May 2015
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UC&D Utah Construction & Design Table of Contents
8 Publisher’s Message
10 Construction Law
12 Design Trends
14 A/E/C People
20 Industry News
26 Features
26 Celebrating 40 Years Wally Cooper, Allen Roberts continue to lead CRSA.
32 Open Space Daylighting, outside views highlight FJ Management’s new corporate headquarters.
36 Perfecting Precast The new LDS Temple in Payson is a shining example of architectural precast used as an exterior finish.
42 3form Thriving President/CEO Talley Goodson has 32 transformed the Utah-based manufacturer into a dynamic $100 million-plus firm.
44 Top Utah Architectural Firms Architects ranked on revenues from 2014.
48 ProSoft Turns 30 Software reseller helps A/E/C industry stay on top of technology.
50 Q&A: Jeanne Jackson 36 42
52 Utah GOED
54 Construction Trends
58 Marketing Strategies
On the cover: FJ Management’s new corporate headquarters in downtown Salt Lake illustrates how owners value open space and daylighting in high rise TI renovations. (photo by Dana Sohm, Sohm Photogrfx) 48 50
May 15 | UTAH CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN | 7 < Publisher’s Message UC&D
Utah Construction & Design Magazine 4516 South 700 East, Suite 160 Murray, UT 84107 Architectural Firm Revenues a Positive Sign O: (801) 747-9202 M: (801) 433-7541 Want more concrete evidence that Utah’s A/E/C industry www.utahcdmag.com continues to improve? Look no further than our third annual Top Utah Architectural Firm Rankings on page 46. Bradley H. Fullmer While the list itself didn’t change drastically (there were only two slight changes Publisher/Managing Editor among the Top 10 firms who disclosed revenues from 2014), the most notable fact is [email protected] the total amount of revenue earned by the 19 firms who disclosed revenues: $147.9 million, an increase of $18.7 million from 2013 to 2014, which amounts to a healthy Ladd J. Marshall 14.4% bump. Advertising Sales Director Three firms actually doubled revenues from the previous year (AE Urbia, EDA [email protected] Architects, Design West Architects), while three others showed gains in the 50-60% range (Method Studio, Case, Lowe & Hart, TSA Architects). Jay Hartwell Art Director And while a 10-15% increase in one year is a nice number, firms I have spoken with [email protected] throughout the year are quick to point out that the industry is still nowhere close to the ‘glory days’ of a decade ago. Owners are still demanding, margins are still tight, and competition is as fierce as ever. All in all, architectural firm executives remain optimistic that Utah’s economy (and the Intermountain region in general) will continue to prosper as the 21st Century rolls on. One design firm celebrating 2015 is CRSA Architects, which marks its 40th anniversary this year. The Salt Lake-based firm was founded in 1975 as a one-man shop by Wallace (Wally) Cooper, who teamed up with Allen Roberts a year later to create the foundation of a firm that has designed dozens of prominent Utah and regional projects and now boasts 60 employees in three offices (Salt Lake, St. George, Idaho Falls). Another firm hitting a notable milestone in this year is Orem-based ProSoft, a nationally recognized AutoCAD dealer who is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a series of Power Launch events, including a Salt Lake event June 10. This issue of UC&D also looks at the TI renovation of FJ Management’s new corporate headquarters in Salt Lake, along with the sparkling new LDS Payson Temple, which is highlighted by a beautiful architectural precast exterior. In addition to regular columns (Construction Law, Design Trends, Marketing Utah Construction & Design is published eight (8) times a year. Postage Strategies), we also had to chance to talk with Jeanne Jackson, a Principal with VCBO paid in Salt Lake City, UT. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole Architecture and current President of the Utah Chapter of the American Institute of or in part without written permission is prohibited. Subscriptions: $64.00 per year. Subscribers: If Postal Service alerts us that magazine Architects (AIA Utah). Look for that Q&A on page 26. is undeliverable to present address, we need to receive corrected It’s hard to believe how quickly 2015 is flying by! We’re excited to have five more address. Postmaster: Send address changes to 4516 S. 700 E., Suite 160, Murray, UT 84107. To subscribe or contribute editorial content, or issues on the docket this year, and as always, we welcome any news or information for reprints, please call (801) 433-7541 or email bfullmer@utahcdmag. com. For Advertising rates/Media Kit, please call (801) 872-3531 or from your firm related to Utah’s A/E/C industry. [email protected]. Vol. 3 No. 3 Regards, Coming in June/July issue of UC&D: Top Utah General Contractor Rankings Industry Labor Report Project Delivery Trends Brad Fullmer Publisher/Managing Editor
8 | UTAH CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN | May 15
> Construction Law
Evolution of Utah’s Implied Warranty of Habitability
By Lincoln Harris and Brian D. Bolinder
In 2009, the Utah Supreme Court recognized, In Davencourt, the Court found that for the first time, an ‘implied warranty of “in every contract for the sale of a new workmanlike manner and habitability.’ residence, a vendor in the business of Davencourt at Pilgrim Landing Homeowners building or selling such residences makes an Ass’n v. Davencourt at Pilgrims Landing, LC, implied warranty to the [purchaser] that the 2009 UT 65. As with most changes in the law, residence is constructed in a workmanlike this implied warranty has and is changing manner and fit for habitation.” While not the game for developers, designers, specifically articulating when a builder/ contractors, home buyers and, notably, the developer fails to meet this standard and Lincoln Harris Brian D. Bolinder lawyers representing them. This article expressly stating that perfection is not discusses the reasoning behind the Court’s required, the Court referred to decisions adoption of this warranty, the warranty’s from other jurisdictions that define “the of construction, such a residence is not current and other legal limitations, and the implied warranty of habitability in the habitable or that a new residence must tactics claimants are using to try to skirt sense that if a new residence does not ‘provide inhabitants with a reasonably those limitations. keep out the elements because of a defect safe place to live, without fear of injury to
10 | UTAH CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN | May 15 > Construction Law person, health, safety, or property.’” applies to nonresidential projects – may be Under Davencourt, a claimant must on the horizon. Will the legislature weigh in prove five things to recover for breach of on these issues or defer to the courts? this implied warranty: (1) purchase of a new While these and other questions residence from a builder/developer; (2) an remain to be answered, the guiding unknown defect; (3) the defect appeared principles for managing risk associated after the purchase; (4) the defect was with this latest development in the ever- caused by improper design, materials, or evolving world of design and construction workmanship; and (5) the defect created a defects remain the same: a good team, the safety risk or made the house unfit to live right contracts, sound design and quality in. In adopting these principles, the Court construction, with the right insurance reasoned that an implied warranty was the thrown in for good measure. n best way to protect an innocent homebuyer, to protect the expectations of both parties Lincoln Harris is a shareholder and to establish an equal bargaining at Richards Brandt. He has extensive position. Stated simply, it is intended to experience in a wide range of legal areas, protect buyers when they purchase unsafe including construction defect litigation, or uninhabitable new residences. contracting, commercial leasing and At first blush, all can agree that new liens. Brian D. Bolinder is a shareholder at residences should be safe and habitable. Richards Brandt. His practice focuses on However, as with all legal principles this advising and representing construction industry professionals on risk management and litigation matters. … the Court reasoned that an implied warranty was the best way to protect an innocent homebuyer, to protect the expectations of UC&D both parties and to establish Utah Construction an equal bargaining position. & Design warranty is subject to interpretation. As a Reach 5,000-plus result, it has become a tool for those intent Industry Decision-Makers! on getting around existing legal limitations regarding liability in residential design For Advertising Inquiries: and construction. By way of example, Ladd Marshall at (801) 872-3531 claimants now argue that: the implied [email protected] warranty encompasses improvements For Editorial Inquiries: which may impact the safety or Brad Fullmer at (801) 433-7541 habitability of a residence (e.g., retaining [email protected] walls); the implied warranty is not subject to the current interpretation of statutory The only publication dedicated exclusively time limitations for bringing actions to Utah’s A/E/C industry! related to improvements to real property; and expert testimony is not required to establish a breach of the implied warranty. These arguments, if accepted by Utah’s appellate courts, could dramatically change traditional notions of defending against design and construction defect claims. Still other issues – such as whether the warranty
May 15 | UTAH CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN | 11 > Design Trends
Designing with Light
By Ken Reynar
Architectural lighting designers thinking about lighting control. Where it are working in an era of incredible once was only practical to control groups of technological change. light fixtures, we can now digitally address Just a few years ago we were still using and control individual fixtures, make them carbon filaments heated with electricity responsive to daylight and occupancy, and (incandescent), tubes coated with even report how much energy they’re using phosphors excited by ultraviolet radiation or when they need maintenance. (fluorescent), and electric arcs created The need to reduce the energy used inside tubes of exotic gas (HID) to produce in lighting is driving this evolution, but light for our building projects. Today we’re it’s important not to lose sight of the big Ken Reynar using electronic chips. The results are picture. We don’t design lighting to save revolutionizing the lighting industry and energy; we design lighting for human the equipment we have available to light perception and performance. lighted, and how they relate to each other buildings. When I began my career in lighting with pattern, color, and shadow are all Rising energy costs, ever tightening more years ago than I care to admit, I spent interconnected and influence how a space energy codes, and mandates to reduce a good deal of time studying the work is perceived. greenhouse gas emissions have driven of William Lam, an architectural lighting Lighting is an important design the rapid development of solid state light designer who founded his firm in 1959. Lam element, not just something to be sources, or LED’s. These new LED sources was a pioneer in the field and put forward calculated. Focusing on numbers skips a can produce similar amounts of light the philosophy that good lighting is more vital first step – determining how a space while consuming a fraction of the energy about psychology than numbers. This will be perceived by its occupants and required of older light sources. was nearly 60 years ago and the lighting how they will visually interact with their environment. That’s not to say that calculations “LED’s are opening up new ways of thinking about lighting to predict lighting quantity and quality control. Where it once was only practical to control groups are unnecessary. Rather, those steps and even the selection of the light fixtures of light fixtures, we can now digitally address and control themselves should come only after individual fixtures, make them responsive to daylight and first considering perception and the occupancy, and even report how much energy they’re using composition of the space. or when they need maintenance.” It’s easy to get caught up in changing technology, but also important to remember the critical role lighting plays LED’s are smaller and allow industry has grown significantly since in our human experience with the built manufacturers to use thinner forms and then. But his premise, however, is just as environment. n new shapes, creating fixtures that are relevant today. sleek and less conspicuous. LED emitters Lighting exists to serve the visual needs Ken Reynar is Principal of Light have given us more control over how light of the occupant and reveal architecture in Solutions, an architectural lighting design exits a fixture, allowing for more precise planned and deliberate ways. firm based in Salt Lake City. He’s spent the placement of illumination and limiting spill Humans use vision as the primary last 25 years designing lighting for gaming, light, something particularly welcome in means to evaluate our environment. Vision hospitality, retail, healthcare, airport and outdoor site lighting. is entirely dependent upon light reflected private residential projects in the U.S. and LED’s are opening up new ways of off surfaces. How those surfaces are abroad.
12 | UTAH CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN | May 15 May 15 | UTAH CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN | 13 > A/E/C People
Christiansen Concludes Six-Year Commitment to MCAA Many other personnel moves, accomplishments made amongst Wasatch Front-based A/E/C firms.
Brett Christiansen, President of Salt of vendors also put together mini-trips Lake-based Palmer-Christiansen for 7 or 8 people and you spend a half-day Company, Inc. recently concluded back- fishing and talking shop. It’s been valuable to-back three-year terms serving on the and I learned a lot to make our company Mechanical Contractors Association of better.” America’s (MCAA) Board of Directors, and Christiansen is a native of Utah, having specifically on the Career Development graduated from Cottonwood High in Committee. Christiansen, who also 1983. He earned a Bachelor of Mechanical is President of the Utah Mechanical Engineering from the University of Contractor’s Association, is the first Southern California in 1987, and worked Utah-based Director on the MCAA’s for two years with Chevron doing refinery Board since John F. Dillon of Salt Lake- design work, before realizing he wanted based CCI Mechanical, Inc. completed his to pursue an MBA, which he earned in term in 1984. Public and Private Management from Yale Christiansen said it’s nice to have University in 1991. completed his national service, adding that “All my bosses at Chevron had the lessons learned from other national MBA’s, so I figured I needed one,” he mechanical contractors were invaluable. said. “I enjoyed it. The thing you get out “You give a lot, but you get a lot in of a school like that is you have really return,” he said. “You’re able to learn great professors, but you learn as much what the association is doing nationally from your classmates, who are all hard a question of ‘do I want to work for in regards to government affairs, working, motivated people. It was a neat somebody else or myself’? I really wanted national legislation, labor relations, and environment.” to be my own boss – that is what cemented educational opportunities for members. Christiansen was headed for a job as the deal.” There are usually 30 to 35 board reports, a management consultant in Boston after Christiansen said things are good plus the last couple of years we’ve had graduating from Yale, but was ultimately at his firm, and that the construction roundtable discussions on how to make lured back to Salt Lake City to work with market is solid in Utah, although still the industry better, how we can improve father Hal Christiansen in continuing very competitive. He said mechanical relations with the national union.” on the legacy of Palmer Christiansen, contractors in general remain optimistic Christiansen said board members which was founded in 1946 by Harold that more work will eventually be coming. attend a handful of meetings each year at Christiansen, Brett’s grandfather. Both “There are still too many contractors a summer board meeting along with the Hal and Harold served as UMCA President, chasing too little work, and margins are national MCAA convention each March. The Hal from 1999-2001 and Harold from 1958- certainly down from what they have ability to talk to peers who aren’t direct 59. Christiansen said the allure of being historically been,” he said. “It seems competitors is another benefit, especially a third-generation owner of a successful like Utah’s economy is taking off again. with new technologies like prefabrication mechanical contracting firm – coupled Engineers I’ve talked to all seem to be and building information (3D) modeling. with the ability to define his own career busy – when they’re busy, it tends to “It’s a great way for a contractor to success – were key factors. trickle down in three to six months. We’re learn what they’re doing in Seattle, or “It was a tough decision but I have optimistic things will improve over the New York City, or Chicago,” he said. “A lot no regrets,” he said. “In the end, it was next 12 to 24 months.”
14 | UTAH CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN | May 15 > A/E/C People
R&O Construction of Ogden recently announced two key personnel moves. Eric Stratford has been promoted to Director of Business Development. He has been with R&O Construction for 10 years, beginning as a project engineer, then estimator, and for the past six years as a key member of the business development team. Stratford graduated from Weber State University with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management. He also holds a Eric Stratford Tricia Pilny Lisa Nielson LEED Accredited Professional designation. In addition, R&O has hired Tricia Pilny as a key member of the firm’s Marketing and Business Development department. Pilny has extensive experience in business development with a regional and national focus for more than 15 years. She will be actively working with R&O’s clients to locate, develop and further business relationships.
Lisa Nielson, Executive Assistant Joseph Walker Taylor Remkes Charity Hughes for Ogden-based Staker Parson Companies, received the Outstanding Citizen Award at the Ogden Police Department’s Awards Banquet March 19 for service rendered to Marjorie Medina, Candace Pete, and Sal Palacios after a car accident. The award is given to citizens for conduct in providing valuable assistance to the OPD. “On May 21, 2014, Lisa Nielson came upon an accident in the 3500 block of Wall Avenue. She immediately recognized the Jake Wagner Rodrigo Gonzalez DavidLewis severity of the accident and stopped to render aid,” said Officer Robert Evans. “Lisa has emergency medical training and carries a “Jump Kit” of emergency medical supplies in her trunk. As she checked for injuries, she discovered Marjorie Medina and Candace Pete pinned in the front seat of the car with the dashboard and engine of the car crushing Marjorie’s lower body and legs. She offered aid to the passengers.” “Lisa takes safety seriously and even Jon Lowe Celeina Cullum Justin Heppler takes it home with her in her everyday activities, which is why she was so Joseph Walker has been named working in the past for The Church of Jesus prepared to help Marjorie and her family. Communications Director for the Utah Christ of Latter-day Saints and Geneva We are fortunate to have her on our team,” Department of Transportation. Walker Steel, as well as UDOT. said Scott Parson, President of Staker has a 20-year career in public relations, He started his career as a writer in 1980 Parson Companies. public involvement and communications, for the Deseret News in Salt Lake City, >>
May 15 | UTAH CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN | 15 > A/E/C People eventually becoming that newspaper’s with a Bachelor in Construction announced the promotion of Celeina television and live theater critic, and later, Management from Brigham Young Cullum to Internal Audit, Risk and an online editor and religion reporter. University. Compliance Manager. Cullum is moving He continues to write a values-oriented Gonzalez, originally from Chili, from her position as a controller in the newspaper column called ValueSpeak, joined the Steel Encounters Engineering Clyde Companies Accounting Department which appears weekly in the Deseret department. An accomplished professional where she has worked in various capacities News and 15 other newspapers around the with over 14 years of experience in the for the past 14 years. country. commercial glass and glazing industry, As a consultant, his work on UDOT Gonzalez holds a Bachelor’s degree Justin Heppler has joined Salt projects has included management of in Industrial Engineering earned from Lake-based ajc architects. Heppler was project communications for three of Universidad Tecnologica de Chile, Santiago introduced to architecture at an early age Utah’s largest and most noteworthy and is fluent in Spanish. Gonzalez is a and has always been interested in how road projects: I-15 Reconstruction in Salt married father to three girls, and enjoys buildings shape and create neighborhoods Lake County, Legacy Parkway and Access spending time with his family in his spare and communities. Utah County. Most recently, he worked in time. He graduated in 2002 with a Master in support of UDOT’s analysis of freight rail Architecture from the University of Utah. possibilities in and out of Utah’s Uinta W.W. Clyde & Co. of Springville Over the course of his career, Heppler Basin. recently announced the hiring of David has had the opportunity to oversee a Lewis as its new Area Manager. Lewis will number of significant projects. Four Associated Builders and head the firm’s Hawaii Division. projects, in particular, have shaped his Contractors (ABC) Utah recently He comes to W.W. Clyde with 25+ years practice, including the Meldrum Science announced the hiring of Taylor Remkes of construction experience with expertise Center at Westminster College, the Dixie as the chapter’s Member Services in residential, community and commercial State Holland Centennial Commons, Coordinator. construction. Most recently, he held a Vice Westminster on the Draw mixed-use and Remkes will be responsible for President position at BYU-Hawaii where student housing, and the Wilmington servicing member needs, new program he oversaw construction, facilities and Gardens mixed-use project. development, and annual growth and sustainability. retention rates. She is currently a Weber Prior to his term at BYU-Hawaii, Lewis Salt Lake-based TSA Architects has State University student majoring in worked for Big-D Construction of Salt Lake, added three professionals to its firm. Josh Construction Management. Remkes has was appointed as a Commissioner for the Crawford has joined TSA as an Associate been selected by ABC to serve as the Uniform Building Code Commission for the Principal. He brings eight years of diverse President of the WSU Parson Construction State of Utah by former Governor Michael Healthcare expertise including Medical Management Technology ABC Student Leavitt, served as the President of the Utah Office, Senior Care, and Corporate Office Chapter. She will represent the student ABC Valley Home Builders Association, and typologies. His affinity for Senior Living Chapter at the national level. owned his own construction company. He environments has lead him to become a Charity Hughes has been promoted was named UVHBA Builder of the Year in regional expert of new models of care and to Education Director for the chapter. Her 2002 and 2003. garnered a legacy of successful work in new responsibilities include assessing W.W. Clyde also announced the the sector. Crawford earned a Masters of the needs of the construction industry, promotion of Jon Lowe as General Architecture from the University of Utah development of training programs for ABC, Superintendent over the company’s Hawaii and is LEED AP credentialed. and development of workforce shortage Division. Lowe previously worked as a In addition, TSA welcomes recent solutions. She is also certified as an NCCER Project Engineer and Field Supervisor University of Utah Cum Laud graduate Master Training. for the company with responsibilities Matt Green as a student Intern Architect. over structural concrete. He joined the Green has completed his Bachelor of Salt Lake-based Steel Encounters, firm in 2007 and has worked on projects Architecture and is pursuing his Masters Inc. (SEI) has hired Jake Wagner as a such as Victory Pipeline Phase 1, North at the U. Previously, he worked at Draper- Project Manager and Rodrigo Gonzalez Davis Sewer District Sludge Thickening based Rimrock Construction and brings as Project Engineer. Project, Parley’s Creek Trail Phase 4, and real field experience to the table. His Wagner was formerly with a Lakeside 2 Power plant. Lowe holds a B.S. in enthusiastic “hit the ground running” prominent glass and glazing company in Construction Management and spent four attitude has brought immediate benefits New Mexico prior to joining Architectural years in the U.S. Navy. to recent projects such as the Jordan Project Management team. He is an Valley Cancer Center and VA Hospital experienced construction professional Orem-based Clyde Companies, Inc. Replacement ER.
16 | UTAH CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN | May 15 > A/E/C People
Kendall Springer has also joined the firm as a Senior Project Manager. His focus in architecture is helping his clients to crystalize their vision for their project through effective design and presentation. With his extensive experience in Institutional, Commercial, and Residential work, he will manage the firm’s “Beyond Healthcare” projects. Springer was a founder of Cornerstone Design Group prior to joining TSA. Josh Crawford Matt Green Kendall Springer
Christopher Benson of Salt Lake- based Total Building Commissioning has earned the designation of Certified Energy Manager (CEM). Benson is a Building Commissioning Authority who works with the owner, general contractor and subcontractors to guide the commissioning process. The CEM designation is administered by the Association of Energy Engineers and recognizes individuals who have Christopher Benson Matthew Garlick Ryan Boogaard demonstrated high levels of experience, competence, proficiency and ethical fitness in the energy management profession. The CEM certification program is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) based on the International Standard ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024. ANSI Standard 17024 is well recognized within the industry as the highest standard in personnel certification accreditation. Benson holds a degree in Electrical Engineering and has a unique blend of Brian Lloyd Linda Gillmor Bevan Wilson experience with engineering, controls programming and fault detection. TBC announced that Matthew Garlick joined the firm recently as a Building Efficiency Engineer. His experience includes more than four years of energy optimization studies and recommendations on healthcare, office/ administration and commercial/hospitality projects in the Western United States and at various locations around the world. He has been involved with over 5.5 Denny Thurman John Bassett Mike Tolboe million square feet of new construction projects and has helped design teams Spectrum Engineers of Salt Lake has design experience in a wide variety of achieve over 56 million kWh in annual City announced that Ryan Boogaard HVAC and plumbing systems, from large energy savings. Garlick holds a Master of has been named a principal mechanical boiler and chiller systems to tenant finish Architecture from the University of Utah as engineer by the board of directors. projects, including new construction, well as LEED AP. Boogaard, who joined the firm in 2014, additions and remodels. >>
May 15 | UTAH CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN | 17 Service. Integrity. Predictable Outcomes.
9090 So. Sandy Parkway | Sandy, UT 84070 | (801) 568-9090
PHOENIX | BOISE | IRVINE | SALT LAKE CITY | ORLANDO | HAWAII | NASHVILLE
www.LaytonConstruction.com > A/E/C People
He holds a Bachelor of Science former Chair of the Securities Section of Transportation Commission. In addition to in Mechanical Engineering from The the Utah State Bar. He received his J.D. from that, he served 12 years on the Community University of Utah. He is currently Columbia University and his B.S. in Finance, Impact Board, three terms as the Emery registered as a professional engineer with University Honors from Brigham County Commissioner, one year as in two states and is a LEED Accredited Young University. President of the Emery County Chamber of Professional BD+C. Commerce and many years as a member of The Governor’s Office of Economic the chamber. The Salt Lake-based law firm ofParr Development (GOED) recently Brown Gee & Loveless announced that announced the appointment of Linda Vistage Chair Denny Thurman corporate and securities attorney, Brian G. Clark Gillmor as Associate Managing has announced the formation of the Lloyd, has been selected as President of Director for Urban and Rural Business newest chief executive group in Salt Lake the firm. Each April the firm’s management Services and Director of the Office of City, a growing Vistage community of succession plan identifies a new attorney Rural Development. In this expanded role, more than 70 members and five Chairs. to serve as president. Lloyd has served as Gillmor will expand on her many years As one of more than 400 Vistage Chairs Secretary for the past year and will serve of economic development experience to in the U.S., Thurman will help his group as President until April 1, 2016. bring a new focus to both rural and urban members get results using a proprietary Lloyd is a member of the firm’s business service needs. issue processing method to tackle their business and transactions group, GOED also appointed Bevan most challenging business questions. specializing in corporate and securities K. Wilson to its Board of Directors. Thurman has been a lifelong entrepreneur law. He serves on the Board of Directors of Wilson is a resident of Huntington, and beginning in 1968 when he founded his the Association for Corporate Growth, the has a background in everything from first business in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He Executive Committee of the Utah Chapter business ownership to ranching. He has holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, of the American Red Cross, and was the most recently served in the Utah State Physics and Biology from Eastern Michigan University.
Draper-based Pentalon Construction recently hired John Bassett and Mike Tolboe as Project Managers. Bassett has 35 years of construction experience in both commercial and residential construction, and excels at project management, cost control, risk management and quality control. He has previously worked for firms such as Anderson Engineering in Salt Lake, DDRM in Park City, and Jacobsen Construction of Salt Lake. Tolboe is a former owner of Far West Builders of Salt Lake and employee of Tolboe Construction Co. He has served as Project Manager on numerous projects over the course of four decades, including industrial, institutional and healthcare projects. Tolboe has also served in various leadership positions for the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Utah from 1984-92, including chapter President (now Chair). n
May 15 | UTAH CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN | 19 > Industry News
Impact Hub Salt Lake Opens its Doors Historical building transforms into a 21st Century center for business entrepreneurs.
After more than a year of restoration, Zim’s supply house – Sorensen remembers character to it, brick walls, wood floors, Impact Hub Salt Lake officially opened it buying architectural model supplies there cast iron columns with ornamental detail. doors, marked by an open house April 30 – for decades until 2006. “The building has It’s really a fun space.” at 150 South State. been well-visited from architects,” he said. The design of Impact Hub was led by The entire building is 60,000 SF with Hull Talks about UDOT’s Soren Simonsen, Director of Salt Lake- five stories and a full basement, and Vision to AGC Members based Community Studio, and the architect is approximately 90% occupied with Linda Toy Hull, Director of Policy for the entire building’s renovation. He various tenants besides serving as Impact and Legislative Services at the Utah said the building is one of the oldest Hub’s permanent home. Sorensen said it Department of Transportation (UDOT) commercial buildings to be in continuous functions as a member-based co-working spoke to members of the Associated use in Salt Lake, dating back to 1896, the space, where smaller companies can General Contractors of Utah in April year Utah gained statehood. share the space based on their volume of regarding UDOT’s vision and approach to “It has a unique history,” said business, or specific needs. construction projects, both new project Simonsen. “It was a manufacturing “There is a lot of community building and maintenance. cooperative and outlet, part of a going on here,” he said. “It is mostly smaller “We truly believe that transportation cooperative movement of early pioneers. companies and start ups. We have 90 to is vital to your quality of life, said Hull. “We It was one of the largest distributors of 100 members and we’re growing daily. A believe that the product we deliver, and farming implements in the U.S. in the early lot of people will drop in and use it once a our partnership with (the public), helps 1900’s.” week. It’s designed with a lot of flexibility make this state prosperous and spreads The building had functioned as a in mind. It’s got this real authentic economic growth. Among UDOT’s primary three goals is preserving infrastructure. Hull said UDOT, with the help of Utah’s design and construction market, has improved condition of pavement since 2010 from 77% to 89% through 2014. All Level 1 systems (2,970 miles) are in good to fair condition; Level 2 systems (1,970 miles) are not faring nearly as well with only 20% in good condition and 55% in fair. We spend a lot of time talking about Level 2 roads; it’s not a great strategy for preserving these roads, but we are limited by funding,” she said. Regarding bridges throughout the state, nearly 60% are in good condition, with 43% in fair condition. Several bridges have exceeded expected design lifespan. UDOT is currently spending $21 million annual on bridge preservation, although the need is for another $27 million for Impact Hub opened its doors in April at 150 South State. (photo by Austen Diamond Photography) aging infrastructure.
20 | UTAH CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN | May 15 > Industry News
Major projects currently underway include I-15 South Davis, The Point, and Mountain View Corridor. Hull said UDOT executives are anxious to see what happens regarding federal funding and the ability of Congress to pass meaningful legislation in regards to the nation’s crumbling infrastructure. 24% of UDOT’s budget comes from federal funds and is an important piece to the Department’s budget, impacting preservation and rehab projects. Hull said the feds have been “limping along on short- term extensions” and ended May 31. As it stands now, she anticipates that 25 projects totaling $65 million will be deferred to FY 2016.
Smith’s Unveils Solar System Smith’s had more than 4,000 solar panels installed on its Layton Distribution Center. Smith’s Food & Drug Stores recently unveiled the second largest roof top Builders and Contractors (ABC Utah), and said the firm’s safety record is due to mounted solar system in Utah at its main the Utah Workplace Safety Award from the safety-minded employees and an effective distribution center at 500 Sugar Street in Utah Labor Commission and ABC. safety program. Hipwell said MSF’s Layton. Tek Hipwell of Mountain States Fence greatest resource is its employees, and >> The Layton Distribution Center is a one million square foot campus where 80% of Smith’s stores throughout seven states receive product that is manufactured and/ or distributed from the campus. The 1 Megawatt AC Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Roof Top System consists of 4,066 solar panels, which will produce 1.8 million kW hours of electricity annually and cover one-fourth of the energy usage of the center. The new system establishes a guaranteed cost for approximately 20% to 25% of the total electricity for the grocery and freezer storage operations over the next 20 years. From an environmental standpoint, the solar system will offset 1,300 tons of CO2 annually or 32,000 tons over the next 25 years The $2.5 million project is in partnership with Rocky Mountain Power, which will provide approximately $750,000 of incentive payments to Smith’s over a 5-year period.
Mountain States Fence Earns Safety Awards Salt Lake-based Mountain States Fence Company received a Diamond STEP award for safety from the Associated
May 15 | UTAH CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN | 21 > Industry News
that the firm is continually improving its award at Nevada Business Magazine’s fifth recently opened its new emergency room, safety practices. Mountain States Fence annual ‘Family Owned Business Awards’ with an open house May 14 in Vernal. was founded in Salt Lake in 1963. May 6 in Las Vegas. Designed by Salt Lake-based TSA The award is given to companies that Architects, the space has evolved into R&O Receives Awards have moved to the second generation (or a new 11-bed ER and accommodates a Ogden-based R&O Construction won further) and has successfully utilized the new walk-in entry, ambulance entry, and the National Association of Women in younger generation’s ideas. parking. Construction’s (NAWIC) Regional Safety Chairman/founder Orluff Opheikens The new walk-in and ambulance Award for the second year in a row in April at started R&O in 1980 and has since handed entry helps achieve an instantly the NAWIC Regional Meeting in San Diego. the reigns over to sons Slade and Chet. identifiable and recognizable way in “Safety goes beyond our culture,” R&O “Our father started us in construction upon arrival. The interior architecture Construction President Slade Opheikens when we were 12 doing landscaping and and finish palette were developed with said. “Our safety director, Cesar Calvillo, his cleaning up projects,” Slade Opheikens consideration for serving ER patients safety team and our employees place safety said. “We worked our way up learning the across the acuity spectrum. The design as one of their highest values, and it shows. trades including concrete and framing team felt the interior should implement We do everything we can to make sure until we had enough experience to start a strong regional aesthetic to promote everyone makes it home safely every day.” managing and directing the company.” comfort and healing. Forms and finishes The award is presented to companies R&O has offices in Ogden, Salt Lake are earthy, modern and reflective of the that recognize safety as a corporate value City and Las Vegas. surrounding landscape of the Roosevelt and have achieved an excellent record in area including crystalline blue, sages safety. Uintah Basin ER Opens and the striated rim rock of surrounding R&O also won the “Change is Good” The Uintah Basin Medical Center canyons and mountains. >>
22 | UTAH CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN | May 15 PREMIUM DISCOUNT ASSOCIATIED BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS MEMBERS QUALIFY FOR A 5% DISCOUNT FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WCFGROUP.COM OR CALL 801.294.5211
> Industry News
Odyssey Earns Top ABC Award A total of 19 awards were handed out by ABC. Odyssey Elementary in Woods Cross This list includes the following projects. captured three awards, including the top Project Name GC/Submitting Firm Category honor of ‘Champion of the Year, during Keller Williams Office TI Pentalon Construction Commercial Under $2M the Associated Builders and Contractors LDCC School Remodel Pentalon Construction Commercial Under $2M of Utah’s (ABC Utah) annual convention in Smith’s Marketplace Wadman Corp. Commercial $2M - $10M April. Cottonwood Country Club Cameron Construction Commercial $2M - $10M Somerset Meadows Apt. Pentalon Construction Commercial Over $10M Odyssey Elementary Wyndham Resorts Kier Construction Commercial Over $10M Xactware Corporate HQ Big-D Construction Commercial Over $10M Wasatch Academy Music Paulsen Construction Historical Renovation Honnen Equipment Bldg. Hughes Gen. Contractors Industrial $2M - $10M Deseret Mills Pasta Plant Wadman Corp. Industrial Over $10M Ogden LDS Temple GSL Electric Electrical SG Russian Orthodox Church Paulsen Construction Institutional Under $2M WSU Public Safety Bldg. R&O Construction Institutional $2M - $10M UVU Classroom Bldg. Big-D Construction Institutional Over $10M SLCC Center for Arts/Media Big-D Construction Institutional Over $10M Odyssey Elementary Hughes Gen. Contractors Institutional Over $10M F22 Systems Facility Creative Times Inc. Federal Gov./Military Intermountain Draper Clinic Big-D Construction Healthcare Over $5M Ogden Clinic Wadman Corp. Healthcare Over $5M Hampton Place Apts. Sinc Constructors Landscape Ronald McDonald House R&O Construction Renovation Under $2M YCC Renovation Wadman Corp. Renovation Under $2M Snowbird Cliff Lodge Add Paulsen Construction Renovation $2M - $10M Odyssey Elementary Hughes Gen. Contractors Green Build Champion Ogden LDS Temple GSL Electric Subcontractor Champion Odyssey Elementary Hughes Gen. Contractors Champion of the Year
Masonry Awards Highlight Wide Range of Projects Project Name Masonry Contractor Category A wide array of projects were honored Blackridge Elementary AK Masonry Institutional: Schools earlier this year at the Utah Masonry Cedar Hills Clubhouse Cannon Masonry Municipal: Rec Centers Council’s (UMC) annual Excellence in Cirque Lodge Privacy Wall Joe Newell Masonry Commercial Masonry Design Awards. UMC recognized City Creek Center WP15 Allen’s Masonry Co. Commercial 17 projects, including eight projects in City Creek Richards Court Allen’s Masonry Co. Commercial the Institutional/Schools category. Allen’s doTerra World Campus Child Enterprises Commercial Masonry of Farmington captured five FLD Smidth Office Allen’s Masonry Co. Commercial overall awards, including two for City Creek Itineris Early College HS Duane Hales & Sons Institutional: Schools Center projects in Salt Lake. n Larsen Residence Craig Andrus Construction Residential City Creek Center Monte L. Bean Museum Allen’s Masonry Co. Institutional: Schools North Park Elementary Buxton Masonry Institutional: Schools Odyssey Elementary RJ Masonry Institutional: Schools Olympus High School Buxton Masonry Institutional: Schools Rivers Edge School J.H. Masonry Institutional: Schools Safaee Residence Craig Andrus Construction Residential Wayne Estes Center Allen’s Masonry Institutional: Schools Zions Bank Heber Branch RJ Masonry Commercial
May 15 | UTAH CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN | 25 CRSA 40th Anniversary CRSA has designed many higher education projects, including the Agricultural Sciences Building at Utah State University in Logan. (top right) The stunning renovation of Ogden High School earned CRSA several design honors. (bottom right) Wally Cooper (left) and Allen Roberts have guided the firm through four decades of excellence. Kathy Wheadon (below) was named President of the firm in January 2014. (UVU by Paul Richer; Ogden by Dennis Mecham)
“I could never have found a better partner. Like any good marriage, we’ve complimented each other nicely. Allen was a salesman – he did a lot to help push and advance the firm. It was a great combination. – Wally Cooper ”
Cooper, Roberts Continue to Set Tone at CRSA
s he reflects back four decades to the beginning of CRSA Architects, 40th anniversary marks a significant milestone Wallace (Wally) Cooper has a for dynamic Salt Lake-based architectural firm. Ahard time believing 40 years can pass by so quickly, while at the same time acknowledging how grateful he is at his firm’s overall success and continuing By Brad Fullmer progress.
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“It’s pretty remarkable,” said Cooper, having a staff with a passion for their Society. They worked together for a few Cooper, Roberts Continue who started his career in 1965 and work, that believes in the importance of years before Roberts earned his professional graduated from the University of Utah in good design, whether it’s preservation or license in 1983 and became a partner in the 1969. “I honestly thought when I started new design. Our people are committed to newly renamed Cooper Roberts Architects. my company in 1975 that I would have doing high quality work, understanding The firm’s first “big job” according to to Set Tone at CRSA 6 to 8 employees. To go from a vision of and satisfying client needs, and committed Roberts, was the Wheeler Farm Restoration that, and end up with 55-60 people is an to the idea of advancing the profession in in Murray for Salt Lake County, and the amazing leap. It happened over time and every project we do.” following year it got a contract with the with tremendous people – it’s been a great Cooper founded Wallace Cooper State Historical Society and designed ride. It’s been good to work with so many Architects in 1975 in Salt Lake City after several preservation projects, while also talented people.” working for nearly a decade for people like becoming the first local firm to specialize Cooper’s long-time business partner, Bob Fowler, Steven Baird and Jack Clausen. in historical document planning.” Allen Roberts, echoes his feelings. He initially worked as a one-man show “I could never have found a better “It is like having kids – it goes by so before being joined a year later by Roberts, partner,” said Cooper. “Like any good fast,” said Roberts. “The key has been who had been working at the State Historical marriage, we’ve complimented each >>
May 15 | UTAH CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN | 27 CRSA 40th Anniversary
The Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter in Park City was the first project in Utah to earn LEED Platinum certification. (right) The lobby of the Sutton Geology Building at the University of Utah. (Swaner by Dennis Mecham; Sutton by Paul Richer)
““None of us has any interest of pushing Wally or Allen out the door. What’s exciting is they both have learned to step away and see the success of the next generation. They’ve built a great foundation for us.” – Kathy Wheadon ” other nicely. Allen was a salesman – he did focusing on smaller projects like homes, (2005). a lot to help push and advance the firm. commercial buildings and adaptive “The firm has come an enormous way It was a great combination. I developed a reuse projects, until branching out in the in the 14 years I’ve been here,” said Kathy loyal client base and Allen was out there mid-90’s. Over the past 20 years, CRSA Wheadon, who was named company bringing new clients to the firm.” has become one of the most diverse President in January 2014 and works “We’ve been friends from the architectural firms in Utah, with services mainly within the Higher Education Studio. beginning,” Roberts said of Cooper. “We’ve that include an array of design and “It’s interesting to look at 40 (years). The had a shared compatible vision on how planning. Various in-house ‘studios’ include key for us has been understanding what to do things. He’s a man of great integrity Planning, Interior Design, Ecclesiastical, it means to provide client services. We’re – he’s very committed to the firm. He’s a Government, Higher Education, becoming much more a firm of specialists people person. He cares about the firm like Preservation and Sustainability/LEED. that have diverse backgrounds and they’re members of his family. He’s got a CRSA is licensed in all Western states, and education. It’s been a wonderful process very fatherly presence, but he’s also very currently has work in places such as Brazil, to see the firm grow and build upon the professional with everything he’s done.” Mexico and Washington, D.C. In addition to principals of Wally and Allen.” The firm relied on mostly historical its Salt Lake City headquarters, CRSA has Wheadon said the firm has prospered projects during the first half of its history, offices in Idaho Falls (2001) and St. George in recent years and is fully recovered from
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the recession, which offered significant challenges for a few years, yet steeled everyone’s resolve. “The bonus for us (during the recession) was having clients we had said after the Savings and Loan crash in CRSA) joined the firm and helped establish worked with for many decades,” said the early 90’s, he knew the firm was fairly its Planning Studio and Landscape Wheadon. “It gave us an opportunity limited with its service offerings, confined Architecture Studio, which he ran until to serve them even if projects were to working on smaller projects, and in need leaving in 2009 (it’s now headed up by smaller. We made a very concerted effort of a shot in the arm. Kelly Gillman). Simonsen’s influence was to broaden our base to other regional “It started with Allen and the Marriott positive, and he expressed appreciation for markets and to compete on a larger and Library project at the University of Utah,” his 15-year tenure. broader scale. Some of our staff members said Cooper. “It was way outside our “I was there during the expansion were able to reach markets beyond the expertise, but he put together a team period, and I still have great relationships Wasatch Front. We’ve broadened and and landed it, and that started a strong with a lot of colleagues and friends there,” diversified our work.” relationship with the U of U.” said Simonsen. “Wally is an incredible It hasn’t always been that way. Cooper In 1994, Soren Simonsen (the ‘S’ in mentor and he wants to see people >>
May 15 | UTAH CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN | 29 CRSA 40th Anniversary succeed. They created a culture that is projects, even if the clients are demanding. range, including: Parley’s Way Corridor very innovative, and lets people explore “The (LDS) Church is a difficult client, Plan; Unified State Labs Module 2; Afton opportunities. It’s outstanding to see how but they acknowledge that,” he said. Readiness Center; BYU-Idaho Science successful they’ve been, even through a few “They’re great people to work with, with a & Technology Building; Colorado Mesa tough years this past decade.” lot of talent and good vision, and a desire to University Academic Classroom Building; Cooper, who oversees the firm’s get it right. That’s unusual in a client. There Idaho Falls Multi-Purpose Events Center; Ecclesiastical Studio, said another boon to are a lot of people involved in the decision- Mexico Tijuana LDS Temple; Hurricane the firm over the years is its relationship with making process. It’s a different atmosphere Middle School Remodel; USU Uintah the LDS Church. Indeed, CRSA has designed and requires a different approach to Basin Campus Master Plan. Significant a plethora of LDS temples and other special designing buildings.” past projects include Ogden High School projects like visitor centers and historic CRSA’s current project list illustrates Restoration (which earned an award buildings. He personally enjoys religious its vast diversity and geographical from the National Trust for Historic Preservation), Miner’s Hospital in Park City, and serving as lead architect on structures report for the Utah State Capitol Restoration. Both Cooper and Roberts realize their careers are waning, although both are currently elbows deep in a number of different projects and are as busy as they’ve ever been. Retirement for both will likely happen within the next five years, but for now, there is plenty of work to be done. “I’ve got a lot of work on my plate and Allen does also,” Cooper said. “It’s fun to do the architecture, but it’s even more enjoyable to think about the people I’ve had the chance to work with. We’ve always prided ourselves on taking care of the people who work for us. Retirement happens when it’s no longer enjoyable, or the people here are so good that my being here is an impediment to their progress.” “There are things I want to do – I want to write more books for one,” said Roberts, who has written more than 20 books along with numerous professional articles. “I might retire gradually, a little each year, and keep my hands in the marketing side to help the firm bring in projects. The firm is in great shape for whenever that transition happens.” “None of us has any interest of pushing Wally or Allen out the door,” said Wheadon. “They are critical to our culture in our office; they really do make this place feel like home. They have done a great job of building future leaders and have been exceptionally generous in sharing their information. What’s exciting is they both have learned to step away and see the success of the next generation. There is a lot of great work in our office and they’re excited to be here. They’ve built a great foundation for us.” n
30 | UTAH CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN | May 15
FJ Management
Open Space FJ Management’s new corporate headquarters offers employees great views to the outside world from virtually anywhere in the office.
By Brad Fullmer | Photos by Dana Sohm, Sohm Photogrfx
32 | UTAH CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN | May 15 FJ Management
““This space is a balance between rustic, edgy and contemporary, while still being a professional space,” – Evan Cindrich Views to the outside world were essential to the owner on the renovation of FJ Management’s new corporate headquarters in Salt Lake, even from within the Open Space center core of the space. ” apitalizing on expansive views and Project Manager of the renovation. COO Chuck Maggelet. of downtown Salt Lake City, FJ “Our owners wanted an open office. We Daylighting is maximized by having Management (FJM) Inc.’s newly want this to be a great place to work – it glass fronts on all offices, a trend that Crenovated 28,000 SF corporate has a light, open feel to it.” continues to evolve in tenant improvement headquarters at 185 S. State illustrates FJM – which owns Big West Oil, Maverik (TI) projects. Evan Cindrich, Principal over the allure of natural daylighting, and Inc., Crystal Inn and TAB Bank, along with EDA’s Interior Architecture Group, said being how business owners are cognizant of a stake in Pilot Flying J (merged in 2010) – able to create warm, inviting spaces is at the making sure employees are connected to worked closely with Salt Lake-based EDA top of virtually every owner’s wish list. the outside world, even if they spend the Architects to convert the top two floors “This space is a balance between majority of their working day behind a desk. of the building into a contemporary office rustic, edgy and contemporary, while still “We wanted our people who are in the space, replete with an area called the ‘Flying being a professional space,” said Cindrich, center of the office to have an open view to J Museum’, in honor of Flying J founder O. Jay who allowed the structure (exposed the outside – that was the theory behind Call, who died in a plane crash in 2003. Call’s concrete columns, exposed concrete (the design),” said Jeff Dymock, Director of daughter, Crystal Maggelet, is the firm’s deck with floating ceiling clouds, exposed Corporate Facilities for FJ Management, CEO, and leads FJM along with her husband, mechanical systems, etc.) to play a part >>
May 15 | UTAH CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN | 33 FJ Management
in the design. “We were trying to make sure there were no existing drawings, it required to get that right was a challenge, but it the space felt warm and inviting, while also some selective, investigative demolition to came together nicely.” creating spaces like the gathering area. It’s verify existing conditions so the structural Dymock said another challenge a great space with an amazing view.” engineer could finalize designing the was mitigating noise from mechanical The ‘gathering area’ on the second opening and the removal of post-tensioned equipment on the roof (above the top floor includes a stylish kitchen/ (PT) cables for the adjusted opening. floor), which was done with acoustic eating area, a pool table, and modern, “It seems like almost every element of ceiling clouds and additional acoustic comfortable furniture where employees this job was unique,” said Dutson. “We had material that was placed on the underside can unwind and socialize. The space is a lot of things to think through on a regular of the roof slab. connected with a central open stairway, basis. It took time to adjust the stairs and Sustainability was another key aspect which proved to be one of the main orient them this way. We filled in the floor of the design. All lighting was converted construction challenges for Dutson between 11 and 12 and built a new steel to LED to minimize energy costs, and Builders, Inc. of Salt Lake City. structure. It was a challenge because a window film was added to exterior EDA redesigned the stair layout and we didn’t have drawings to work from. glazing to control heat gain. Dymock adjusted the floor opening, but because Working with the engineers and architects said FJM invested $750,000 on upgrading
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mechanical and electrical systems, as well. in 2013 – will be moving its operations to The stairwell (above) is a prominent architectural The building automation system includes the same building and will occupy five feature and leads to a spacious gathering area for a Direct Digital Controls system, which floors. The renovation of these floors is employees to unwind. (top left) Modern furniture and high tech electronics highlight FJM’s boardroom. optimizes heating/cooling functions. The expected to begin this year. n (bottom left) The project team included (left to right) lighting system has occupancy sensors, Jeff Dymock of FJM, Rick Dutson of Dutson Builders with common areas controlled via a FJM Corporate Headquarters and Evan Cindrich of EDA Architects. dedicated control panel. FJM also occupies the basement floor, a 7,000 SF area that is a Owner: FJ Management Inc. dedicated training/meeting space. Architect: EDA Architects “We did everything but go after (LEED) GC: Dutson Builders, Inc. certification,” Dymock said in regards to Electrical/Mechanical: DesignTek the building’s sustainability. Consulting Group In addition to FJM’s corporate Structural: BHB Structrual Engineers headquarters, Maverik Inc. – the Furniture: Midwest Commercial Interiors convenience store power that FJM acquired
May 15 | UTAH CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN | 35 Perfecting Precast Payson Utah Temple project illustrates the fine level of detail that can be achieved with precast concrete.
By Doug Fox
36 | UTAH CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN | May 15 he brand new Payson Utah Temple may be a sparkling beacon to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints in South Utah County T– as well as passersby who soak in its visual prominence while traveling nearby I-15 – but it is also a shining example of what can be accomplished architecturally with precast concrete. The recently completed temple – slated for dedication June 7 – not only made grand use of precast panels, but also pushed the process to new limits. “We have never before asked tradesmen to craft concrete to the level of exquisite finishing and detailing of what was done for the Payson Temple,” said David Fletcher, Principal in Charge for Salt Lake City design firm Architectural Nexus. “Such a precast structure may exist somewhere, but I don’t know where it might be.” Payson is the fifth finished temple project for Architectural Nexus – the firm is also working on LDS temples in Cedar City and Fort Collins, Colorado. Even so, the Payson temple project stands out from a precast standpoint, for both its volume and detailing. The 96,630 SF structure sits on a 10.6 acre lot and features some 1,615 individual precast concrete panels totaling 116,876 SF. “When I’ve suggested this design has pushed the limits of precast, it is not a question about the capabilities of precast concrete to perform well structurally or to keep weather out of the structure and to do the things that a building skin is expected to do,” said Fletcher, noting instead that he’s referring to the amount and level of intricate detail demanded. “It’s not unusual to see finely crafted woods in buildings, but in order to construct the form work to shape the concrete pieces to what is visible, it required craftsmen and artisans in the setting on an industrial production plant to create that formwork with the same precision that another artisan might create a piece of furniture or cabinetry,” he added. “It often took a great deal of ingenuity to come up with the means to create the Workers from Hanson Structural Precast install architectural precast panels on forms for the concrete shapes and profiles the LDS Payson Temple in South Utah County. The panels were an integral aspect of the building’s design, and showcase the intricate levels of detail so that the concrete could be removed and quality that can be achieved with precast concrete. (construction photos from the forms so that they could be used courtesy Hanson; others courtesy LDS Church) multiple times.” >>
May 15 | UTAH CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN | 37 LDS Payson Temple
Hanson Structural Precast Inc. of Salt Lake City handled the precast concrete process. To increase flexibility, some forms were made of rubber-like materials so they could be peeled away from the hardened concrete without damaging either the finished concrete or the reusable forms. “The ornate detail and radius shapes presented enormous forming and casting challenges,” said Jim McGuire, Sales Manager for Hanson. “Each shape was analyzed to determine which forming strategy was best suited. Specific materials such as rubber mold inserts were used to achieve certain desired features.”
“Looking at a freshly cast panel with multiple conditions, the finisher exercises an artisan touch to provide a uniform exposure that doesn’t take away from the character of the features. – Jim McGuire
Crafting and preparing” intricate and detailed precast concrete pieces, such as those used on the Payson Temple, In the case of the Payson temple, cars for the precast concrete finish,” said is something of an art form. The often- the precast process delivered an exterior Tim Brown, Project Manager for general tedious process includes construction of featuring a slightly sparkly look when the sun contractor Wadman Corporation of Ogden. the actual forms, casting, and sandblasting shines on it. That is due to a combination of Another key part of the process is away just the right amount of finish to selected white stone aggregates and sand ensuring that all the concrete panels bring out the mixture’s natural hue. used to make the precast concrete panels. maintain a consistent appearance. This “Looking at a freshly cast panel with A nationwide search yielded the perfect requires finished concrete to be produced multiple conditions,” said McGuire, “the combination of those components at a in a highly controlled manner. finisher exercises an artisan touch to provide quarry in Salinas, Calif. “Very precise control of the concrete a uniform exposure that doesn’t take away “Approximately 4,840 tons of rock and mixes is required using very sophisticated from the character of the features.” sand were shipped from California on rail computer-controlled equipment,”
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Fletcher said, “so that it can make precise proportioning adjustments for the volume used in each batch so that results always come out the same.”
Advantages of Precast There are several advantages to using precast concrete. The biggest factors are that it gives the appearance of stone at a much lesser cost and with more flexibility, and it also speeds up the construction process. “Aside from the cost advantage, precast concrete has the similar benefits as stone with regards to its beauty, durability and permanence,” said Fletcher. “However, it can be fabricated in much larger pieces, which means that erection seems to move quickly once the supporting structure is in place.” Size definitely matters when it comes to comparing the advantages of stone vs. precast. “Chiseled stone is limited by the maximum size of individual pieces,” said McGuire. “The detail that is chiseled into natural stone is very labor intensive, and hence, very expensive.” Architectural precast, McGuire said, Interior spaces (left) like sealing rooms and the Celestial Room are ornate and majestic. Workers install panels can provide large pieces – even radius (above) and carefully wash the surface of freshly cast pieces – that feature details already cast panels. A form below illustrates the complexity of the into the surface. process. (courtesy LDS Church; Hanson Structural Once casting is complete, the panels Precast) are then sandblasted to expose the character of the aggregate and sand mixture, bringing out its color and, in the case of the Payson temple, its sparkle. “The result is large, intricate precast ‘stones’ that would be impossible or cost- prohibitive to achieve in natural stone that can be erected to the structural framing of the building,” McGuire said. “(It’s) a natural looking, highly refined envelope that is very inviting and inspiring.”
Payson Motifs Cast in Stone According to Fletcher, the temple’s plans called for a more classically inspired design, which incorporated specific themes in an ode to Payson’s history. >>
May 15 | UTAH CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN | 39 LDS Payson Temple
“Decorated motifs were inspired from the historic fruit-growing tradition of the area,” Fletcher said. “An apple blossom motif is interwoven with a leafy vine pattern and is present in the art glass of exterior windows and again in interior art glass of the back-lit ceiling skylights in many of the temple’s major rooms.” Fletcher also mentioned that a traditional pioneer textile motif having roots in Christian heritage, known as the Delectable Mountain pattern, was woven into many decorative architectural elements throughout the building. “This pattern was selected,” Fletcher said, “in an attempt to be true to the pioneer heritage of the community.” As project manager, Brown complimented the professionalism and onsite behavior of all involved in creating this sparkling new Utah County landmark. “The attention to detail and effort extended by all the trades was excellent and demonstrated the commitment and devotion to constructing the temple with the highest standards possible,” Brown said. “…a team spirit was always found while working through challenges to meet the high expectations.” n
Payson Utah Temple Owner: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Architect: Architectural Nexus GC: Wadman Corporation Electrical Engineer: GSL Electric Structural Engineer: Reaveley Engineers + Associates Mechanical Engineer: Heath Engineering Lighting Design: BNA Consulting Precast: Hanson Structural Precast, Inc. Electrical Sub: GSL Electric Mechanical Sub: Comfort Systems
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Goodson Has Transformed 3form into a Global Presence
Firm eclipsed $100 million in sales in 2012 and continues solid growth, with an emphasis on eliminating waste and ultimate sustainability.
By Brad Fullmer
nder President/ CEO Talley Goodson’s watch Uthe past 13 years, Salt Lake-based 3form has become a global leader in the manufacturing of architectural products – including its innovative translucent plastics line called ‘Varia Ecoresin’ – with annual sales eclipsing $100 million annually. But the firm’s outlook wasn’t always so rosy. Founded as Simtech in 1991 by Goodson’s father, Raymond Goodson, an inventor and former executive of Dow Chemical, the firm was struggling and in dire financial straits when Goodson came on board in February 2002. A graduate of prestigious Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and former executive with global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company, Goodson, 50, set out to rebrand the firm, which meant raising significant capital ($5 million) just to keep the company afloat. It only took a couple of years for the firm to once again become profitable. “I wanted to be involved in running my own business, I just wasn’t sure what that business was,” said Goodson from his modest Salt Lake office at 3form’s headquarters on ‘Printer’s Row’. “I like building businesses and saw it as an opportunity. I believed in the product.” Goodson bought control of the company, which he said “wasn’t in good condition” and immediately set about contacting people he had previously worked for and with, including various investors.
42 | UTAH CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN | May 15 3form
3form President/CEO Talley Goodson (left) has transformed Salt Lake-based 3form from a struggling company at the beginning of the 21st Century into Goodson Has one that boasts annual revenues over $100 million, while employing optimum Transformed 3form sustainability practices. (photos by Dana Sohm) into a Global Presence
“It was interesting to say the least,” “We started doubling our revenues, and example of how we can manufacture good Goodson admits. “Initially it was just we became profitable within two years,” products in a way that doesn’t harm the paying the bills. We were eight months he said. “The first year was our turnaround. environment.” delinquent in rent, we owed money on After that it was just a matter of developing He continues: “The building sector equipment, we owed the IRS, and we had to the company and developing the team.” has a big impact on the environment When Goodson took the reigns from and accounts for 30% (of greenhouse gas his father, the firm had 25 employees. It emissions). As buildings become more now boasts 550 employees, including efficient and use more recycled products, “We’ve always been a cache of 100 sales associates the built environment can reduce its located throughout the nation and overall footprint.” focused on doing things even internationally. The firm has two “As a firm we are committed to in a responsible way. manufacturing facilities in Salt Lake, one sustainability, and Talley sets that It’s important that in Seattle, an office and showroom in tone,” said Mike Johnson, Director of New York City, a showroom in Chicago, Sustainability at 3form. “Everything we manufacturers look and a small manufacturing facility in the produce, we have an eye on making sure to reduce their overall Netherlands. it’s sustainable.” footprint in a way that is Goodson, a Salt Lake native, has a Goodson, whose had an initial goal casual style about him, which belies his of turning 3form into a $100 million- more harmonious with the fierce business acumen. Beyond developing plus company, is proud of what he has environment. innovative architectural products, accomplished since 2002, but focused on – Talley Goodson Goodson is a huge believer in sustainability bigger and better things. and being as green as possible. The firm is “My goal was to build a $100 million considered a pioneer of recycling waste, company – we got there in 2012,” he said. to the point to where Goodson says it is a “We’re continuing to grow and diversify create a product line for ”our sales people. “zero landfill company.” – there is a lot of room for that. We like to It was a slow start – it took time to get “We’ve always been focused on grow between 5% and 10% a year. The most traction. In this industry, from the time it doing things in a responsible way,” he satisfaction I have is with our organization takes to show a specifier a product to the said. “We became a zero landfill company and seeing the groups of people we time it’s ordered it 12-18 months.” seven years ago. It’s important that all have, and seeing them take a concept Over the next couple of years, manufacturers look to reduce their overall beyond where I thought it would go. We Goodson’s firm, which he rebranded as footprint in a way that is more harmonious have people who latch onto our values 3form, started gaining solid traction, and with the environment. It’s important for with the environment, design, and social revenues soared. businesses to take the lead and set an responsibility.” n
May 15 | UTAH CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN | 43 2015 Top Utah Architectural Firms <
Utah Construction & Design is pleased to publish its 3rd annual list of the Top Architectural Firms in Utah, based on revenues generated in 2014 by a firm’s Utah offices. Projects outside of Utah that are billed UC&D to Utah-based offices are included. Firms who chose not to disclose revenues (DND) are ranked after revenue-disclosing firms by number of employees.
Annual Revenues (millions) Firm Name Phone Year Est. Top Executive Largest Project from 2014 # Employees 2014 2013 2012 Top Markets % Address Website Title Largest Project in 2015 # Lic. Archs Years at Firm # LEED AP
1. VCBO Architecture (801) 575-8800 1974 Brent Tippets doTerra Corp. Headquarters 85 $21.2 $18.8 $15.0 Civic/Inst. 32% 524 S. 600 E. www.vcbo.com Principal BYU Engineering Building 22 Higher Ed 24% SLC, UT 84102 30 10 Office 15%
2. Architectural Nexus (801) 924-5000 2003 Kenner Kingston BYU Life Sciences Building 85 $20.2 $18.2 $21.8 Civic/Inst. 38% 2505 Parley’s Way www.archnexus.com President Cedar City LDS Temple 36 Healthcare 23% SLC, UT 84109 19 26 Higher Ed 13%
3. FFKR Architects (801) 521-6186 1976 Roger Jackson Utah State Hospital 113 $17.3 $15 $22 Civic/Inst. 37% 730 Pacific Ave. www.ffkr.com President Biofire Diagnostics 47 Healthcare 15% SLC, UT 84104 30 19 Office 14%
4. GSBS Architects (801) 521-8600 1978 Kevin B. Miller UVU Student Life Building 59 $11.5 $11.3 $15.8 Industrial 31% 375 W. 200 S. Ste. 100 www.gsbsarchitects.com President/CEO Undisclosed 24 Comm/Retail 10% SLC, UT 84101 27 30 Higher Ed 08%
5. MHTN Architects (801) 595-6700 1923 Peggy McDonough-Jan Varian Site Expansion 61 $11 $14.3 $16.9 K-12 39% 420 E. S. Temple Ste. 100 www.mhtn.com President Logan High School Renovation 27 Higher Ed 20% SLC, UT 84111 13 13 Civic/Inst. 20%
6. CRSA (801) 355-5915 1975 Kathy Wheadon CMU Academic Classroom 55 $10.4 $10.5 $11 Civic/Inst. 63% 649 E. South Temple www.crsa-usa.com President USU Lab Module 2 16 Higher Ed 32% SLC, UT 84102 13 7 Industrial 2%
7. NWL Architects (801) 355-5959 1952 Ross Wentworth SLC Federal Courthouse 45 $9.5 $9.8 $11.15 Civic/Inst. 45% 336 S. 400 W. www.nwlarchitects.com President Idaho Falls LDS Temple 18 K-12 35% SLC, UT 84101 26 8 Higher Ed 5%
8. EDA Architects (801) 531-7600 1954 John Shuttleworth Beverley Sorensen Arts Bldg. 37 $8.64 $4.2 $4.05 DND 9 Exchange Place Ste. 1100 www.edaarch.com President Overstock.com Building 12 SLC, UT 84111 27 8
9. Think Architecture, Inc. (801) 269-0055 1980 James Allred Stein Eriksen Residences 36 $7.97 $6.05 $5.83 Multi-Family 25% 5151 S. 900 E. Ste. 200 www.thinkaec.com President/CEO In Contact/WCF Office Park 10 Resort/Hosp. 20% SLC, UT 84117 (Rebranded 2012) 35 1 Civic/Inst. 20%
10. Design West Architects (801) 539-8221 1892 Blake Wright CMU Garfield Hall Housing 30 $6.28 $3.06 $4.40 K-12 55% 795 North 400 West www.designwestarchitects.com President North Logan High School 13 Civic/Inst. 15% SLC, UT 84103 26 1 Higher Ed 13%
11. Method Studio (801) 532-4422 2007 Becky Hawkins UVU Classroom Building 32 $4.41 $2.76 $2.59 Higher Ed 55% 925 S. West Temple www.method-studio.com CEO USU Romney Stadium Renovation 7 Office 19% SLC, UT 84101 8 7 Multi-Family 17%
44 | UTAH CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN | May 15 Annual Revenues (millions) Firm Name Phone Year Est. Top Executive Largest Project from 2014 # Employees 2014 2013 2012 Top Markets % Address Website Title Largest Project in 2015 # Lic. Archs Years at Firm # LEED AP
VCBO Architecture (801) 575-8800 1974 Brent Tippets doTerra Corp. Headquarters 85 $21.2 $18.8 $15.0 Civic/Inst. 32% 524 S. 600 E. www.vcbo.com Principal BYU Engineering Building 22 Higher Ed 24% Utah Architects SLC, UT 84102 30 10 Office 15% Show Collective 14% Architectural Nexus (801) 924-5000 2003 Kenner Kingston BYU Life Sciences Building 85 $20.2 $18.2 $21.8 Civic/Inst. 38% Revenue Increase 2505 Parley’s Way www.archnexus.com President Cedar City LDS Temple 36 Healthcare 23% SLC, UT 84109 19 26 Higher Ed 13% Another positive sign that Utah’s FFKR Architects (801) 521-6186 1976 Roger Jackson Utah State Hospital 113 $17.3 $15 $22 Civic/Inst. 37% A/E/C industry is experiencing good 730 Pacific Ave. www.ffkr.com President Biofire Diagnostics 47 Healthcare 15% economic times can be found in the SLC, UT 84104 30 19 Office 14% numbers reported in UC&D’s 3rd annual list of Top Utah Architecture Firms. GSBS Architects (801) 521-8600 1978 Kevin B. Miller UVU Student Life Building 59 $11.5 $11.3 $15.8 Industrial 31% Collectively, the 19 firms who disclosed 375 W. 200 S. Ste. 100 www.gsbsarchitects.com President/CEO Undisclosed 24 Comm/Retail 10% revenues from 2014 combined to rake in SLC, UT 84101 27 30 Higher Ed 08% $147.9 million, a healthy 14.4% increase MHTN Architects (801) 595-6700 1923 Peggy McDonough-Jan Varian Site Expansion 61 $11 $14.3 $16.9 K-12 39% from 2013 revenues of $129.2 million – 420 E. S. Temple Ste. 100 www.mhtn.com President Logan High School Renovation 27 Higher Ed 20% an $18.7 million increase. SLC, UT 84111 13 13 Civic/Inst. 20% As for the rankings themselves, there were a few changes. Of the firms CRSA (801) 355-5915 1975 Kathy Wheadon CMU Academic Classroom 55 $10.4 $10.5 $11 Civic/Inst. 63% who submitted surveys, only three are 649 E. South Temple www.crsa-usa.com President USU Lab Module 2 16 Higher Ed 32% outside Salt Lake City/Salt Lake County. SLC, UT 84102 13 7 Industrial 2% Among the Top 10 firms, MHTN NWL Architects (801) 355-5959 1952 Ross Wentworth SLC Federal Courthouse 45 $9.5 $9.8 $11.15 Civic/Inst. 45% Architects dropped one spot to No. 336 S. 400 W. www.nwlarchitects.com President Idaho Falls LDS Temple 18 K-12 35% 5 after revenues went from $14.3 SLC, UT 84101 26 8 Higher Ed 5% million to $11.0 million, while No. 8 EDA Architects disclosed revenues EDA Architects (801) 531-7600 1954 John Shuttleworth Beverley Sorensen Arts Bldg. 37 $8.64 $4.2 $4.05 DND for the first time, more than doubling 9 Exchange Place Ste. 1100 www.edaarch.com President Overstock.com Building 12 the previous year’s numbers at $8.64 SLC, UT 84111 27 8 million. Think Architecture, Inc. (801) 269-0055 1980 James Allred Stein Eriksen Residences 36 $7.97 $6.05 $5.83 Multi-Family 25% The top three firms include 5151 S. 900 E. Ste. 200 www.thinkaec.com President/CEO In Contact/WCF Office Park 10 Resort/Hosp. 20% VCBO Architecture ($21.2 million), SLC, UT 84117 (Rebranded 2012) 35 1 Civic/Inst. 20% Architectural Nexus ($20.2) and FFKR Architects ($17.3). Each of those firms Design West Architects (801) 539-8221 1892 Blake Wright CMU Garfield Hall Housing 30 $6.28 $3.06 $4.40 K-12 55% had revenue increases of more than 795 North 400 West www.designwestarchitects.com President North Logan High School 13 Civic/Inst. 15% $2 million. Four other firms submitted SLC, UT 84103 26 1 Higher Ed 13% a survey without disclosing revenues. Method Studio (801) 532-4422 2007 Becky Hawkins UVU Classroom Building 32 $4.41 $2.76 $2.59 Higher Ed 55% The top non-disclosing firm in terms 925 S. West Temple www.method-studio.com CEO USU Romney Stadium Renovation 7 Office 19% of number of employees was Babcock SLC, UT 84101 8 7 Multi-Family 17% Design Group (29, 12th-most among
May 15 | UTAH CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN | 45 2015 Top Utah Architectural Firms <
Annual Revenues (millions) Firm Name Phone Year Est. Top Executive Largest Project from 2014 # Employees 2014 2013 2012 Top Markets % Address Website Title Largest Project in 2015 # Lic. Archs Years at Firm # LEED AP
12. AE Urbia (801) 746-0456 2004 James Williams Independence Student Living 18 $4 $1.8 $1.4 Multi-Family 20% 2875 S. Decker Lake Dr. Ste. 275 www.aeurbia.com President University Downs 2 Resort/Hosp. 15% SLC, UT 84119 11 2 Comm/Retail 15%
13. Sandstrom Associates (801) 229-0088 1995 Stephen Sandstrom Mountain View K-8 20 $3.87 $3.44 $3.03 K-12 95% 845 S. 220 E. www.sandstromarchitecture.com Principal Willow Creek Elementary 1 Civic/Inst. 4% Orem, UT 84058 30 4 Higher Ed 1%
14. Prescott Muir Architects (801) 521-9111 1976 Prescott Muir DND 18 $3.0 $2.5 $2.0 Comm/Retail 70% 171 W. Pierpont Ave. www.prescottmuir.com President 5 Civic/Inst. 15% SLC, UT 84101 39 1 Office 10%
15. NJRA Architects (801) 364-9259 1977 Selvam Rajavelu Stansbury Elementary 13 $2.3 $2.2 $2.2 Healthcare 50% 5272 S. College Dr. Ste. 104 www.njraarchitects.com President UVRMC Tower Replacement 5 K-12 45% SLC, UT 84111 25 5 Civic/Inst. 5%
16. Case, Lowe & Hart (801) 399-5821 1963 Kevin Lewis RCP Compound Renovations 10 $2.0 $1.34 $1.68 Industrial 67% 2484 Washington Blvd. Ste. 510 www.clhae.com President HAFB Paint Bays 1 Other 23% Ogden, UT 84401 30 2 K-12 3%
17. PGAW, Inc. (801) 266-4669 1962 Kris Pasker Fontana Deseret Industries 8 $1.8 $2.1 $2.0 Office 25% 5263 S. Commerce Dr. www.pgaw.net President CasePak 3 Comm/Retail 20% Murray, UT 84107 30 Industrial 20%
18. TSA Architects (801) 463-7108 1996 Tracy Stocking Uintah Basin Medical Center ER 12 $1.56 $1.05 $578K Healthcare 80% 17 Exchange Place www.tsa-usa.com President Jordan Valley Med Cancer Center 6 Higher Ed 15% SLC, UT 84111 19 2 Office 5%
19. WPA Architecture (801) 374-0800 1994 Alan Poulson Grand Lodge Roof Replacement 8 $1.0 $835K $960K Multi-Family 18% 475 N. Freedom Blvd. www.wpa-architecture.com President Provo Station Residences 3 Higher Ed 16% Provo, UT 84601 20 1 Civic/Inst. 16%
Firms that Did Not Disclose Revenues (ranked by # of employees)
Babcock Design Group (801) 531-1144 1984 Rob Cottle Savage Companies Building 29 DND DND 52 Exchange Place www.babcockdesign.com CEO Clif Bar Climber Facility 13 SLC, UT 84111 15 6
ajc architects (801) 466-8818 1991 Jill Jones Petzl North American HQ 16 DND Higher Ed 20% 703 E. 1700 S. www.ajcarchitects.com President The Ridge 8 Resort/Hosp. 20% SLC, UT 84105 24 4 Sports/Rec 10%
Archiplex Group (801) 961-7070 2004 Ralph Stanislaw UDOT Maintenance Station 12 DND Civic/Inst. 25% 255 Crossroad Square www.archiplexgroup.com Principal CUCF Expansion 4 Industrial 25% SLC, UT 84115 11 3 Comm/Retail 20%
Dave Robinson Architects (801) 272-0242 1994 Dave Robinson Nammo 9 DND Industrial 70% 6465 S. 3000 E. Ste 102 www.daverobinsonarchitects.com President N/A 2 Multi-Family 15% SLC, UT 84121 21 1 Office 15%
46 | UTAH CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN | May 15 Annual Revenues (millions) Utah firms). Three firms in the Top 10 – Firm Name Phone Year Est. Top Executive Largest Project from 2014 # Employees 2014 2013 2012 Top Markets % Address Website Title Largest Project in 2015 # Lic. Archs No. 4 GSBS Architects ($11.5), No. 6 CRSA Years at Firm # LEED AP ($10.4) and No. 7 NWL Architects ($9.5) had nearly identical revenue numbers AE Urbia (801) 746-0456 2004 James Williams Independence Student Living 18 $4 $1.8 $1.4 Multi-Family 20% (within $300K) from 2013 to 2014. 2875 S. Decker Lake Dr. Ste. 275 www.aeurbia.com President University Downs 2 Resort/Hosp. 15% Firms that showed the most SLC, UT 84119 11 2 Comm/Retail 15% significant revenue increases (by percentage) include No. 12 AE Urbia Sandstrom Associates (801) 229-0088 1995 Stephen Sandstrom Mountain View K-8 20 $3.87 $3.44 $3.03 K-12 95% ($4.0 million, a 122% increase), No. 845 S. 220 E. www.sandstromarchitecture.com Principal Willow Creek Elementary 1 Civic/Inst. 4% Orem, UT 84058 30 4 Higher Ed 1% 8 EDA ($8.6 M, 105%), No. 10 Design West Architects ($6.28 M, 105%), No. 11 Prescott Muir Architects (801) 521-9111 1976 Prescott Muir DND 18 $3.0 $2.5 $2.0 Comm/Retail 70% Method Studio ($4.41 M, 59%), No. 16 171 W. Pierpont Ave. www.prescottmuir.com President 5 Civic/Inst. 15% Case Lowe & Hart ($2.0 M, 49%) and No. SLC, UT 84101 39 1 Office 10% 18 TSA Architects ($1.56 M, 48%).
NJRA Architects (801) 364-9259 1977 Selvam Rajavelu Stansbury Elementary 13 $2.3 $2.2 $2.2 Healthcare 50% Top Market Segments 5272 S. College Dr. Ste. 104 www.njraarchitects.com President UVRMC Tower Replacement 5 K-12 45% SLC, UT 84111 25 5 Civic/Inst. 5% While a majority of the 23 Utah-based architecture firms who Case, Lowe & Hart (801) 399-5821 1963 Kevin Lewis RCP Compound Renovations 10 $2.0 $1.34 $1.68 Industrial 67% submitted surveys showed solid 2484 Washington Blvd. Ste. 510 www.clhae.com President HAFB Paint Bays 1 Other 23% diversity among the markets they work Ogden, UT 84401 30 2 K-12 3% in, 9 of 21 firms (two did not specify) had revenues of more than 50% in PGAW, Inc. (801) 266-4669 1962 Kris Pasker Fontana Deseret Industries 8 $1.8 $2.1 $2.0 Office 25% one specific market, showing that 5263 S. Commerce Dr. www.pgaw.net President CasePak 3 Comm/Retail 20% Murray, UT 84107 30 Industrial 20% specialization is key for some firms. Among the Top 10, half had Civic/ TSA Architects (801) 463-7108 1996 Tracy Stocking Uintah Basin Medical Center ER 12 $1.56 $1.05 $578K Healthcare 80% Institutional as its top market (albeit 17 Exchange Place www.tsa-usa.com President Jordan Valley Med Cancer Center 6 Higher Ed 15% a diverse one in terms of project types SLC, UT 84111 19 2 Office 5% it includes); all five showed it to be at least 30% of its revenues, topped WPA Architecture (801) 374-0800 1994 Alan Poulson Grand Lodge Roof Replacement 8 $1.0 $835K $960K Multi-Family 18% by CRSA at 63%. Other top markets 475 N. Freedom Blvd. www.wpa-architecture.com President Provo Station Residences 3 Higher Ed 16% Provo, UT 84601 20 1 Civic/Inst. 16% include Higher Education, K-12, Healthcare, and Commercial/Retail. Firms with at least 20% of revenues from Higher Education include VCBO (24%), MHTN (20%), CRSA (32%), Method Studio (55%), and ajc architects (20%). Healthcare Firms that Did Not Disclose Revenues (ranked by # of employees) was among the top markets for Babcock Design Group (801) 531-1144 1984 Rob Cottle Savage Companies Building 29 DND DND Architectural Nexus (23%), FFKR 52 Exchange Place www.babcockdesign.com CEO Clif Bar Climber Facility 13 (15%), NJRA Architects (50%), and SLC, UT 84111 15 6 TSA Architects (80%). Firms who did significant work in the K-12 market ajc architects (801) 466-8818 1991 Jill Jones Petzl North American HQ 16 DND Higher Ed 20% were MHTN (39%), NWL (35%), Design 703 E. 1700 S. www.ajcarchitects.com President The Ridge 8 Resort/Hosp. 20% West (55%), Sandstrom Architecture SLC, UT 84105 24 4 Sports/Rec 10% (95%), and NJRA (45%). Archiplex Group (801) 961-7070 2004 Ralph Stanislaw UDOT Maintenance Station 12 DND Civic/Inst. 25% Firms who fared well in Industrial 255 Crossroad Square www.archiplexgroup.com Principal CUCF Expansion 4 Industrial 25% work are GSBS (31%), Case Lowe & Hart SLC, UT 84115 11 3 Comm/Retail 20% (67%), PGAW (20%), Archiplex Group (25%), and Dave Robison Architects (70%). Dave Robinson Architects (801) 272-0242 1994 Dave Robinson Nammo 9 DND Industrial 70% The most balanced firms in terms 6465 S. 3000 E. Ste 102 www.daverobinsonarchitects.com President N/A 2 Multi-Family 15% of diversity (no single market above SLC, UT 84121 21 1 Office 15% 30%) include Think Architecture, AE Urbia, PGAW, Inc., WPA Architecture, ajc architects, and Archiplex Group. n
May 15 | UTAH CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN | 47 ProSoft 30th Anniversary ProSoft Celebrating 30 Years in ‘15
Company sells design software in Utah’s A/E/C market that keeps firms up to speed with technological advances.
By Brad Fullmer
When AutoCAD was launched in December 1982 by AutoDesk, Inc., it signaled a revolution in the A/E/C design industry – and the beginning of the end of traditional drafting methods, i.e. pencils and paper. More than three decades later, 3D Building Information Modeling is now at the forefront of design and is changing the way projects are designed and constructed. Kim Anderson, President and Co- founder of Orem-based ProSoft, has witnessed first hand the progression of technology, and continues to be amazed at the innovations, even as his company celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2015. “There always seems to be something President Kim Anderson (left) co-founded the firm in 1985 when the AutoCAD market was in its infancy. Brandon Monsen serves as the firm’s Vice President of Sales. new – it seems overwhelming at times, but I enjoy the team we’ve assembled and our colleagues,” said Anderson. “We’re always along with promoting other news and said Anderson. “It was pretty slow early challenging ourselves to get better.” happenings within the world of CAD on. You had to have the right practice “Our big thing is to elevate people, design. or project mix to make these things performance, profits and perception,” adds (hardware, software) pay for themselves Brandon Monsen, ProSoft Vice President Early Days and generate a ROI. This was during the of Sales. “We’re in an interesting situation. Anderson founded Professional days when a fax machine was considered This will probably be the last full release Software Solutions, Inc. along with his cool technology.” AutoCad software, as we know it.” brother in April 1985, and initially had three Anderson said by about ’88, IBC came Anderson said AutoDesk will be applications – Lotus 1-2-3 (which Anderson out with its AT 286 computer, which helped transitioning after January 31, 2016 to a said was a “revolutionary” spreadsheet bring the extra processing speeds needed ‘cloud-based’ product, similar to what application for designers, AutoCAD and to run AutoCAD software. “Slowly, people Adobe and MicroSoft have done in recent VersaCAD. Back then, PC hardware was started to realize it didn’t take $100,000 years and going away from licenses and slow and the software quite expensive Unix work stations – you could do 2D owning a box of software. and fairly limited. It made for a couple drafting on a desktop computer. In the ProSoft has announced three ‘Launch of challenging years trying to get the beginning we sold more to one-man shops, Party’ dates for 2015 for local clients, business off the ground. mom and pop shops – they were more open including May 27 in St. George, June 10 “We started out in a single room like to it. Ultimately (design) firms started seeing in Salt Lake City, and June 24 in Idaho other technology firms, in the back of a benefits of what CAD could do on PCs.” Falls. These events will help clients better small office in Midvale, and started doing By the early 90’s, ProSoft’s core understand changes within AutoDesk, our best to evangelize this technology,” business really started to take off, as
48 | UTAH CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN | May 15 ProSoft 30th Anniversary
ProSoft executives (left to right) Shawn Herring, Brett Monsen, President Kim Anderson, and Vice President of Sales Brandon Monsen were recognized in March in Las Vegas as the No. 1 AutoDesk dealer in Utah. virtually all A/E/C firms realized they better work together as a team? A360 Collaboration training, consulting and mentoring, especially get on board with the newest technology, for Revit is exciting and it will have an impact when it comes to helping customers deploy or risk being left behind. The firm opened on how firms work together on projects.” and implement new technologies, and also its Orem headquarters in 1993, and also Anderson said in the past two years helping with workflow issues. opened an office in Boise in 2012. AutoDesk has made major advances to its “You can have the software and think you’re getting some of the advantages, but it can be exasperating or frustrating, and with some consulting help from our team, “In the beginning we sold more to one-man shops, mom you can in a fairly short amount of time and pop shops – they were more open to it. Ultimately firms have a more productive tool, and design started seeing benefits of what CAD could do on PCs. with fewer errors,” said Anderson. Monsen encourages all firms – – Kim Anderson whether existing clients or not – to check out one of ProSoft’s local ‘Launch Party’ Monsen said it’s a never-ending quest to 3D products for structural engineers” and events. Getting involved and better stay ahead of the technology curve, and that steel fabricators/detailers. understanding technology tends to be a firms who consistently buy in to the latest ProSoft was recognized March 4 in Las ‘win-win’ situation for all firms. and greatest tend to be more progressive, Vegas as the No. 1 AutoDesk partner in Utah, “You have firms and people that and ultimately, more successful. and the firm also offers training and other are early adopters of technology and “AutoDesk has done a great job bringing services to businesses across the country, evolve with the software,” he said. “We products that are relevant – now it’s all and even internationally. Most sales and want to help elevate firms and their about collaboration,” said Monsen. “How do support is along the Wasatch Front, Idaho understanding of what AutoCAD can do structural firms, MEP firms and architects and Nevada, but Anderson said the firm offers for their business.” n
May 15 | UTAH CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN | 49 > Q&A: Jeanne Jackson
Q&A: Jeanne Jackson 2015 AIA Utah President blazing trails in architecture on both a local and national level.
2015 AIA Utah President Jeanne Jackson things work. I got to college and had an doesn’t necessarily consider herself a acquaintance in the architecture program trailblazer within Utah’s architecture so that was my introduction. I went to the industry, but she does take immense pride University of Utah for both my graduate in a career that has spanned nearly a and undergraduate degrees. quarter century, and the ability she has to make a difference in local communities. UC&D: You’re a prominent designer Besides being just the third woman in the K-12 market. How long did it take President of AIA Utah, (Jill Jones, 1998; for you to find your specific passion, or Julie Berreth, 2007), Jackson, a Principal realize that education was a major design with Salt Lake-based VCBO Architecture, interest? is also the first woman architect from the Beehive State elevated to Fellowship in the Jackson: It is a total passion of mine. I American Institute of Architects (FAIA). got on a team at VCBO that was working on Jackson, a Salt Lake native, graduated a school – it was one of two new schools with a Master of Architecture from the for Jordan School District, and it was one of University of Utah in 1990 and has been my first times as a project architect after I at VCBO since July 1990. She earned her got my license. I got along well with Steve professional license in 1993 and was made Crane and Boyd McAllister. We were doing Principal in 2001. a lot of schools (in the early 90’s). I also Jackson’s design focus has been on got involved in architecture for education education for most of her career, with (programs). I’ve worked on other projects an emphasis on K-12 schools. She has – an ice sheet in Murray, some libraries, served on the AIA National Committee on but the bulk of what I’ve done has been Architecture for Education (CAE), and also schools. As much as I like libraries, I think the Utah State Licensing Board for eight schools are more fun (to design). an environment that enhances that years. She also served on the National collaborative environment? I also like the Committee of Architectural Registration UC&D: What is unique/innovative idea, particularly on K-6 schools, of how do Boards (NCARB) and was influential in right now in the world of K-12 design? you make the building playful for young helping reduce time requirements of people? How do you create a learning architectural interns before they are Jackson: Something dear to my heart experience with things in the building. allowed to get a professional license, in is the idea that education is changing We have to remember who the school is addition to helping streamline national – it’s becoming more collaborative. designed for. It’s not for the taxpayers; it’s continuing education requirements. Young people today – they are incredibly not designed for anyone but the children. tech savvy, and they have that one- Making (a school) appealing to young UC&D: What inspired you to pursue a on-one technology experience. The people, that’s important to me. career in architecture? question is how to use it best. You have to have teachers who help students use UC&D: You are the first woman in Jackson: I have always been someone technology and to also think critically. Utah to earn Fellowship status from the who was thinking about design, even from It’s about working in groups and being American Institute of Architects, and the the time I was young. I didn’t understand educated on how to solve problems. third to serve as President of AIA Utah. Did what architecture was then; I would say That is what we need to address with you set out to be a trailblazer, or does it I was interested in design and the way facility design. How do you create come naturally?
50 | UTAH CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN | May 15 > Q&A: Jeanne Jackson
Jackson: (laughs) I still am very same reasons women are paid 30% less UC&D: What are some goals you have delighted (with FAIA); it gives me a place in than men. Maybe there is a perception as AIA Utah President this year? Utah architectural history. I didn’t set out to (women) are not as competent. do any of this – it’s a byproduct. I’ve always VCBO is merit based; I’ve never been Jackson: One of my biggest goals been very much an overachiever. My parents discriminated against because I am a is to try and get people engaged and told me I could be anything I wanted to be if woman. But we’ve had clients that I clearly involved – the theme this year is I set my mind to it and worked hard. I didn’t wasn’t sent to, perhaps because they ‘Leadership in Engagement’. We’re trying understand there were ‘limitations’ when weren’t comfortable with me or didn’t think to get people to come to one event, if I was young. If I do it, I have a passion for it. I was capable. There are still stereotypes they’ve been to one before, go to two, You do whatever it takes to achieve your out there. The biggest challenge is how to even if it’s just attending an event. We goals. I’ve always had goals. First was to get have a good work-life balance when women have a government affairs group and my Masters. Next was to get my professional are moms. We try and encourage flexibility have (Legislative) day where we talk license, then move up in the firm. One of my for families. It becomes a question of how to legislatures and have that kind of new goals is to encourage women in this flexible a person’s office is in letting them engagement. This year we had a record profession and be a role model and mentor do the tasks that are involved with being a turnout for that event. Some members at the University of Utah. parent. Only 17% of all leadership positions didn’t know we did that; members a lot of in architectural firms are women. Finding times don’t understand what we do. AIA women who are willing to pursue the career does a lot of advocacy. We’re also trying is part of the problem. We’ve had women to help promote participation with the I’ve always been very much work part time, but we’re a big firm and I Utah Center for Architecture – it’s for an overachiever. My parents don’t think all firms are like us. everyone, not just architects. n told me I could be anything I wanted to be if I set my mind to it and worked hard. I didn’t understand there were ‘limitations’ when I was young. If I do it, I have a passion for it.
UC&D: What are some challenges women face in advancing up the ranks in an industry that has been male dominated for years?
Jackson: There is a (national) project called the ‘Missing 32%’. What is intriguing is over the past 8-10 years, the number of women in architectural schools has been roughly half, but the number of women who are licensed nationally is 18%. So what happened to the other 32%? It’s a great question. AIA San Francisco came up with this initiative (Missing 32% Project) and started to study this issue and ask the questions of why this is happening. I don’t think anyone knows. They are charged to use metric driven knowledge to increase the number of not just women architects, but also minority architects. Women face challenges, well, in part because of the
May 15 | UTAH CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN | 51 > Utah GOED
Building Broadband to Build the Economy Utah continues to expand its impressive broadband infrastructure so that businesses continue to expand Utah’s economy.
By Hillary Bowler
“Infrastructure” used to refer only to Big name companies from Boeing to roadways, water access and other basics PluralSight and Adobe have set up shop in for building, thriving and connecting. Utah and made stellar investments in the To connect in the 21st century, state. They, like many others, have been however, private and commercial attracted to the state’s low corporate construction projects look for a new kind taxes, low energy costs, highly-educated of infrastructure: broadband. In Utah, workforce and advanced broadband builders are in luck: fiber, DSL, cable, fixed infrastructure. wireless,—the state has it all. According It seems like the state’s various strong to Akamai Technologies’ 2014 State of broadband providers have exciting new the Internet Report, the Beehive State developments to share on a daily basis. Hillary Bowler now boasts the fastest internet speeds in AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile and Strata the western United States, ranking sixth Networks have all launched 4G cellular overall nationally. Utah’s award-winning service in Utah over the past few years, and broadband infrastructure supports many Comcast continues to be a major provider means, and one secret lies in the work of the key sectors including education, public in Utah. Just recently both Century Link and Utah Department of Transportation. safety, transportation and economic Google announced major improvements We are always building roads—and development. and extensions of service in the state. For putting them everywhere. Since the I-15 example, Salt Lake City will join Provo by reconstruction around the 2002 Olympics, welcoming Google Fiber. UTOPIA (Utah UDOT has woven broadband access Telecommunication Open Infrastructure into its rights-of-way along every state Agency) also offers gigabyte speeds at roadway project. It’s not just Salt Lake extremely competitive prices for the City. Everywhere from Vernal to Richfield handful of cities on board. to Cedar City gets a taste of the “Fastest When it comes to broadband, the Internet in the West.” whole state looks good. Rural Utah is just “Companies want to know that as often the beneficiary of fast Internet they’ll have everything they need to grow speeds and multiple connectivity options. here,” said Val Hale, executive director of Within the past year, members of the Utah GOED. “Utah really offers the full package Rural Telecom Association have made statewide—and crucial to that deal is major upgrades in many areas of the our extensive broadband. We’ve long state including Vernal, Morgan, Fairview, been an economic leader, and broadband Hanksville, Tremonton and Panguitch. infrastructure is one of our best-kept The Utah Broadband Outreach Center, secrets.” a program within the Governor’s Office of It’s a “secret” that the Broadband Economic Development (GOED), works with Outreach Center works to spread. In Broadband infrastructure is a critical component more than 50 broadband providers who addition to their work with providers, of highway projects in Utah. Since the I-15 can supply premium services for all types the center works closely with city and Reconstruction project prior to the 2002 Olympics, UDOT has woven broadband access into its rights-of- of businesses in both urban and rural areas. county leaders to implement policies way along state road projects. Rural Utah is no longer isolated by any and practices similar to UDOT’s to make
52 | UTAH CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN | May 15 > Utah GOED all of the statewide road infrastructure assist new and existing businesses in com are unique and effective, providing a literal conduit for broadband finding locations with access to critical developers and business officials both infrastructure. The center works infrastructure. One strategy is the inside and outside of the state with closely with regional planning groups, creation of two websites designed to exceptional resources at their fingertips. community leaders and developers on provide comprehensive infrastructure Beyond online viewing, the sites allow effective strategies to encourage the and real estate information. In the private users to evaluate potential locations and installation and improvements to the sector, GOED’s partner, the Economic print customized reports with detailed high-speed broadband services and Development Corporation of Utah, manages summaries of potential locations. Online infrastructure. More specifically the UtahSureSites.com, a valuable tool for resources like these make it easier and center encourages installing broadband business site selectors and commercial easier for businesses and developers to simultaneously with other utilities, developers to explore the state’s existing build in Utah—and to build smart. reducing overall cost dramatically. commercial real estate options. GOED has always worked hard to lay “Developers can play a crucial role In addition to UtahSureSites.com, whatever foundations necessary to keep in helping residents and businesses the Broadband Outreach Center recently Utah on top economically. The state’s access high-speed services by working launched locate.utah.gov, an interactive broadband infrastructure is an investment with broadband providers early on in the mapping site that allows users to explore that’s already paying off. We look forward construction process,” said Kelleigh Cole, the state’s broadband availability, to more growth in the years to come. n director of the Broadband Outreach Center. along with information on utilities, “Including broadband in the planning transportation, workforce and lifestyle. Hillary Bowler is a communication stages and wiring homes and businesses In short, searching companies will be able specialist for Utah GOED. For more during the construction process is a vital to view where they can get the best fiber information about the Broadband step in creating smarter communities.” connections and the best skiing (and locate Outreach Center and for access to data Utah’s economic development team hospitals if the skiing created a need). on all services offered in Utah, visit is continually developing strategies to Locate.utah.gov and UtahSureSites. broadband.utah.gov.
May 15 | UTAH CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN | 53 > Construction Trends > Construction Trends
Recognizing Trends that Shape Utah’s Construction Industry
By Chris DeHerrera
The construction industry is now emerging that is driving trends in the construction from one of the toughest five year spans in industry. An article that ran in the Wall decades. In 2008, the industry experienced Street Journal titled, “World Awash In a $500 billion revenue peak only to watch Too Much of Almost Anything”, authors it decrease to less than $300 billion in the Josh Zumbrun and Carolyn Cui cite global short span of only two years. However, gluttony of commodities like oil, cotton, market trends are pointing to an upswing and iron ore as one contributing factor as labor shortages are becoming even to low growth in major global economies more prevalent and margins, although and suggest that the overabundance of slimmer than optimal, have begun to commodities may take decades to work off. return somewhat. For example, at Cushing, Okla., tanks Chris DeHerrera But before we begin to explore the are filled to the brim with crude oil as industry outlook, let’s take an abbreviated inventories rose to 489 million barrels high dating back to 1982. In other markets look at the global and domestic climate in just one week, which tops an all-time cotton inventories continue to climb with
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54 | UTAH CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN | May 15 > Construction Trends an estimated 110 million bales sitting in storage at the end of the harvest season and reflecting a record high inventory rate since 1973. A cooling Chinese economy is one major factor in the decreasing demand for many commodity based materials and is adding to the oversupply dilemma. In addition, the debt situations of the U.S., Japan, and Europe restrict their ability to fuel any type of measurable growth through public expenditures. But while the aforementioned appears to paint a bleak picture for the construction industry, domestic data suggests differently. According to a construction forecast report issued in January 2015 by FMI, a leading provider of research and management consulting services to the engineering and construction industry, domestic construction is expected to see an overall 8% increase in 2015, a slight improvement from 2014. Residential construction is projected to grow by 9% while other market sectors are also projected for growth. Office construction is projected to dip in 2015 with an 11% growth rate which is a decrease from 19% growth in 2014. The sector will continue to experience moderate growth due to decreased office vacancy rates. In addition, commercial construction is projected to experience continued moderate growth through 2019. According to The Department of Commerce consumer confidence fell 7.4 points in February but is higher than the same time a year ago and may be a contributing factor to the sector’s growth rate as well as an increase in retail sales thus far in 2015. Current trends in health care include new modeling of health care facilities as well as a move toward rebuilding of existing facilities. Health care reform, the need to remain competitive along with difficulty in funding options, will require health care entities to engage in leaner and more efficient processes including the use of technology. FMI’s health care forecast calls for a cautious 4% growth in 2015 decreasing slightly from a 6% growth rate in 2014. State and local budgets are hindering the growth rates of K-12 educational facilities. Other drivers include new >>
May 15 | UTAH CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN | 55 > Construction Trends > Construction Trends
school designs with a focus on employing projected to see a 1% increase mostly in mid-year 2014. However, there is little green building technologies, enrollment the form of renovations. Public safety reason for despair. Last year also got off growth, and more renovations and will continue to remain dismal with 2% to a hobbled start, but the economy still additions to existing facilities. Growth in growth projected for 2015. Amusement and managed to expand 2.4 percent in 2014. 2015 is projected at 3%, which is a modest recreation will experience a 7% increase This year can still be better, including for increase from 1% in the previous year. in 2015 reflecting same growth pattern as nonresidential construction.” In addition, transportation is projected 2014. Manufacturing-related construction Another indicator of the upward to jump from 4% growth to 7% increase spending expanded 3 percent in March and trajectory of the construction industry is in 2015. Congress will need to pass a is up 50.3 percent for the year. the February construction unemployment transportation-funding bill sometime in Even with increases in many of the numbers. Data shows that the industry 2015 to allow stability for the sector to key sectors, Associated Builders and unemployment was down in 44 states allow for continued growth. Funding will Contractors Chief Economist Anirban year-over-year. Utah ranked in the nation’s continue to hinder infrastructure and Basu hints that some caution should be top five states with the lowest February transportation spending and it may fall applied. “Up until six months ago, the construction unemployment rate. to the states to further their own funding U.S. economy was manifesting surging It is worth noting that there are to maintain roads. Lower fuel prices will momentum, but the last six months a handful of risks associated with the restrict tax receipts adding even further to have been disappointing.” He said. “The forecast. At the risk of minimizing the limited funding options. recovery’s momentum has slowed to global economic climate let’s focus Other sectors worth noting include a crawl. Lower energy prices and their domestically for the sake of this discussion. lodging which experienced a revival and impact on investment spending, a stronger First, the low-bid mentality of many 2015 is projected to see an 18% growth U.S. dollar, weather, and the West Coast industry owners continues to permeate followed by a gradual decline to 6% port slowdown have all conspired to undo the market. Owners continue to treat through 2019. Religious construction is the economic momentum apparent during construction procurement as a commodity. The commodification mentality seems to be more prevalent in standard structures including housing, warehouses, retail, office buildings, lodging and schools and some prototype structures. The result of this commodification is twofold. Margins are compromised and a real risk in the low- bid arena is that contractors will attempt to make up for negative projections by cutting corners, increase change order and billing for extras thus increasing the cost. Secondly, the construction industry lags in technology innovation. However, it is clear that construction tools and technology are changing dramatically. The advancement of field technology could redefine the scope of services that a contractor provides to an owner. But, it is more than expanded scope of service. It is about increased efficiencies in productivity of the construction industry and the measurable value that technology can bring to a project and an owner. Possibly the most looming threat to the construction industry currently is the lack of skilled labor pools. Even though construction employment rates continue to decline for much of the nation, many variables are affecting the availability
56 | UTAH CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN | May 15 > Construction Trends
of skilled labor including the decline in numbers of those entering the industry and the aging of the current construction worker. As the economy continues to recover, construction firms will face a shortage of qualified workers and craft professionals. Current immigration laws do not provide an adequate amount of legal immigration to respond to the future economic demands of the construction industry. A study by the Construction Users Roundtable (CURT) estimates that there is currently a shortage of two million skilled construction workers and closing the gap will not happen quickly enough to respond to market conditions. The construction industry lost 2.3 million jobs during 2007-2009 and has only recouped less than half a million. By 2016 it is predicted that the construction industry will require 6.7 million workers, 50% more workers than are currently available today. If a viable solution is not identified, the result could be a slowdown in construction activity because contractors will be forced to turn down projects due to the lack of skilled labor available. With all said and done, it is important as an industry to recognize the trends that shape the construction market. Trends can be identified in analyzing external factors that are beyond any one company’s control like industry and economic forecasts, surety industry trends, commodity prices, politics, regulatory issues, changes in population, technology, etc. Armed with this information our industry should be able to determine how we continue to compete and perform in the future and ensure that construction in the state of Utah remains relevant in terms of quality, productivity, best practices and value for owner and end-users. Note: for a closer look at market subsector increases and decreases per month for 2015 please visit www.abc/ constructioneconomic. n
Chris DeHerrera is President/CEO of the Utah Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). She can be reached at [email protected].
May 15 | UTAH CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN | 57 > Marketing Strategies
Is Your Engineering Firm Part of Our Team?
By Sid Pawar
As the marketing director of an the strength of their internal team. When architecture firm, I’ve found that a fine we go about assembling a consultant team, balance exists between assembling the we ask ourselves if the consultant fits the best possible consulting team for a given bill. Does the civil engineer have sufficient project and making sure the team will depth in their resume to support the design interact well with a potential client and team with complex utility work called for by the architectural design team. Our goal, a particular project? How much experience as the architect, is to assemble a team of does the structural engineering team have consultants that becomes an extension in the design of buckling restrained braced of our in-house design team. Strong, frames (BRBF’s)? Can the MEP consultant reliable and trusting relationships form adequately address the complexities of a Sid Pawar the foundation of an architecture firm’s high-tech university lab with fume hoods or consultant pool. special ventilation requirements that meet consultant fully capable of addressing low- A major factor an architecture firm or exceed life safety requirements? Are we voltage electrical requests, technology tends to look for in a consulting engineer is able to utilize a single electrical engineering system needs, audio/visual requirements and acoustic parameters; if so, are these systems capable of accommodating future expansion and growth?
Strong, reliable and trusting relationships form the foundation of an architecture firm’s consultant pool.
Once the architect has established that a given consulting firm has the best- qualified individuals to meet the client’s needs, we look at the overall depth of experience the firm has in relation to the scope of work. We engage the consultant to determine how many related projects the consulting firm has successfully completed with a positive outcome. In a sense, the best marketing any consultant can provide to an architectural firm begins with the quality of work performed by individual project managers and their team of engineers. Principals, project architects and project managers of architectural firms I’ve been associated with tend to look for quality, reliability and consistency in the consulting services provided. And, yes, there’s a fee
58 | UTAH CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN | May 15 > Marketing Strategies component. Relationships tend to follow this interplay of qualities. I’ve found that the most effective marketing efforts put forth by consultants tend to incorporate the efforts of highly skilled engineers committed to successful project outcomes, even if that success comes at the expense of overcoming unforeseen obstacles or challenges that may impinge upon the contracted fee. The consultants that step up to the plate and accommodate design challenges tend to merit favor in the eyes of the architectural design team. If your firm is always providing an ‘A’ team, committed to each and every project, 70% of your marketing efforts, directed to an architectural firm, have been done for you by your technical staff. Responsive, timely, well-crafted responses to an architectural firm’s data call are a critical component of the marketing efforts generated by a consulting engineer. In an effort to collect the best possible response from a consulting engineer, I find that it is of paramount importance to spell out exactly what qualifications I need and when I need a response. Having managed the marketing materials of numerous consulting engineers on a single project, I’ve found that I tend to favor my marketing colleagues who share the same values I do: punctuality, communication and attention to detail. I enjoy working with marketing teams that are consistent, responsive and produce relevant materials that shine the best light on their firm. It is this vital 30% of your marketing efforts that encourages architecture firms to reach out to your engineering firm for future work. Architectural design firms want to feel as though your engineering firm is part of our team – an extension of our in-house team. n
Sid Pawar is the Marketing Director and Business Developer with Salt Lake-based ajc architects. He studied advertising, public relations, and marketing at Idaho State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Communications with a Minor in Marketing. He has been involved in professional services marketing for more than 20 years and is an active member of SMPS (Society for Marketing Professional Services).
May 15 | UTAH CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN | 59
Index of Advertisers ABC Utah ...... 23 AE Urbia ...... 9 AGC of Utah ...... 41 Arnold Machinery ...... 63 Babcock Design Group ...... 22 Bowen Studios ...... 53 Dunn Associates, Inc...... 54 FFKR Architects ...... 10 Granite Construction ...... 6 Hanson Structural Precast ...... 18 Holland & Hart ...... 4 Honnen Equipment ...... 5 Hunt Electric ...... 13 Integrated Insurance Solutions ...... 57 Intermountain Commercial Storage ...... 64 Layton Construction ...... 18 Method Studio ...... 57 MHTN Architects ...... 13 Midwest Commercial Interiors ...... 55 Millcreek Tile & Stone ...... 51 Monsen Engineering ...... 30 Mountain States Fence ...... 62 Northern Power Equipment ...... 62 Okland Construction ...... 61 Prosoft ...... 21 R&O Construction ...... 31 R2H Engineering, Inc...... 56 Reaveley Engineers + Associates ...... 19 Richards Brandt Miller Nelson ...... 59 SBR Technologies / Vision Graphics ...... 59 Staker Parson Companies ...... 2 Steel Encounters ...... 11 Sunroc Building Materials ...... 60 UDOT/ Zero Fatalities ...... 24 Van Boerum & Frank Associates ...... 58 Watts Construction ...... 22 Wheeler Cat ...... 3
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