2022 ENR Mountain States: Best Project Govt/Public Building, Best Sustainability

Rooted in the city’s heritage of earth, water, and hard work, the new Ivins City Hall reflects both history and forward-looking sustainability. A central rammed earth wall anchors the design, symbolizing the community’s origins and serving as a unifying feature for the project. The facility provides much-needed civic space, amenities, and accessibility for a rapidly growing population while honoring the city’s character and values.

Designed for resilience and efficiency, the building utilizes passive solar shading, ground-loop heat exchangers, and on-site solar parking canopies. These strategies support Ivins’ goal of achieving net-zero energy, underscoring the city’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship. More than just a government facility, the new City Hall serves as a symbol of community identity and a model of sustainable civic architecture.

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.

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.

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.

2019 | Award of Merit | ENR Mountain States

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Balancing tradition with performance, the courthouse is a critical contribution to the civic fabric of this growing rural community.

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.

Flexible Design for Functional Learning Environments 

Shaped by a vision of meaningful connection and academic exploration, this next-generation middle school fosters identity, curiosity, and collaboration at every turn. Built for Alpine School District in the rapidly growing community of Lehi, the school follows the district’s middle school prototype while introducing enhancements that support interdisciplinary learning, flexible teaming, and student engagement across all academic levels.

Organized along a central “Main Street” corridor, the floor plan divides the building into five smaller learning academies that create a sense of scale and belonging within the larger 1,500-student population. Three academies support core academics, while the remaining two house Family & Consumer Science, Business, Technology, and Visual Arts programs. This school-within-a-school concept enables more intimate learning communities and dynamic cross-disciplinary experiences — laying a strong foundation for collaboration, exploration, and long-term student success.

Holistic Design Solutions for People to Thrive

Utah Tech University Taylor Health Science Building

Bringing together future healthcare professionals under one roof, this integrated facility supports collaboration, cross-disciplinary learning, and student well-being through thoughtful design. Health Sciences programs including Nursing, Medical Radiology, Respiratory Therapy, Dental Sciences, Surgical Technology, Physical Therapy, and Administrative services are co-located with shared academic space, two lecture halls, and student lounges to foster synergy across disciplines. A communicating stair anchors the interior and visually connects all levels of the building, while carefully framed views from the main lobby create a welcoming and inspiring first impression.

Two distinct courtyards — a sunny winter courtyard to the south and a shaded summer courtyard to the north — expand the footprint of learning and gathering outdoors. These exterior spaces, paired with a small café and informal study zones, encourage year-round student engagement. Sophisticated mechanical systems and strategic building orientation contribute to occupant comfort and long-term efficiency, while the building’s layout balances functionality, flexibility, and flow — preparing students for the dynamic realities of today’s healthcare environments

Sculpting Spaces with the Essence of Locale

Drawing from the region’s rich cultural and architectural heritage, this temple brings a timeless expression of faith to the heart of the Rio Grande Valley. Influenced by Spanish Colonial design, the building embraces architectural motifs found in both local Texan and historic Mexican structures — from corbeled arches and quatrefoils to shell niches and carved stone detailing. The tower, open at its peak like a traditional bell tower, rises as a spiritual landmark within the surrounding landscape. A palette of warm beige and subtle ornamentation reflect the tones of the region, while citrus blossom details celebrate the area’s deep agricultural roots.

Inside, the temple conveys a quiet elegance through subtractive architectural gestures — thickened walls, deeply recessed openings, and carved transitions that reference adobe traditions. Barrel vaults, corbels, and painted ceilings add richness and rhythm to the interiors, complemented by art glass in hues of blue, gold, and green that echo the bluebonnet and broader Texas landscape. Lush temple grounds further ground the experience in place, with native palms, succulents, grasses, and floral species creating a serene and deeply local garden sanctuary.

Orchids Motifs, Lattice, and Local Emphasis 

Dedicated in March 2013, the temple was the first built in Honduras. The design was influenced by Mesoamerican and Mayan architectural and pafferus, with its heavy stone mass features and shapes.

Motifs used in the exterior and interior design include a lattice pattern as expressed in the large window grill and are also found in carved details on the furniture and decorative lighting. Another motif was an orchid (Rhyncholaelia digbyana), which is the national flower of Honduras.

Robert M. & Joyce S. Graham Science Center

Bringing science to the heart of campus, the Snow College Science Center is designed as a hub for exploration, collaboration, and hands-on learning. Flexible classrooms, advanced laboratories, faculty offices, and study areas create an interactive environment that supports STEM education and invites students to engage deeply with the natural world.

Respecting the character of Snow College’s historic architecture, the center harmonizes with its surroundings, particularly the two adjacent historic buildings. Two distinct wings — one for labs and one for classrooms and offices — are connected by a transparent glass structure, while a central courtyard provides an outdoor gathering space for relaxation and collaboration. With six state-of-the-art labs for chemistry, biology, and general sciences, the Science Center fosters discovery while strengthening the campus core.

We’re Curiosity-Driven. So We Create Places for Curiosity to Thrive.

Designed to ease the transition into adolescence, this forward-thinking junior high school offers students a cohesive, connected learning experience at a formative age. As the fourth in a series of award-winning prototypes, the school organizes academic spaces into grade-specific, double-lobed learning suites, each wrapped around a central collaboration zone. These open, flexible “houses” promote visibility, foster belonging, and support critical student-teacher and student-student relationships. The school’s design theme, “Connections,” is expressed throughout the building in signage, materials, and detailing — reinforcing a shared identity and sense of place.

Each learning suite is uniquely themed, helping students develop pride in their academic community while also supporting intuitive wayfinding and engagement. Flexible furnishings and highly visible collaborative areas support project-based learning and dynamic instruction. Beyond academics, the facility includes a large, double gymnasium — a joint effort between the District and Layton City — along with a second-floor running track accessible to the broader community. Together, these spaces enhance Shoreline’s role as both a school and a civic asset, strengthening its ties to students, families, and the surrounding neighborhood.

85,000 (new construction); 25,000 (remodel)

Nestled in Utah’s world-renowned mountain resort town, Intermountain Health’s Park City Hospital serves both local residents and an international clientele drawn to year-round recreation, outdoor adventure, and cultural events. The architecture reflects Park City’s mining heritage and alpine character through the use of rough mountain timbers, local stone, rustic metal, and inviting indoor and outdoor fireplaces that foster a warm, community-centered environment.

The outpatient expansion and medical/surgical build-out added over 82,000 square feet of clinical space, including expanded physical therapy and wellness facilities, patient beds, operating rooms, a dedicated sleep center, and administrative areas. The new education center accommodates up to 500 attendees for community events, while the Sports Medicine and Performance Center offers integrated wellness services, such as nutrition consulting, physical activity programming, acupuncture, massage therapy, yoga, and mindfulness.

Careful planning and collaboration minimized disruptions during construction to maintain patient safety and comfort. Overall, this project delivered an enhanced facility designed to honor its mountain setting while providing comprehensive, modern medical services that meet the needs of both the local community and visitors.

Design & Materials to Reflect Local Landscape

Balancing legacy and transformation, this comprehensive renovation reimagines a 40-year-old campus as a modern, high-performing high school designed for the next generation. Rather than replacing the existing building entirely, stakeholders pursued a bold reconfiguration that preserved key infrastructure while delivering a new brand identity, improved functionality, and significant upgrades throughout. Highlights include a new performing arts center, reconfigured student services and reception areas, renovated commons, and the addition of a new field house. Site improvements such as expanded parking and upgraded HVAC, AV, and lighting systems further enhance daily experience and long-term performance.

Material selection played a critical role in shaping the new identity — bold, durable finishes were chosen to stand up to high-traffic student use while bringing light, clarity, and vibrancy to the interior. Exterior updates were carefully composed to ensure the school appears entirely new from the street, reinforcing the community’s investment in its future. From major performance spaces to subtle wayfinding cues, the design celebrates Alta High School’s renewed spirit — one rooted in student experience, community pride, and sustainable reinvention.

Utah Chapter of Landscape Architecture Honor Award 

The Edwin F. Guth Memorial Award for Interior Lighting Design

Excellence in Concrete, Excellence in Construction

2nd Place Best Award, K-12 Education Project of the Year

Merit Award, Excellence in Masonry Design

Celebrating movement, curiosity, and student agency, this pioneering elementary school reimagines how space can support the way young learners engage and grow. As the first in a new series of elementary schools for Davis School District, the design centers around a vibrant central commons with two classroom wings — each featuring integrated collaboration spaces that support project-based learning and foster connection among students and teachers. Themed “Bodies in Motion,” the school’s identity is expressed in both form and material, with undulating metal panels along the exterior evoking the scaled fluidity of a fish in motion.

A catalyst for innovation within the district, the school introduced new spatial and pedagogical models that continue to influence subsequent campuses. Its flexible learning environments, open collaborative zones, and emphasis on sustainability have earned it widespread recognition, including 10 design awards and Utah’s first LEED Gold certification for a public school. As a Net-Zero Energy facility, Odyssey reflects the district’s commitment to stewardship and forward-thinking design — offering an environment where creativity, connection, and curiosity thrive.

Designed with adaptability at its core, this forward-thinking campus supports present-day learning needs while anticipating future growth. Built to serve approximately 530 students in grades four through six, the school alleviates overcrowding at Ridge View Elementary while pioneering Jordan School District’s first elementary-to-middle school conversion prototype. Wide, light-filled corridors and glass-walled classrooms promote transparency and collaboration, while strategic site orientation enables optimal daylighting and seamless future expansion — including athletics facilities, an auditorium, and dedicated CTE spaces.

Interior design reinforces the school’s academic and community-focused mission through angular forms and sculptural detailing — from faceted ceiling grids and triangular tectum panels to integrated reception desks, benches, and tiered seating. Dedicated spaces support a range of enrichment programs including STEM, music, art, and physical education, while a tech atrium, library, and multipurpose room anchor the academic experience. Outside, improved circulation, generous parking, and thoughtful site integration support both daily operations and community use, embodying Jordan School District’s vision for sustainable, student-centered learning environments.

ENR Higher Education/Research Best Project

Pioneering Architecture for the Next Generation of Pioneers

Weber State University Tracy Hall Science Center

As the flagship academic building on campus, Tracy Hall Science Center brings together all of Weber State University’s science and math programs under one roof to foster collaboration and discovery. Housing disciplines from botany and chemistry to physics, microbiology, and mathematics, the building was designed to break down silos and create a community of science, with transparent labs and classrooms that place learning on display for the entire campus.

The center is composed of two masonry-clad concrete towers joined by a three-story glass atrium that serves as the heart of the facility. Natural light fills offices, classrooms, and study areas, while glass-walled labs showcase research and experimentation in progress. Distinctive features include cantilevered conference spaces with sweeping valley views, locally sourced “relic walls” that integrate materials tied to Utah’s history, and artistic elements such as a sculptural water feature inspired by the region’s geology. Together, these design choices connect science, place, and people — establishing Tracy Hall Science Center as a modern landmark for education and innovation.

Connective Communal Spaces for People to Thrive

Rooted in the spirit of movement and urban renewal, this mixed-use residential project brings new life to Salt Lake City’s historic warehouse district. Named for the iconic train that once connected the city to the coasts, the design bridges past and future with bold architectural gestures and vibrant social spaces. Ground-level functions — including a tenant fitness area and neighborhood bar — activate the street, inviting interaction between residents and the wider city. Upper levels offer a yoga and meditation studio, ample storage, and ski lockers tailored to Utah’s outdoor lifestyle.

Outdoor amenities are central to the experience, with layered gathering spaces designed for year-round use. A landscaped courtyard accommodates casual lounge zones and live music events, while a spa with Jacuzzi jets and swim-current functionality offers all-season relaxation. Two dramatic bridge structures span upper levels — a fire pit lounge on Level 5 and a social bridge on Level 8 that connects to the clubhouse. These elevated outdoor rooms are both architectural icons and community anchors, showcasing the greenery, energy, and boldness that define The Zephyr’s identity.

Weber State University Barbara and Rory Youngberg Football Center

A bold new gateway at the north end of Stewart Stadium redefines the game-day experience for Weber State University. Designed as both a patron entry and a football support facility, the North End Zone project creates a striking arrival point on WSU’s Ogden campus. This support facility is known as Sark’s Boys Gateway — a tribute to the Weber State teams of the late 1960s coached by Sark Arslanian. Inside, the complex brings together a premier home team locker room with more than 100 lockers, team meeting rooms, training and equipment facilities, and a weight room addition — all crafted to elevate the student-athlete experience and streamline game-day operations.

For fans, the facility enhances every aspect of the stadium environment. Suites, concessions, expanded restrooms, and ticketing areas improve comfort and convenience, while the new entry plaza provides a welcoming space for gathering, vendors, and food trucks on game day. High-quality materials of wood, metal, and stone, combined with expansive windows and specialty murals, create an environment that celebrates both tradition and modern design. The result is a facility that strengthens Stewart Stadium as a true home for Wildcat football and the Northern Utah community.

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.

ENR Mountain States Best Projects 2019: Award of Merit Government/Public Building

A civic landmark in downtown Provo, the Fourth Judicial District Courthouse unites multiple judicial services under one roof while embodying dignity, accessibility, and security. The eight-story facility houses Juvenile and District Courts, along with support programs such as the Guardian Ad Litem, Juvenile Probation, and Mediation Services. With sixteen courtrooms and capacity for future expansion to twenty, the courthouse occupies an entire city block, reinforcing the urban fabric of downtown and providing space for long-term growth.

Designed to balance function with presence, the courthouse emphasizes daylight, clarity of circulation, and enhanced safety. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring natural light into most courtrooms and frame views of the surrounding mountains, while careful planning ensures secure inmate circulation, protected parking, and acoustic separation of sensitive spaces. Integrated technology, modern amenities, and thoughtful detailing create a facility that reflects the permanence of the judicial system and will serve the community for decades to come.

ENR 2024 Mountain States Best Projects : Best Project, Manufacturing

Redefining pharmacy fulfillment, Intermountain Health’s expanded Supply Chain Center in Midvale delivers medications faster, smarter, and at a larger scale than ever before. The new state-of-the-art fulfillment center nearly doubles output, increasing capacity from 360,000 to 650,000 prescriptions annually. Patients now receive medications in under 40 hours — with many filled the same day — compared to the previous two-to-three-day timeframe.

The project also brought Intermountain’s specialty pharmacy operations under one roof, streamlining services, cutting costs, and reducing driving miles. With both specialty and home delivery teams based at the Midvale campus, the center now serves patients in 48 states, extending high-quality, accessible care across the country.

2022 American Concrete Institute, Intermountain Chapter – Excellence in Concrete Award

Set along the edge of a lake, Jacobsen Construction’s headquarters reflects the company’s legacy of craftsmanship through a modern, elemental design. Concrete, steel, wood, and glass come together in a three-story facility that balances durability with transparency, while ample natural light and sweeping mountain and lake views connect the workplace to its surroundings. The exterior blends GFRC panels, zinc cladding, and architectural concrete, creating a distinctive presence within Salt Lake City’s growing business district.

Inside, the building is organized around a collaborative hub that houses the lobby, café, boardroom, and huddle spaces — a central gathering point for planning and teamwork. From this core, departments extend outward in an arrangement that ensures access to natural views for all employees. Added amenities, including an on-site gym and a bright atrium café, support wellness and connection, making the headquarters both a showcase of Jacobsen’s craft and a forward-looking home for its growing workforce.

Restoring Utah’s most iconic building required balancing historic preservation with state-of-the-art seismic innovation. VCBO Architecture, as architect of record, led a team of engineers, consultants, and specialists through an extensive renewal of the State Capitol. The project introduced base isolation beneath the structure and a new protective podium to safeguard the dome and rotunda from seismic events. Exterior stone and terra cotta were reinforced, repaired, or replaced to meet seismic standards, while all mechanical, electrical, data, and communications systems were completely modernized.

The interior restoration focused on authenticity and longevity. Skylights were replaced, original spaces reopened, and historic colors and ornamentation carefully reestablished. The Capitol was divided into four restoration zones, connected to the East and West buildings through new below-podium tunnels. Guided by rigorous research into historic drawings, photographs, and construction records, the design team combined careful investigation with modern engineering solutions — ensuring the Capitol remains both a symbol of Utah’s heritage and a resilient landmark for future generations.

Spaces for people to thrive.

Earth, Water, and Hard Work

Ivins City Hall

—

Awards

Publications