top of page
A computer generated rendering of Tech Ridge mixed-use commercial development designed by Architectural Nexus.

PROCESS

Where Creativity Meets Purpose

Design is both idealistic and practical. It is the space where unabashed creativity and staunch functionality collide, challenge one another, and ultimately elevate each other beyond what they could achieve alone. A synthesis of art, psychology, and engineering, design is shaped by thoughtful interaction, purposeful decision-making, and the recognition of creative opportunity. It is neither predetermined nor accidental. Design is a dynamic journey that unfolds through five key stages—Question, Explore, Discover, Define, and Evaluate. Each phase builds upon the last, guiding us from curiosity to clarity, and ultimately to the creation of spaces that inspire, function, and endure.

A graphic illustrating the Architectural Nexus design process, the brief, explore, discover, define, evaluate and question

Exploration is key to grasping a design challenge. Breaking problems down to their core reveals hidden opportunities. Viewing issues from various angles sparks innovation and deepens team engagement through an iterative process.

Every design problem is unique, with its own rules. The best solutions aren’t obvious. We dissect problems to their core, asking key questions to uncover the real issue and its hidden potential.

Architecture turns ideas into physical spaces that enhance human experience. At Arch Nexus, we blend design with nature to create environments that inspire creativity, boost well-being, and bring out people’s best selves.

Each design challenge has unique constraints and possibilities, which we at Architectural Nexus see as sparks for innovation. Discovery guides us to a value-based High Concept, shaping every decision for a cohesive, purposeful design.

Architecture turns ideas into physical spaces that enhance human experience. At Arch Nexus, we blend design with nature to create environments that inspire creativity, boost well-being, and bring out people’s best selves.

Design doesn’t stop at construction. Evaluation ensures solutions work, using feedback and metrics to check functionality and experience. This ongoing learning refines our approach, keeping us leaders in human-centered design.

Every project begins with a bold statement of ambition—the design brief. This purpose drives all decisions, resonating deeply with people and inspiring collaboration among owners, architects, engineers, and stakeholders. Every worthwhile project deserves a meaningful, sustainable concept.

  • Question
    Each design problem is distinct, shaped by its own unique rules. The best solutions aren’t always the most obvious. Instead of rushing to answers, we break a problem down to its core principles, focusing on asking the right questions and grasping the true issue at hand. A problem’s apparent energy rarely matches the dynamism of its untapped potential.
  • Explore
    Exploration is essential to understanding a design challenge. By deconstructing problems to their elemental roots, we uncover opportunities that might otherwise remain unseen. We challenge ourselves to view problems from different perspectives. This iterative process reveals new possibilities, encourages innovative thinking, and fosters deeper engagement among our teams and stakeholders.
  • Discover
    Each design challenge presents a unique set of constraints, conditions, and possibilities. These factors can be perceived as limitations or as catalysts for creative thought. At Architectural Nexus, we embrace them as opportunities to push the boundaries of innovation. Discovery leads us to a value-based High Concept—a guiding principle that informs every decision throughout the design process. Each choice is measured against this central idea to ensure a cohesive and purposeful design.
  • Define
    Architecture is the transformation of an idea into physical form. It is the process of shaping intangible principles into tangible expressions that enhance the human experience. Through thoughtful integration with the natural environment, we create spaces that influence how people interact and engage with one another. At Arch Nexus, we believe that great design has the power to enrich lives, inspire creativity, and foster well-being. We take pride in crafting environments that encourage people to be their best selves within their respective spaces.
  • Evaluate
    The design process does not end with construction. Evaluation is a critical phase where we assess the effectiveness of our solutions, ensuring they meet both functional and experiential goals. We engage with users, gather feedback, and analyze performance metrics to determine if the design is fulfilling its intended purpose. Continuous learning and adaptation allow us to refine our approach, enhancing our ability to create impactful, lasting designs. Evaluation closes the loop on one project while informing the next, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of thoughtful, human-centered design.

SALT LAKE CITY OFFICE

2505 E Parleys Way

Salt Lake City, Ut. 84109

801.924.5000

The Architectural Nexus icon

SACRAMENTO OFFICE

930 R Street

Sacramento, Ca. 95811

916.443.5911

bottom of page