Ninety-two-year-old Charlie Burres knows the struggle of finding affordable housing all too well. After a series of life challenges, Charlie and his wife found stability in a Mutual Housing California community. His story highlights the critical role affordable housing plays in providing hope and security for individuals and families.

The rising cost of living has disproportionately impacted many Californians, particularly seniors in Stockton, where 64% face housing cost burdens. To address this urgent need, The California Energy Commission’s Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC), Mutual Housing California, and design firm Architectural Nexus have joined forces to develop a new, sustainable affordable housing project in the city.

Mutual Housing at Fairview Terrace will be a 62,568-square-foot, all-electric senior housing development, offering 76 affordable units. This innovative project will feature a range of amenities, including outdoor bike storage, a cooling center, community spaces, and electric vehicle charging stations. By integrating seamlessly into the community, this development challenges traditional stereotypes about affordable housing and sets a new standard for sustainable, equitable living.

Architectural Nexus is pleased to announce that Erica McBride has been named a recipient of the prestigious Living Future Hero award. Living Future Heroes are recognized for their commitment to environmental advocacy, their support of Living Future projects, and their ability to inspire others. Our recent interview with Erica offers insights into her career journey.

What are the biggest challenges you’ve overcome within your role?

One of the biggest challenges I faced when starting in this role was my limited knowledge of architecture and building systems. Through hands-on experience and continuous learning, I developed a strong understanding of how to operate these systems effectively. Over time, I’ve also gained a deeper appreciation for the critical role that architects play in shaping the built environment.

Another challenge has been educating building occupants on how their daily actions within the places they work have such a large impact on the environment. Changing habits can be difficult, but with increasing confidence in my abilities, I’ve become more effective at training building inhabitants.

Can you highlight some of your most significant contributions to sustainability at Arch Nexus?

I began my career in this field with no prior experience. Despite the steep learning curve, I successfully led our Sacramento office through LBC and LEED certifications. Additionally, I’ve been managing our SLC office remotely and have navigated various challenges during our performance period, including ongoing efforts to achieve the energy petal certification. I also played a key role in certifying the Daybreak Library, Utah’s first Zero Energy commercial building. Furthermore, as a Living Future and WELL accredited professional I contribute to architectural projects seeking green building certifications.

What are your future goals and aspirations in the field of sustainability?

I aim to promote sustainable operations consulting as a valuable service for all projects. The operational perspective offers a unique viewpoint that should be integrated into every project. I hope to continue advocating for Living Buildings and educating others about their potential significant impact on the built environment. Additionally, I believe that water, as an undervalued resource, needs to be addressed in all project types.

For those interested in pursuing a career in sustainability, my advice is to start with small steps. Even minor changes can have a positive impact. Take the time to learn about sustainability and utilize the available resources and expertise. Developing a passion for understanding sustainability and its environmental implications is key.

Wednesday marked the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the Fabian Lakeside Pavilion at Sugar House Park. The new structure replaces an aging pavilion that was over 60 years old. The new pavilion offers expanded seating, power outlets, and LED lighting, making it a more functional and modern space for visitors. Additionally, the new facility is designed to be more resistant to vandalism and to provide better views of the pond and park. It’s perfect for gatherings, picnics, or simply enjoying the scenery. Ali Smith, Job Captain at Architectural Nexus shared “It’s exciting to be a part of these long-awaited improvements at the wonderful Sugarhouse Park.”

The new Fabian Lakeside Pavilion is complete thanks to a collaborative effort between Salt Lake County, and Salt Lake City in conjunction with the Sugarhouse Park Authority. Two more pavilions are slated for upgrades soon. New bike racks have been installed, and park signage is on the way. Future plans include playground improvements, basketball court upgrades, a revitalized irrigation system, upgrades to the community garden, and an arboretum to expand the park’s impressive selection of over 1,000 trees.

When counties and cities invest in community spaces like Sugarhouse Park the return is more than what meets the eye. Enhanced quality of life, increased property value, boosted local economy, and environmental benefits are just a few of the long-term advantages that result from thriving community park spaces. Reserve the new Fabian Lakeside Pavilion for your next family reunion or corporate gathering through the Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation Website.

Related news:

KSL.com

The Salt Lake County Daybreak Library branch has achieved a historic milestone: it is Utah’s first Certified Zero Energy Commercial Building. Join us for a special celebration on October 18th at 11:30 AM on the Daybreak Library rooftop.

Holli Adams, Principal Architect for the Daybreak Branch, applauds the county’s leadership in choosing energy efficiency and water conservation. “Salt Lake County is always striving to do what’s best for its residents and staff,” she stated, noting that the superior sustainable elements of the Daybreak Branch did not exceed the project budget and the county is already seeing net savings due to the efficient design.

The Daybreak Library was shaped by extensive community input, reflecting residents’ desire for a sustainable and welcoming space. The library features walking paths, bike trails, and a rooftop garden, creating a “wild space” that supports local ecoculture.

While these features contribute to the library’s place within the natural environment, the key to its energy efficiency lies in Ground Source Energy. Ground-source heat pumps (GSHPs) harness the Earth’s constant temperature to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The library’s exceptional building envelope further enhances its performance.

The Daybreak Library’s Energy Use Intensity of 32 kBtu/ft2 is a remarkable 78% reduction compared to a national average of 144 kBtu/ft2 for libraries. Erica McBride, Regenerative Operations Manager at Architectural Nexus, provides ongoing support to library staff to ensure the building’s continued efficiency.

The Salt Lake County Daybreak Library demonstrates the power of community involvement and sustainable design. To learn more about the unique features and design elements of this groundbreaking project, explore the full case study at the International Living Future Institute.

Architectural Nexus invites you to see sustainable design in action at our upcoming open-house events. Join us to explore cutting-edge office spaces and learn how innovative design solutions can create healthier, more efficient buildings.

Salt Lake City Open House:

Date: Wednesday, October 2nd

Time: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Location: 2505 E Parleys Way, Salt Lake City Utah

Contact: Jessica Clark, jclark@archnexus.com

Sacramento Open House:

Date: Wednesday, October 16th

Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Location: 930R Street, Sacramento California

Contact: Katy Webb, kwebb@archnexus.com

At either location, you’ll have the opportunity to:

Tour our sustainably designed offices: See firsthand how innovative design features can enhance energy efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and create a healthier indoor environment.

Learn about sustainable design principles: Discover the latest trends and best practices in sustainable architecture, from renewable energy to green materials, even rainwater capture and reuse.

Connect with industry experts: Speak with our experienced architects and designers to learn more about your project needs.

Enjoy refreshments: Network and enjoy refreshments served from 2-6 PM.

This is a unique opportunity for schools, community groups, neighbors, and anyone interested in sustainable design to see these principles in action. Don’t miss out on this chance to be inspired and learn more about the future of architecture.

Are you tired of the same old energy-saving lectures? Imagine a world where sustainable habits are rewarded like a video game. Architectural Nexus has gamified occupant behavior to help push the boundaries of what is possible in regenerative building design.

Join us for breakfast with industry experts including Lisa Carey Moore, from the International Living Future Institute, and learn how gamification can motivate your team to adopt sustainable habits. Discover real-world strategies for designing and managing high-performance buildings that conserve water and reduce environmental impact. Click here to register for this FREE event happening September 27^th.

The presentation will showcase real-life strategies for designing and managing water systems that work within the carrying capacity of the site, as outlined in the ILFI water petal, and why water is a critical design driver in Utah. Tours of the Arch Nexus Salt Lake City office showcasing these strategies will take place immediately following the presentation.

Members of the Architectural Nexus Social Equity Committee, Megan Repka, AIA, and Megan Girvan, AIA, recently shared a Comprehensive Equity Toolkit through the International Living Future Institute in a webinar attended by participants from the United States, Canada, Spain, Italy, and Finland.

The toolkit, a compilation of equity resources from organizations such as AIA, SEED, ILFI, and LEED, is designed to be a valuable resource during the pre-design phase of projects. It encourages productive conversations and meaningful community engagement to foster a more equitable built environment. An online questionnaire within the toolkit prompts design teams to reflect on their projects and identify areas for improvement in terms of equity.

Architectural Nexus, one of only three SEED-certified consultant firms in the country, recognized the need for a comprehensive equity resource as its project teams sought to implement the SEED process on more projects. The Social Equity Committee created a cohesive document that draws from various equity resources and highlights the importance of different equity aspects. Inspired by the firm’s equity charettes and case studies, the toolkit can be used by any project team for any design project.

Architectural Nexus’ Jessica Peterson has been named the 2024 “Architect of the Year” by Women in Architecture SLC, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the profession. As a Principal Architect since 2022, Jessica’s background in architecture and mathematics informs her creative and analytical approach to architecture. Known for her calm leadership and mentorship, Jessica balances her professional achievements with her role as a mother of three.

One of Jessica’s notable projects is the Huntsman Cancer Institute Phase V at the University of Utah, a 12-story, 220,000-square-foot addition that earned LEED Gold certification and significantly expanded the hospital’s capacity. As Project Architect, she managed a team of over fifty, played a crucial role in medical planning, and ensured the design met the needs of both staff and patients. Even after the project’s completion, Jessica remains involved, participating in lessons-learned meetings to continuously improve healthcare design.

Jessica’s leadership, dedication, and ability to mentor future architects make her a true trailblazer in the field.

Scott Larkin brought a uniquely expert perspective to his 30-year career as an architect, having previously served 10 years as a nurse in the Navy Nurse Corps. Motivated by a desire to help others heal, Scott specialized in hospital planning, design, and healthcare project schematics. His energy and dedication led to superior problem-solving skills across hundreds of projects, ranging from small healthcare facility needs assessments to strategic and master planning for large campuses. He has been a leader in promoting better medical treatment through well-designed architecture.

Dozens of past and present colleagues gathered Wednesday evening to acknowledge Scott’s remarkable career and congratulate him on his retirement. In toasts and tributes to Scott, the most frequently used word was “Mentor.” Principal Architect Jessica Peterson reflected on her experience being mentored by Scott: “He has always been willing to take time to teach no matter how busy his schedule was. I will be forever grateful for the opportunities he gave me as I pursued the path of medical planning. He is respected and trusted not only by his peers but also by our clients. I have learned so much just by watching him in meetings. His calm demeanor didn’t push to have his voice heard; rather, everyone would turn to him seeking his input.”

Some of Scott’s prominent projects include extensive work on St. Luke’s Downtown Boise Hospital, St. Luke’s Nampa Hospital, and St. Luke’s Magic Valley Hospital in Idaho; the University of Utah Eccles Critical Care Pavilion in Salt Lake City, Utah; Mercy Medical Center in Durango, Colorado; and Heber Valley Hospital in Heber, Utah.

Architectural Nexus is deeply grateful for the wisdom, expertise, and leadership Scott brought to the firm. The positive impact of his influence and work will continue to reverberate long after his departure into retirement.

Architectural Nexus is pleased to publish the Social Equity Toolkit for industry wide use in increasing equitable design within the built environment. The Social Equity Toolkit incorporates a wide variety of resources to help support building project teams in considering a multitude of factors to help support communities, the natural environment, and a long term prosperous future for the built environment. By incorporating the public as an important project stakeholders, building projects can better be incorporated into the social fabric of local communities.

To access the Social Equity Toolkit, please click here.

Additionally, if you have a project in design or are considering a project for development, you may click here for an online questionnaire that will help you in considering methods to implement equitable design.