Engineering News-Record has published the data for the 2023 Top 100 Green Design Firms, and Architectural Nexus is pleased to rank alongside world-renowned design firms as leaders in sustainable architecture. Engineering News-Record reports that increased interest in sustainability certifications for design projects has significantly boosted revenue to the green building industry. This growth was supported by federal spending and new carbon-cutting standards to promote climate-friendly design. In 2022, revenue in green design projects actively seeking sustainability certifications increased by 22.3% in the United States and 31.9% internationally.

Other informational highlights in ENR’s Top 100; A Green Market Growth Spurt, include

• Future challenges of the green construction industry are embodied carbon, inflated project costs and sustainably navigating new delays in a complex supply chain.
• Sustainability certifications like LEED have become an integral part of long-term principles and values for many clients. Sustainability metrics have boosted market performance to justify higher costs of better performing buildings.
• In 2022 the highest Green design Market sectors were commercial offices (17.4%) and health care ($15.7%).
• Designing buildings as living systems and for resilience create natural synergies by incorporating features that harmonize with environmental factors rather than opposing them.
• There is a need for data models based on future weather predictions and not previous patterns in order to cultivate green skills for overall occupancy health and for building performance.

The cover story of Utah Construction and Design’s latest issue includes a stunning spread of images showcasing the newly completed West Quarter. Architectural Nexus designed the first phase of residential housing within the West Quarter. The Charles rivals the elegance of its neighboring hotels in lavish style and amenities. Nestled seamlessly into the high-end residential apartment market of downtown Salt Lake City, it boasts a captivating exterior curtain wall system that plays with varying window sizes, combining a harmony of masonry, steel, and glass.

The design offers a versatile range of living spaces, including studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments, and 11 luxurious penthouse units. It includes contemporary, highly functional public areas, a rooftop pool terrace and lounge area, and a state-of-the-art 2,600-square-foot indoor/outdoor fitness center. There’s even a poker lounge for those feeling lucky.

According to David Abraham, Senior Principal at Arch Nexus, the exposed concrete interior marries refinement with rawness, infusing the space with a sense of modernity and novelty while evoking nostalgia for the downtown lifestyle. Charles Bagley, an Associate at Arch Nexus, points out the meticulous attention to detail, right down to the elevator buttons, ivory and circular elements, and other distinct features that collectively give the project a unique identity. Read the full story and see images at Utah Construction & Design.

The Architectural Nexus Sacramento office building has again earned ENERGY STAR® certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The next time you visit, check out the little blue label on display at our entrance – it represents a version of validated energy performance. This energy score if 95 indicates the Sacramento office is more energy efficient than 95 percent of similar properties nationwide. To learn about the Energy Star program and how your building can participate in Energy Star Certification visit energystar.gov.

Utah Architects had a solid year in 2022, indicative of the Beehive State’s economic growth and stability. According to Utah Construction and Design Magazine, work in the commercial design industry remains steady. In UC&D’s 11th annual list of top architectural firms, Architectural Nexus is ranked as the second leading firm in Utah. See the full rankings on page 45 of UC&D’s June publication.

Architectural Nexus is honored to be again named among the top 500 design firms by Engineering News Record. As we celebrate this recognition, we are grateful for the fantastic clients, industry partners and our talented professionals working to create truly amazing places.

Congratulations to Rachel Sittler, on earning her architectural license! Rachel’s hard work, dedication, and passion for architecture have paid off with reaching this milestone. Not only does licensure ensure the ability to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the general public through building design, but it also demonstrates professional competence in the knowledge of architectural principals, building codes, construction techniques, and sustainable practices. Achieving licensure is no simple task. After completing years of schooling, one still must pass seven grueling registration exams that require countless hours of study as well as years of additional work experience. Way to go, Rachel!

On Wednesday evening Architectural Nexus gathered to celebrate Mark Davis and the culmination of his 40-year architectural design career. Mark’s work encompasses some of the most meaningful and significant projects in this region. As impactful as these projects are, Mark’s true legacy is measured by the friendships and the admiration of those he worked with and mentored. As he embarks on the adventures of his retirement, Mark leaves a lasting influence of inspiring leadership. We wish Mark many incredible rounds of golf and awe-inspiring rides on his Harley Davidson in the years to come.

A good architect earns the trust of those with whom they work. Some individuals elevate that trust into respect. Mark, however, attained the rarest form of admiration… that of genuine love.

There is a tide in the affairs of men

Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;

Omitted, all the voyage of their life

Is bound in shallows and in miseries.

On such a full sea are we now afloat;

And we must take the currant when it serves,

Or lose our ventures.

– William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar

Salt Lake County Library is the 2023 recipient of Tech Logic Corporation’s People First Award, for their architectural design features that prioritize the needs of the community. Their library system has undertaken an aggressive building and remodeling program in recent years. The architectural designs of the new facilities incorporate people-centric elements based on extensive community conversations and input.

Architectural Nexus is the firm behind the Daybreak and Kearns libraries. The Daybreak Library was designed with a focus on connecting with the surrounding natural resources. The community’s wish list included features like “wild space” with drought-tolerant plantings to nurture local wildlife, as well as walking paths and bike trails. The Daybreak Library also reflects the community’s desire for hands-on technology and tools with a Create Space room, access to bike repair tools, an audio-video recording studio, and digital design tools, catering to the community’s interests and needs.

The Kearns Library incorporates a 25-foot-wide pathway leading to a rooftop garden, allowing visitors to enjoy the outdoors. Additionally, light tunnels from the roof to the first floor enhance natural lighting and energy efficiency.

Kearns exemplifies the “People First” design approach as a community gathering space. It includes multiple study rooms, meeting rooms, and a larger auditorium. The library offers a Create Space hands-on lab with an audio recording studio and musical instruments, sewing machines, and 3D printers. The addition of a Tele-Health Center provides private virtual sessions with health providers.

The architectural design features in the Salt Lake County Library system demonstrate a commitment to creating libraries that serve as relevant, people-first community centers. By engaging with the community, incorporating natural elements, and providing innovative spaces and technologies, these libraries prioritize the needs of their patrons and staff.