sustainability was a key driver in the design, resulting in LEED Gold Certification. Solar panels mounted on truck canopies in the pole yard provide renewable power, offsetting energy use while offering functional shade. By weaving Provo Power’s legacy into a high-performance, forward-looking campus, the project delivers a facility that is efficient, resilient, and deeply connected to the people who use it.

Set along historic Tabernacle Street, the Fifth District Courthouse balances tradition with modern justice needs in the heart of St. George. The three-story facility includes eight fully equipped courtrooms, designed to meet the rigorous standards of the Administrative Office of the Courts while incorporating advanced security and technology systems.

Drawing inspiration from its red sandstone surroundings, the courthouse respects the character of St. George’s historic architecture and seamlessly connects to the planned Tabernacle Street Plaza. Preserved trees and landscaped public spaces provide a welcoming setting, making the courthouse both a civic landmark and a functional destination for staff and visitors.

Dynamic Materials and Dynamic Environments 

Epitomizing innovation and modern learning, the replacement of Union Middle School is a beacon of community-focused education design. Through thoughtful planning, stakeholder collaboration, and creative problem-solving, the new facility was designed to foster a dynamic environment that inspires curiosity, collaboration, and community engagement.

Site orientation was key to the design allowing the new facility to achieve optimal solar orientation for classroom wings while creating a prominent street presence. Construction materials balance durability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. Interior spaces combine bold yet practical finishes, emphasizing school branding and wayfinding. Tilt-up concrete panels with textured form-liners provided a cost-effective yet visually striking structural solution.

Union Middle’s architecture revolves around eight distinct building blocks, each crafted to promote collaboration and well-being. The main entrance creates an iconic branded canopy and a high-volume interior welcome hall. The library above includes irresistible cantilevered reading nooks.

Other blocks include three grade-specific learning suites featuring flexible classrooms surrounding central collaboration spaces. The fourth house hosts special education spaces, CTE labs, and 2D/3D art studios with a unique student art gallery.  The double-height commons/dining space fosters social connectivity with a learning stair and an expansive student courtyard.

Through thoughtful design, the new campus maintains Union’s tradition as a place where students, families, and neighbors come together to learn, recreate, and build lasting connections, reinforcing its role as a proud cornerstone of the community.

Visibility. Views. Versatile Simplicity. 

Mountain Creek Middle School is a new middle school in Jordan School District located at 5225 W. Bingham Rim Road in South Jordan, Utah. The new school is approximately 175,000 sq. ft. load-bearing masonry construction two-story building. The middle school has a gymnasium, cafeteria, auditorium, library, classrooms, and administration spaces. The new school sits on a 23-acre site that has parking lots and soccer fields.

Mountain Creek Middle School was developed as a more compact middle school in response to Jordan School District’s promise to taxpayers to reduce building costs by 17%. The design team took this as a challenge to maintain the same number of learning spaces, but reduce the cost in ways that would not be readily apparent. By optimizing building systems and eliminating redundant spaces the design team was able to create an inspiring school that will be a showpiece for the Daybreak area for decades to come.

There are four academic wings that are organized along a central spine. Supervision and wayfinding is made easy through design that maximizes visibility and simplicity of navigation. The main student commons area has a central stair that can double as a platform for announcements and student activities. There is an open adaptable library space that can facilitate large meetings, student breakout, and testing needs.

The school's main entrance has a cantilevered bright metal panel that surrounds a large expanse of glass that allows views into and out of the library space. The gym and auditorium areas of the middle school anchor the two ends with an iconic dissolving masonry pattern that creates a unique identity to those elements and aids in creating visual interest in all elevations of the building for the surrounding community. A secondary lobby space at the auditorium will aid in facilitating events in the 850-seat auditorium.

Showcasing a modern approach to aquatics and recreation design, the Provo Community Recreation Center highlights a range of community-inspired amenities and demonstrates VCBO's capacity for imaginative design. 

This forward-thinking facility reaches outside of the box of the standard recreation center, delivering an over-the-top recreation experience to patrons. Intensive workshops with community and recreation department stakeholders produced some "far-out" design features, such as one-of-a-kind 1,000-square-foot teen pool. This amenity features a rope swing and a deep-water wet climbing and diving experience reminiscent of cliff jumping at Lake Powell in southern Utah. In addition to outdoor aquatics, the center provides patrons with five different indoor bodies of water and accompanying features, including a 25-yard aerobics pool, a 25-by-25 yard competition swimming pool with seating for 300 spectators, a 4,500-square-foot  leisure pool, a children's splash pool with themed play features, dynamic slide features, and a lazy river.  

The recreation center features a three-court gym, multi-activity court gym, three exercise/dance studios, six racquetball courts, an 8,0000-square-foot fitness center, 1/5-mile elevated walk/jog track, bouldering wall cave, teen and child "edu-tainment" areas, concessions, and administrative offices. In addition to expansive locker rooms, the center also offers eighteen family changing rooms due to community input for increased privacy. An expansive senior center includes a lounge, wellness area, assessment office, classrooms, arts and crafts, library/computer rooms, 270-person community room, catering kitchen, and outdoor patio.  

Utilizing as much natural light and ventilation as possible, the facility maximizes the magnificent views of Mount Timpanogos and features a well-planned, drought-tolerant landscape as a key design element. Upon completion, the center was the largest community recreation center in Utah

Architecture for Student-Focused Learning Environments

University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law

University of Utah Quinney College of Law

The S.J. Quinney College of Law is a distinctive building that expresses the dynamic programs, student-centric approach to learning, commitment to public service and focus on environmental stewardship. The VCBO | SmithGroupJJR team was engaged in 2009 to complete the pre-programming process. Following this early study's success, the team continued into programming and designing for the new facility.

The interior spaces include ample collaborative student study spaces, flexible centers to enable and promote innovative legal research and integrated study opportunities, as well as generous community and event spaces to facilitate the thousands of community-oriented events held by the college each year. Access to technology, a student study area with a kid's playroom, and proximity of students to faculty all aid in improving engagement and interaction for all building users. The site and building were designed for equal experiences for all visitors, regardless of abilities. The public-facing library is located on the first floor, most accessible to the regional transit systems. The elevators open on both sides to minimize disruption for those with limited mobility and the accessibility garden provides a comfortable path to travel east-west and access the heart of campus. The college is also optimally located at the southwest of the University of Utah, a key gateway to the campus and a welcoming plaza for building and campus visitors.

A LEED Platinum building, the law school integrates one of the first greywater reuse systems, titanium dioxide-infused concrete, and glass designed to reduce bird impacts. The S.J. Quinney College of Law is a sustainable beacon for the University and the broader community. It is a striking home for the college and a robust addition to both the University of Utah and the State of Utah.

Elevating Legal Landscapes with Innovative Design

Replacing an aging, undersized, and insecure court facility, The Second District Juvenile Courthouse is a welcome addition to the Ogden skyline.  Positioned in the developing north side of downtown, the building provides an anchor for future commercial development in this up-and-coming area.  

The design utilizes the State of Utah court prototype, previously constructed in St. George, Logan, West Jordan, and Tooele. Distinguishing from earlier models, the courthouse features eight courtrooms distributing a courtroom set on each floor from the second to the fifth, promoting an efficient flow of legal proceedings and optimized space usage. The ground floor includes probation offices, clerical areas, mediation spaces, and support services, enhancing convenience and accessibility for visitors. 

The courthouse showcases architecture that blends functionality with aesthetics. Its notable height enriches the Ogden skyline and promotes natural lighting in the courtroom spaces. Thoughtfully designed interiors ensure a safe, welcoming environment for juveniles, aiding rehabilitation and effective communication. This modern courthouse is a testament to Utah’s commitment to justice and youth welfare, successfully refining elements from earlier facilities and enhancing them with new technology to ensure a proficient and respectful juvenile justice system.

Nestled between Union Street and 100 North on historic Main Street, the Manti Sixth District Courthouse stands as a symbol of accessible, equitable justice for the Sanpete County community. The 28,500-square-foot facility succeeded a historically constrained 1930s-era courthouse, delivering essential improvements in safety, technology, and operational efficiency while honoring the region’s pioneer heritage and architectural traditions.

The courthouse includes two distinct courtrooms for district and juvenile court proceedings, along with dedicated spaces for probation services, guardian-ad-litem support, mediation, and remote proceedings. Its design ensures that all users, from the public to staff, navigate the building with clarity and purpose.

Security is a central principle of the design, addressing vulnerabilities in the previous facility. By establishing separate circulation paths for judges, staff, inmates, and the public, the layout eliminates unsafe crossovers and reduces potential conflicts. Reinforced materials, secure access points, and a ground-level sally port are thoughtfully integrated to support both function and protection.

Spaces for people to thrive.

Projects¹⁰⁶

K-12

Higher Education

Civic

Healthcare

Sports & Recreation

Religious

Industrial

Commercial

Hospitality

Projects106