GSBS Architects

? Insights from the AIA Women’s Leadership Summit ? At GSBS, we’re committed to supporting women in architecture. Last month, two of our talented team members, Amy Tetreault-Nelson and Jinnie Lee, attended the AIA Women’s Leadership Summit (WLS) and wanted to share their experiences: Q. What made the 2024 Women’s Leadership Summit meaningful to you? A. The WLS is always a rich source of inspiration, bringing together women at different stages of their careers to connect, learn, and exchange personal stories. It also provided unique opportunities to visit other firms and see their latest projects and work environments. Q. What were your key takeaways, and how might they influence your future work? A. This year’s summit emphasized resilience, challenging traditional mindsets and practices. One of my main takeaways is that small adjustments in our daily actions—like how we take mindful moments or respond to others—can significantly impact inclusivity in the workplace. Sometimes the smallest changes spark positive ripple effects. The conference reinforced the importance of staying engaged, taking a breath, and not just coasting along; it’s about embracing each day with purpose. Q. Which sessions or speakers resonated with you most? A. All the sessions left an impact, but ‘Leading Through Action & Resilience’ was especially powerful. Dr. Aisha S. Densmore-Bey’s words struck a chord: ‘I can be changed by what happens to me, but I refuse to be reduced by it.’ This encapsulates the resilience needed to move past boundaries and drive change. WLS also offered sessions on essential soft skills like public speaking, facilitating inclusive meetings, and work-life balance, which are so relevant to our day-to-day work. Q. Were there any resources from the conference you found especially useful? A. The AIA’s career guides, particularly Chapter 7, were highlighted as helpful resources. One of the sessions recommended ‘You First: Inspire Your Team to Grow Up, Get Along, and Get Stuff Done’ by Liane Davey, which offers practical insights into building healthier, more productive teams. Q. Was there a specific issue raised that felt relevant to your field? A. The final keynote on intersectionality really resonated. Intersectionality is crucial not only in the AEC community but across all fields—it acknowledges that identity markers like race, gender, and orientation are interconnected. As we advance in our careers, it’s essential to listen, make space, and continue learning about each other, ensuring that we promote accurate information and inclusive environments.

?? Celebrating Success with the SLCC Technical Arts Building We’re thrilled to announce that the Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) Technical Arts Building (TAB) has been awarded Project of the Year in Higher Education (under $50M) by the Association of General Contractors and recognized in the Concrete/Tilt-Up category by Utah Design & Construction magazine! Rebuilt from the ashes of a former building lost to fire, the TAB now stands as a testament to resilience, innovation, and educational excellence. This two-story, 48,525-square-foot building was designed to provide an inspiring and collaborative environment for technical instruction and creativity in subjects such as HVAC, Welding, Art, Jewelry, Film, and more. Designed with “learning on display” in mind, the TAB’s centralized lobby and open circulation areas invite students and visitors to peek into these specialized classrooms and workshops, fostering a dynamic environment where real-world learning is always visible. The TAB equips students with industry-relevant skills through exposure to advanced tools and technology that enrich their educational experience and prepare them for the workforce. Designed with a focus on resource efficiency and care for the environment, the TAB embraces sustainable practices through a tilt-up construction method that balances cost-effectiveness with architectural harmony on the SLCC campus. Abundant natural light streams through clerestory windows in the high-bay and two-story wings. With SLCC’s sustainability vision guiding the design, the building and site honor green spaces, prioritize energy efficiency, and feature low-impact landscaping to support the college’s environmental goals. The project’s success reflects a powerful collaborative effort. Together, with Salt Lake Community College, DFCM, and SIRQ Construction , our team overcame tight budget constraints and delivered on aesthetic and functional goals while achieving a flawless safety record with zero incidents. This partnership enabled the creation of a high-quality, enduring building within budget, a testament to the strength of our collaboration. A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in bringing the Technical Arts Building to life! Together, we have created a resilient, inspiring space that will serve SLCC and the community for years to come. Congratulations on this outstanding achievement!

In honor of National STEM Day, we're showcasing the architectural design, both interior and exterior, of the Price Computing and Engineering Building at the University of Utah! The PCEB building will house the Kahlert School of Computing, alongside other engineering disciplines like artificial intelligence, financial technology, cybersecurity, and innovative fields. State-of-the-art laboratories, classrooms, and office areas will enable the College of Engineering to boost the number of graduates from various programs by at least 500 annually. This important campus asset is the result of our partnership with LMN Architects and collaboration with DFCM, UU, CoE, SoC, the John and Marcia Price Family Foundation, and other generous donors. We are thrilled to be playing a part in the advancement of STEM at the University of Utah.

In honor of National STEM Day, we're showcasing the architectural design, both interior and exterior, of the Price Computing and Engineering Building at the University of Utah! The PCEB building will house the Kahlert School of Computing, alongside other engineering disciplines like artificial intelligence, financial technology, cybersecurity, and innovative fields. State-of-the-art laboratories, classrooms, and office areas will enable the College of Engineering to boost the number of graduates from various programs by at least 500 annually. This important campus asset is the result of our partnership with LMN Architects and collaboration with DFCM, UU, CoE, SoC, the John and Marcia Price Family Foundation, and other generous donors. We are thrilled to be playing a part in the advancement of STEM at the University of Utah.

???? Ready to shift gears? The Computer and Automotive Engineering Building at Weber State University, designed by GSBS, is at the forefront of training the next wave of auto techs for an EV-driven world. PBS recently visited the space and shared insights into the students’ journey to meet the soaring demands of today's auto industry. Drive into the full story and see how our building helps make it possible! ?? Article link: https://buff.ly/4hwGxD3

GSBS is hiring! We are looking to fill two positions in our Salt Lake City and Texas offices: Interior Designer Level 1 and Interior Designer Level 2. Click the link below for more information and to apply. https://buff.ly/2BTGNd1

Last month, several GSBS team members—Alexei, Rashida, Jorge, and Alden—attended the Fort Worth Car & Culture Show at Sundance Square to sketch, joining the Dallas-Fort Worth chapter of Urban Sketchers for a morning of artistic exploration and collaboration. Here’s what Alexei had to say about the experience: "Going to events like this Urban Sketchers outing is a low-stakes opportunity to focus, draw, and then compare work with other artists. I love being surprised by the variety of perspectives that appear when all the sketches are laid out together. Also, I get to see what parts of the scene others consider to be worth capturing, i.e., what do people love about the urban environment? And I was happy to spend the morning outdoors with other folks from the office!" And speaking of sketching with others from the office... many GSBSers are participating in Inktober this month! Starting tomorrow we'll be posting more sketches and highlights from the talent at GSBS. Follow and share yours with us!!

The team at GSBS is excited to play a part in creating a world-class practice facility for the new Utah Hockey Club in just five months and?inside?another building, the Utah Olympic Oval—also designed by GSBS and still home of the World's Fastest Ice, nearly 25 years after its debut. Go, Utah HC!!!

The theme of World Architecture Day 2024 is “Empowering the Next Generation in Participatory Urban Design” emphasizing the role of young architects in urban planning and development. The International Union of Architects (UIA) encourages young architects to engage in participatory processes, contributing fresh perspectives essential for sustainable development. GSBS architect, Alexei Dukov was asked to participate in a panel exploring urban design solutions for a proposed freeway expansion in Fort Worth. The panel, put together by former City Councilwoman Ann Zadeh (AICP), brought together community leaders and design professionals to discuss a particular spot along I-30 in the neighborhood of Arlington Heights. Brainstorming centered around ways to minimize the ever-widening chasm created by the below-grade freeway and reconnect the adjacent high school with the community it serves.

Catch us at the newly rebuilt Technical Arts Building at Salt Lake Community College. ?? ??