OFFICIAL PUBLICATION AND DIRECTORY OF
4 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE A Year of Intentions By Lindsey Love, AIA Idaho 2024 President 6 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE Blueprints of Success: Idaho Architecture — 2024 Edition By Anna Foster, Executive Director, AIA Idaho 7 AIA24 Conference on Architecture & Design 8 AIA’s Value to Me By Dave Davies, AIA, Strategic Councilor, AIA Idaho 10 Qualification Based Selection What It Is and Why It’s Important By Jared Schmidt, AIA, Lombard/Conrad Architects 12 I Am an Architect, Now What? By Jorge Basulto, AIA, AIA Idaho Young Architect Forum Representative 14 A Legacy of Thoughtful Design James “Jim” D. McLaughlin, AIA 18 Collaboration 101 By Glen Berry, FAIA, Chair, AIA Idaho Fellows & Honors Committee 20 Exploring Mass Timber A Structural Engineering Perspective By Drew Morgan, BHB Structural 21 The Purpose Center Bringing Purpose (and Energy Efficiency!) to Historic Downtown Pocatello By Idaho Power 14 24 Cover: First & Fourth by Pivot North Architecture, Photographer Tim Brown 21 C ON T EN T S 2 IDAHO ARCHITECTURE | 2024 | aiaidaho.com
22 2023 Idaho Design and Honor Awards Ceremony Photo Gallery 24 2023 AIA Idaho Design Awards 25 BEST USE OF STEEL ZGA Architects & Planners Autovol Volumetric Modular 26 BEST USE OF STEEL AWARD OF MERIT Cole Architects Ketchum Fire Station 1 28 BEST USE OF WOOD Pivot North Architecture First & Fourth 29 BEST USE OF WOOD AWARD OF MERIT Architect Jack Smith, FAIA KanZan House 30 ENERGY AND SUSTAINABILITY AWARD OF CITATION GGLO 5th & Grove Office Building 31 AWARD OF MERIT Hatch Design Architecture Guernsey Dairy Milk Depot/Silvercreek Realty 32 AWARD OF MERIT Pivot North Architecture Split Rail Winery 33 AWARD OF MERIT Pivot North Architecture Idaho State Department of Agriculture Diagnostic Laboratory 34 AWARD OF MERIT Hummel Architects Idaho Fine Arts Academy 36 AWARD OF MERIT Architect Susan Desko, AIA Lake Creek Canyon Residence 37 AWARD OF MERIT Architect Susan Desko, AIA Proctor Landing 38 AWARD OF CITATION Hummel Architects St. Luke’s Downtown Campus Improvement Plan Phase 1 39 AWARD OF HONOR Pivot North Architecture College of Southern Idaho Veterinary Technology Building 40 AWARD OF HONOR Williams | Partners Architects, P.C. Stanley Residence 42 2023 AIA IDAHO GOLD MEDAL AWARD WINNER John “Jack” R. Smith, FAIA, D Arch 43 2023 AIA IDAHO PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD WINNER Andy Erstad, AIA, Past President, AIA Idaho 44 AIA IDAHO ARCHITECTURE FIRM OF THE YEAR Lombard/Conrad Architects 46 AIA Idaho Professional Affiliate Member Directory 48 AIA Idaho Member Directory ©2024 AIA Idaho | The newsLINK Group, LLC. All rights reserved. Idaho Architecture is published annually by The newsLINK Group, LLC for the AIA Idaho Chapter and is the official publication for this association. The information contained in this publication is intended to provide general information for review, consideration and education. The contents do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied on as such. If you need legal advice or assistance, it is strongly recommended that you contact an attorney as to your circumstances. The statements and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the AIA Idaho, its board of directors, or the publisher. Likewise, the appearance of advertisements within this publication does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any product or service advertised. Idaho Architecture is a collective work, and as such, some articles are submitted by authors who are independent of the AIA Idaho. While Idaho Architecture encourages a first-print policy, in cases where this is not possible, every effort has been made to comply with any known reprint guidelines or restrictions. Content may not be reproduced or reprinted without prior written permission. For further information, please contact the publisher at 855.747.4003. AIA IDAHO 2024 BOARD AIA Idaho State Board President Lindsey Love, AIA President Elect Jared Schmidt, AIA Secretary Treasurer Jennifer Mohr, AIA Past President Andy Erstad, AIA AIA Central Idaho Section President Ian Hoffman, AIA President Elect Laura Davidson, Assoc. AIA Secretary Caitlin Kessler, AIA Treasurer Rebecca Behrens, AIA Associate Director Sasha Rubinshteyn, Assoc. AIA AIA Idaho Mountain Section Chair Kristin Anderson, AIA AIA Idaho Eastern Section Chair Derek Waller, AIA Secretary Isaiah Womack, AIA Treasurer Latecia Herzog, AIA AIA Idaho Northern Section Chair Andrew Davis, Assoc. AIA AIA National Strategic Council Representative Dave Davies, AIA Small Firm Exchange (SFX) Representative Scott Lloyd, AIA National Associate Council (NAC) Representative Katherine Leja, Assoc. AIA Young Architect’s Forum (YAF) Jorge Basulto, AIA State Licensing Advisor Greg Ugrin, AIA Idaho Architecture is the annual official publication and directory of The American Institute of Architects — Idaho Chapter. AIA Idaho (208) 309-2081 aiaidahoprograms@gmail.com www.aiaidaho.com 3
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE A Year of Intentions LINDSEY LOVE, AIA IDAHO 2024 PRESIDENT As I’m writing this, the holiday season has just concluded, and a new year has commenced. While I’m not a fervent New Year’s resolution fan, I do enjoy setting intentions. Each year, our board experiences growth in some way, and this year, we are setting an intention to expand public outreach while recognizing two key aspects: collaboration with our fellow industry professionals and our advocacy for Idahoans. We are excited to bring some new events to the state, starting with Build a Better Idaho Week scheduled for April 22-26, aligning with Earth Day. The event is comprised of three components: • Online webinars with an in-person keynote on Friday, culminating in a happy hour in Boise. • Local social events hosted by each geographical AIA Section. • An online and printed showcase spotlighting innovative construction projects in Idaho. We extend a warm invitation to contractors, developers, policy-makers, building officials, engineers, designers of all kinds and homeowners to join our webinars, presentations and in-person events. Your questions about the industry and insight into how architects can better serve you are eagerly anticipated. Educational webinars will concentrate on building materials and health, resilience strategies, efficient resource utilization and the most effective energy-efficient strategies for Idaho. While the webinars focus on education, the section events promise to be lighthearted and enjoyable. Some sections will organize golf tournaments, others will host casual happy hours and some may arrange tours of innovative local buildings. Keep an eye on our social media channels, flyers and community calendars for details as April approaches. Our case studies will showcase recently completed Idaho projects that leverage innovative technology, design strategies and materials. Architects, akin to doctors, bear the responsibility of serving their communities. We invest substantial time in education — both academically and in the field — acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary for our roles. Beyond comprehending the intricacies of buildings, we work to enhance our communities' quality of life and safeguard public health, safety and welfare. With a 72-year legacy in Idaho, AIA has been committed to this cause for 160 years. In 2024, our intention is to wholeheartedly serve the people of Idaho. Advocating for our clients and all project stakeholders, often the Idaho public, is our duty. This includes school children, teachers, nurses, judges, police officers, EMTs and anyone utilizing public buildings. Success for us is not just in creating safe buildings but ensuring they are functional, affordable, beautiful, sustainable, durable and conducive to human health. When individuals in Idaho allocate their hard-earned savings or contribute tax dollars to a construction project, an architect plays a crucial role in guiding the process throughout the design and construction phases, ensuring that the financial investment is optimized to its fullest potential. Collaboration and synergy with proficient and forwardthinking contractors become paramount in attaining this level of success. Through our new programming, we seek to engage with Idaho residents, developers, contractors, policy-makers, officials and more. We anticipate building connections, sharing our work and learning from the community. Your insights will guide us in our pursuit of continuous improvement. Join us on this journey! b Lindsey Love is the president of AIA Idaho for 2024. She grew up in the Tetons, is very attached to the Rocky Mountain landscape and appreciates the agricultural, ranching and outdoor heritage. Her goals in life are to help shift the construction industry to be more sustainable, spend as much time outdoors as possible and learn to surf. Lindsey attended a liberal arts college in Washington but soon transferred to an architecture school in Montana to be closer to home and embark on a career path of learning to design and build in the most holistically natural ways. She has spent a lot of time building along the way with a variety of materials and systems. Her theory is that if you can understand the physics of building with mostly natural materials in the coldest, snowiest and most earth-quake-prone places, then you can probably figure out how to build a durable building in most places. She is passionate about creating more affordable homes to support multi-generational communities as well as sharing, through trades training, the empowerment she's gained through construction. Lindsey co-founded Love | Schack Architecture in 2015 and has recently started a consulting company, Regenerative Building Solutions, to help architects and contractors who wish to improve comfort and health and reduce toxins, pollution, energy use and embodied carbon in buildings. 4 IDAHO ARCHITECTURE | 2024 | aiaidaho.com
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE Blueprints of Success: Idaho Architecture — 2024 Edition ANNA FOSTER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AIA IDAHO Welcome back to the 4th edition of AIA Idaho’s publication, Idaho Architecture! I am so proud to reflect on the remarkable journey we’ve shared as an organization, and our publication mirrors this journey. The past year has been transformative for AIA Idaho, marked by many milestones, significant membership growth and meaningful contributions from our members and partners. The 2024 issue of Idaho Architecture is dedicated to showcasing those successes and highlighting Idaho architects who positively impact communities through their exceptional work. Our publication features award-winning projects, insightful articles and recognition for architects who are shaping the landscape of our state’s built environment. It was an honor and privilege to host Rosa T. Sheng, FAIA, Robert Miller, FAIA, and Andrew Vernooy, FAIA, as the recent Idaho Design Awards jurors. Their expertise in performance-based architecture can be seen in the buildings that were chosen as design award winners. The awards were a clear nod to the architect’s role in sustainability, reuse and adaptation, as well as simplicity and art in architecture. We celebrate all the winners of these projects and appreciate the work of architects throughout the state. It was also a privilege to hear jurors speak at our Design Awards Conference, and their knowledge and portfolio of work were inspirational for everyone who had a chance to participate. AIA Idaho’s membership has experienced significant growth recently, reflecting the heightened demand for architectural services within Idaho’s expanding communities. To effectively manage this surge in population, prioritizing the update of Idaho’s building and energy codes through continued advocacy efforts is essential and a big part of our mission. This commitment not only ensures public safety but also promotes sustainability and economic prosperity. I believe that architects, like no other professional, play a pivotal role in positively impacting their communities through advocacy. With their expertise, AIA members are well-positioned to serve as valuable resources for legislators, community leaders and government officials, advocating for sustainable design, updated building and energy codes, and historic preservation. By educating the public on these important issues, architects can make a significant difference in the places they live and work. I want to thank everyone who supports our Idaho Architecture magazine through advertising, writing and collaborating. This publication is a product of talented designers, contributors, authors, photographers and, most especially, AIA Idaho members. Special thanks to the organizations that align with architects and sponsor our programs annually: • Platinum Sponsor: Idaho Power Company, Energy-Efficiency Leader • Silver Sponsor: BHB Structural Engineers, Resilient Communities Advocate • Bronze Sponsor: Intermountain Gas Company, Carbon-Neutral Partner I must also commend the exceptional work of our publisher, Heather Wolsey, and The newsLINK Group, whose efforts consistently exceed expectations. I hope you enjoy reading this year’s issue. With warmest regards, Anna Foster Executive Director, AIA Idaho 6 IDAHO ARCHITECTURE | 2024 | aiaidaho.com
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AIA’s Value to Me BY DAVE DAVIES, AIA, STRATEGIC COUNCILOR, AIA IDAHO When I think about a world without AIA, I see a world where our profession would be significantly more watered down and less relevant. And I see a world where the built environment would be much more utilitarian, boxy and functional, but less meaningful. When I see images of other countries where architecture is not prevalent, I see very little design sensitivity in not only building design, but in city planning. AIA in the United States has existed since before the Civil War and has had an immeasurable impact on our modern built environment. When I consider the AIA in a long-range historical context, I am thankful for its existence and respond by wanting to support and strengthen its mission and strategic vision because, like you, architecture is “in my bones.” AIA — A QUALITY ORGANIZATION Once I began to affiliate with the AIA as a member, I began to notice that AIA was a well-organized group. When I raised my hand to get involved in AIA leadership, it was then that I began to truly understand what a first-class quality organization I was part of. I have been able to help form and shape the AIA structure at the local, state and national levels. As you might imagine, my impact has been greatest at the local level, but my opinions and ideas have found a hearing at the state and national levels as well. When I attend AIA events, I always tend to walk away thinking, “Wow, that was very well done!” I remain proud of how AIA does business and represents all of us members. MY WORK AT THE NATIONAL AIA LEVEL The AIA used to have a regional level of governance which went away about four years ago. We were part of what was called the North West Region. When it was dissolved, the national model made room for a robust Strategic Council group which hold two functions. The first function is to provide suggestions (strategic thinking) to the AIA Board. The second is to represent our states and bring forth member suggestions and concerns. Every state has at least one strategic councilor. Some states have as many as four. In my role as Idaho’s strategic councilor, I have challenged AIA National to increase public awareness of our members. I have also participated in two focus work groups. In year one, I worked on the Communications group which promoted better communication among the strategic counselors and between the Council and the AIA National Board. In 2023, I worked with a focus group involved with looking at the health and wellness impacts of design and how we can improve the wellbeing of those who occupy our buildings. I will be serving one more year in this role. In December, I was in Washington, D.C., to attend the annual Governance Conference, where I had the opportunity to select my focus work group for 2024. I also had the opportunity once again to report to National the activities and struggles of AIA Idaho. While AIA Idaho holds less than 1% of the world’s AIA members, we have a full-throated voice at AIA National through the Strategic Council. That is pretty great! IDAHO AND OTHERS It is remarkable how similar the issues and struggles we have here in Idaho are shared with other AIA components in all parts of our country and even those in the international components. We are all concerned about AI and its impacts on the profession, on the pipeline of new talent entering the profession and on communicating the value of architects to the public and to potential clients. Our superpower is design, and we are uniquely qualified and empowered to help create a better world! REFLECTION ON PAST SUCCESSES One of the areas of impact I am most proud of would be the growth of AIA Idaho during my 6+ years of leadership. A senior architect and senior associate with CSHQA, Dave believes passionately in enhancing life through design. He has devoted his life to creating solutions that matter. As a seasoned architect, Dave has been involved with over 600 projects of various types, including health care, assisted living, educational and government facilities, located throughout the United States. He is involved with all aspects of a project, from the initial thumbnail sketch to the myriad of construction details. He interacts with owners, developers, users, contractors, sub-contractors, code officials, financial institutions and consulting engineers, as well as fellow colleagues and coworkers at CSHQA, in order to advance project goals. Dave is the National Strategic Council Representative with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Idaho and served on the board of Idaho’s Notus School District 135, Zone 4. 8 IDAHO ARCHITECTURE | 2024 | aiaidaho.com
During that time, we have grown from around 270 members in 2018 to about 370 members today. Our PAM membership has also grown significantly during that time. With virtually every decision, I have challenged myself and other AIA leaders to work to make AIA more relevant to our fellow members, to potential members and to the public. One decision in particular comes to mind. Early in my leadership tenure, a survey was distributed wherein we asked what topics would be most relevant for our guest speakers at our monthly lunches. Armed with those results, we were able to seek out high-quality content that our members wanted and couldn’t get anywhere else. And we got an administrative assistant in place, which freed up us officers to focus on the “real issues” without getting buried in the administrative details. Key decisions like those made AIA more relevant, which led, quite naturally, to growth in membership. Before I’m done with AIA Leadership, I have as a goal to achieve membership north of 400. And I would like to see our other Idaho components stronger, especially our Northern Idaho component. I have been promoting ideas to the AIA Idaho board regarding an outward-facing public outreach effort, which I believe could help in this regard. OUR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS I think young professionals in this post-COVID time find themselves in a very different situation than most of us experienced. I think our current “work from anywhere” abilities need to be balanced with the mentoring that needs to occur between those of us with more experience. Mentoring is best accomplished in person, in my opinion. I know that offices all around the country are struggling with this issue. I see AIA taking a leadership role in this area to help define a win-win scenario in our profession. I am glad to see Idaho fill the YAF and the STAR Representative roles, which promote our young professionals. 10 YEAR LOOK AHEAD In 10 years, I see Idaho having well over 500 AIA members. I see us having a very strong voice in our state law making process. I see monthly lunches with excellent guest speakers in all four of our components, where architectural students routinely attend so that they can rub shoulders with their future employers. I see us active with our Idaho cities, counties and various boards such as planning and zoning. I see an AIA who is integrated into the University of Idaho very closely, whose members routinely sit in crit sessions and speak in professional practice class settings at the university. I see a public outreach campaign ongoing, where clients and future clients know that hiring an AIA architect means hiring an architect who is a “cut above” and who brings real value to them and our communities. With gratitude for all that we have accomplished and with a ton of optimism as we move forward into an even brighter future, Dave Davies, AIA 208-629-0763 www.alder.com e@alders.com 202-01 East 37th Street, Garden City, ID 83714 Space Management �Daylighting Specialists Modernfold Skyfold Smoke Guard Total Door Kalwall Kalwall + Lumira™ Structures Unlimited Solatube Eric Holstine AIA Strategic Council The AIA Strategic Council serves as the members’ voice in the national AIA conversation. OUR CHARGE Explore new ideas and solutions to significant issues facing the profession of architecture and its role in society. OUR MISSION Seek to prioritize and make advancements by informing the AIA Board of Directors of important professional issues relevant to architects. OUR TASKS Focus on ideation, research and generative thoughtbased activities. Councilors are outward-focused, forward-thinking and member-centric. The AIA Strategic Council is REPRESENTATIVE People chosen to stand or act on behalf of a wider group. VISIONARY Thinking or planning the future with imagination and wisdom. and 9
Qualification Based Selection What It Is and Why It’s Important BY JARED SCHMIDT, AIA, LOMBARD/CONRAD ARCHITECTS The Qualification Based Selection (QBS) has been a part of the professional services industry in Idaho for over 25 years (enacted into law in 1998). Influenced by the federal government’s 1972 adoption of a similar process for federally funded projects, QBS is what state and federal agencies seeking architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, construction management and professional land surveying services are required to follow. And they should be. In our industry, we understand and support the necessity of this law. As licensed professionals, we hold a great responsibility to ensure the health, safety and welfare of building occupants. As an architect focused on designing highquality, long-lasting public facilities that accommodate thousands of people every year — schools, hospitals, civic buildings, justice complexes, public safety buildings, etc. — I hold QBS in the highest regard. I believe in its value, as do my colleagues across the industry. Our specific qualifications for each project should be thoughtfully reviewed and considered. It has an enormous impact on occupants’ safety and well-being. It goes without saying that we would not want a foot doctor operating on our brains. The same principle applies to our industry. The potential for catastrophic, harmful situations is high if our community’s facilities are not designed by specifically qualified professionals. In the “old days,” professionals were often selected based on relationships and cost. In most cases today, following the development of QBS, qualified professionals are selected based on their unique expertise and experience. Though most of us AEC folks are familiar with QBS, some of us may not fully understand its process. Here is a quick summary of the steps a public agency implementing it must adhere to: 1. Provide a general description of the services being solicited. 2. Publish a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to the public, including the criteria and procedures to be used for measurable scoring, ranking and selection. 3. Using predetermined criteria, score and rank the RFQ responses based on unique qualifications and demonstrated competence of responding firm or individual. 4. Select the person or firm deemed to be the highest ranked and most qualified. 5. Negotiate a contract with the selected firm or individual at a price determined by the public agency to be reasonable and fair. If unable to reach a satisfactory contract agreement with the highest-ranked firm, negotiation can then proceed with the next highest-ranked firm. A critical success factor in the QBS process is making sure there is a diverse group to help evaluate the responses. These evaluators must bring zero conflicts of interest to the table. They must participate in the process without bias or agendas. In most cases, members of the evaluation/selection committee work for the owner/agency facilitating the project and have an informed sense of the scope and goals. These evaluators are often joined by a neutral “outsider” or someone less familiar with the project who can provide a fresh perspective and another level of critique and evaluation. Whether it’s to make a selection for one project or a series of projects over a set number of years, the evaluation committee must remain committed to the QBS process to ensure not only fairness but the selection of the most qualified professional. Jared Schmidt has been a dedicated professional in our region’s architecture industry for over 17 years. Currently, he is a senior architect at Lombard/Conrad Architects. He earned his architectural degree from Washington State University (Go Cougs!), then quickly jumped into his career. What has kept Jared focused all these years is a deep-rooted interest in designing healthcare and education spaces. On a broader note, he’s motivated by being involved in projects that have a great impact on communities. If the task is to create a facility that inspires young minds to embrace learning, Jared’s all in. If it’s a new healthcare environment that empowers practitioners and caregivers to better help those in need of healing, he steps up to lead. Beyond his job, Jared is committed to moving our industry forward. He has served as president of AIA Central Idaho and continues to be a part of several committees within AIA. He has a desire to showcase the strengths and talents of his peers, as well as improve the career paths for up-and-coming professionals. His community engagement doesn’t end there. Jared is currently serving on the board of QBS (Quality-Based Selection) of Idaho and has dedicated countless hours over the years as an appointed Guardian Ad Litem, advocating for abused, neglected and abandoned children in Idaho. Outside of work, Jared enjoys making new memories with his wife and two children in the mountains of Idaho. Whether it is backpacking through the Sawtooths, camping, mountain biking or skiing at the local hill, he enjoys experiencing all of Idaho with his family. 10 IDAHO ARCHITECTURE | 2024 | aiaidaho.com
Though some project owners/agencies still attempt to bypass Idaho’s adopted QBS process, it’s in their best interest to follow it. QBS makes sense for both state and non-state projects when trying to select the most qualified firm or individual. QBS CUTS COST In 2022, the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Research Institute conducted a study to quantify the potential benefits of using the QBS process. The study concluded that there are significant benefits, including saving state agencies money by outperforming the national average in keeping projects on budget. The analyzed QBS projects in this study showed an overall project cost growth of just 3%, which is half the national average. For example, the state of Idaho has budgeted nearly $256 million in construction projects for 2024, and using the QBS process could save them upwards of $7.6 million. QBS SAVES TIME In addition to saving money, it has been proven that the QBS process also saves time on projects. The QBS procurement process outperforms the national average in keeping projects on schedule. According to the ACEC Research Institute, 32% of nonQBS projects met all construction milestones, while over 48% of QBS projects met all construction schedules. With construction costs escalating to all-time highs, schedules are critical to saving money. This not only leads to cost savings for the agency but also reduces delays and improves the likelihood of owner satisfaction with the project. QBS IMPROVES QUALITY AND ENCOURAGES INNOVATION Complex projects often require a unique understanding that only the most qualified professionals possess, as they have dedicated hundreds of hours to their specific areas of expertise. Less qualified and experienced firms typically struggle with balancing these complicated issues. Furthermore, complicated and complex projects often require innovative solutions that clients may not be aware of, which can only be provided by experienced and educated firms dedicated to specific expertise. So, yes, QBS is an important process and good for Idahoans. And it can also be daunting to manage. There is help. QBS of Idaho can help facilitate the process and develop qualifications to ensure projects meet state law requirements. They are available as a free service to entities and professionals, offering RFQ assistance, setting appropriate criteria, reviewing proposals, participating in selection panels and providing QBS training for staff and elected officials. If there are concerns that a potential project is not following the QBS process, anonymous questions can be submitted to the QBS council, for which they will follow up with the project representative. FINAL THOUGHTS The QBS process ensures a thoughtful and deliberate selection that is based on qualifications, expertise and competence. It ensures that Idaho’s public buildings are created with high quality, longevity and user safety and well-being in mind. It is wise to use it for any project. b 7 EARL MULLINS, PE 10400 Overland Road #211 Boise, ID 83709 www.mullinsacoustics.com (208) 514-6264 MULLINS ACOUSTICS architectural environmental and industrial noise control HEALTHIER NEIGHBORHOODS We advocate for policies that unite architects, public health experts, and communities in creating healthier ways to live and work. For instance, public health research shows that 95 percent of Americans’ time is spent indoors—so we’re developing new design standards and practices that ensure communities have safe, appealing places to walk, exercise and play. 11
I Am an Architect, Now What? What followed my college graduation was a straightforward answer: Get a job and focus on obtaining your license. I completed my degree in 2017, wrapping up a sixyear journey with a master’s in architecture from the University of Idaho. During my final year, I worked at CSHQA in Boise, where the idea of obtaining my license was always on my mind. Thankfully, my work encouraged me to pursue licensure, making it possible for me to truly call myself an architect. In October 2020, I completed my last exam — feeling a wave of relief, excitement and happiness after reading the “likely to pass” sentence. I had achieved my goal. The day was spent celebrating and relaxing. However, similar to the day after graduation, the next morning brought the recurring thought: Now what? This time, everything seemed like an endless list of potential paths. Should I stay here? What kind of architecture should I focus on? Do I have the necessary knowledge? If not, what else should I educate myself in? Having held my license for about four years, I still feel I’m not where I want to be. Yet, I continue educating myself, growing my network, and asking questions. I hope this article resonates with others facing similar questions. I am grateful to have interviewed Ian Hoffman, Laura Davidson and Jonathan Gallup — architects who generously shared their experiences, career paths and advice with me. Here are the top takeaways I found helpful. Jorge Basluto is the Young Architects representative for the state of Idaho, and he works as an Architect at CSHQA. He contributes his expertise on a diverse portfolio of projects across different market sectors. Applying his knowledge of design and expressing his creativity in visual graphics daily is what is most exciting to him. BY JORGE BASULTO, AIA AIA IDAHO YOUNG ARCHITECT FORUM REPRESENTATIVE 12 IDAHO ARCHITECTURE | 2024 | aiaidaho.com
FIND A MENTOR It’s easy to make this number one; Jonathan, Ian and Laura all touched on the importance of having a mentor. In Jonathan’s case, his mentor came in the form of a family friend who wasn’t an architect but a structural engineer. Having someone in his corner to bounce ideas off and learn from has been valuable to Jonathan, specifically regarding the formation of his own company. I have been able to gain a lot of knowledge from those around me, like the principals I work with and my colleagues. Being willing to ask questions and bounce design problems off others has not only made a large impact on my skills but also helped in growing my network and relationships with my mentors. I don’t believe finding a mentor is something that needs to be forced. Be open to constructive criticism, ask questions and most importantly, listen, because whether it’s a mentor to help you grow your business acumen like in Jonathan’s case or simply finding a mentor that can be there to answer those pesky code questions, having someone you can lean on is important. BE GENUINE AND LEARN CONTINUOUSLY It’s hard not to pretend like you know everything, especially when everyone sees you as the expert. If going through the path to licensure has taught me anything, it is that I don’t know everything, and school didn’t give me the answer to every question. Ian noted that you don’t have to be or act as the smartest in the room, but you can try to be the smartest person in the room. As architects, we are tasked with knowing a little about a lot. We must be knowledgeable and comfortable enough to talk to all our consultants and get our point across. Push yourself, ask the seemingly dumb question, because chances are not everyone in the room knows everything. BE OPEN-MINDED AND FIND WHAT YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT Easier said than done, but aligning your work with what you are passionate about within or outside of architecture will further help you enjoy the work you do. Laura has always had a passion for sustainable design; after getting her license, her next step was to go after her LEED certification. She now brings her knowledge of sustainable design to all her projects. However, she did have some advice for those who do not know what type of projects they want to do or don’t have a passion that directly aligns with any typology: “Be open to different project types. The quickest way to determine if you like something or not is to do it.” SHOWING UP IS IMPORTANT What you put in is what you get out. Ian mentioned that he would recommend anyone, newly licensed or not, to put yourself out there and join a larger network. Ian joined the AIA; however, he didn’t see himself getting much out of his membership without being engaged. As he puts it, “The AIA is the voice of our profession, and I wanted to be heard.” Not only has Ian been able to get the most out of his time with AIA, but he has been able to surround himself with individuals he admires. Like Ian, I didn’t feel comfortable being on the sidelines, so I took a leap and put my name in to be the Young Architect Representative for the state of Idaho. Since then, I have been able to make connections across the country with some amazing architects. It has given me the opportunity to participate in seminars and discussions that have further motivated me to keep pushing my knowledge and skill as an architect. ENJOY THE JOURNEY An extra takeaway for all those who may not be done with the path to licensure is: Enjoy the long journey. At the end of the day, it will be worth it. Jonathan shared with me that he would tell his younger self not to rush getting to the finish line. It seems odd to think you don’t need to be at the finish line quickly, but he is right. Use this time as an opportunity to learn as much as possible. To those outside of our profession, we are seen as “experts” no matter how early in our career we are. Push yourself, learn as much as possible and most importantly, enjoy the process as with college or any other milestone. You will look back and see your growth. We may all have the “what’s next” question, but I have learned after speaking with my colleagues that we are all after the same thing; to continue to learn, explore our interests and find the balance between our careers and our lives. b 13
A Legacy of Thoughtful Design James “Jim” D. McLaughlin, AIA In 1975, James “Jim” D. McLaughlin, AIA, founded McLaughlin and Associates Architects. From the beginning, the holistic design approach he takes with clients — through a highly collaborative process of design, review, revision and re-design — creates architecture that is not only sensitive to the functional and emotional needs of the users but also to the surrounding environment. Jim’s guiding principle is to design timeless architecture that not only stands on its own but also enhances the property and surrounding area. Early in his career, Jim decided to get his pilot’s license to help him travel to wherever the client or project was located. That decision helped to expand his business to locations around the world — from spectacular homes in Idaho and surrounding states to tropical abodes in Hawaii and Costa Rica to a fishing lodge built with wood accents from a recycled wharf and old telephone cross-arms in New Zealand. Jim’s clients include a number of notable people, including sports figures, venture capitalists and celebrities such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, who, during construction, would invite McLaughlin down to the studio and review architectural plans in his dressing room in between shooting movie scenes. Currently, Jim is building a home in Hawaii for Patrick Monahan, the lead singer of Train. We recently had the opportunity to talk with Jim and learn more about his career, his accomplishments and how architects can successfully handle the challenges of the day. The following are excerpts from our conversation. 14 IDAHO ARCHITECTURE | 2024 | aiaidaho.com
When and why did you decide to become an architect? I took drafting and art classes in high school and really enjoyed them. My teacher inspired me to work my hardest at drawing and mechanical drawing. I remember the day when my teacher told the class that none of us would probably ever become architects. I never got a chance to thank him for inspiring me and tell him that I proved him wrong. What is your favorite architectural style? Did any architect inspire you? I can’t say I have a favorite style because every project we take on is one-ofa-kind. We work in so many different environments that we feel responsible to design and build to fit the location and respect the surroundings and environment. I didn’t fully appreciate Frank Lloyd Wright when I studied him in college, but the more years in my practice, I realized how really unique and forward-thinking he was, not that I want to copy his style, but I do appreciate his design approach and his variety of work. I also appreciate Greene and Greene, an architectural firm established by brothers Charles Sumner Greene and Henry Mather Greene in the early 20th century. The brothers were very talented craftsmen. Tell us about your university education and any certifications you might have. I received a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Idaho. When I attended architectural school, it was a five-year program for a bachelor’s degree. I’m also a registered and licensed architect in 15 different states. Some of those states recognized my certificate but I had to take additional tests in Hawaii, California and New Mexico. What prompted you to start McLaughlin & Associates Architects? After passing the architectural exam, some of my mentors said, “You should open your own office.” That got me thinking, and one day I said to myself, “Why not?” At that time, you had to apprentice under a licensed architect to qualify for taking the architectural licensing exam. I apprenticed with an architect in Sun Valley for three years, then I took the test, and when I was notified that I passed, I opened my own firm. Your company has been creating and designing for 40+ years; what do you think is the number one thing that has contributed to your company’s longevity? I’ve been very blessed. I have one client whom I designed six homes for — he kept me busy for over 25 years. Word-ofmouth has been a factor as well. The first house we designed in Hawaii generated a lot of work — people saw that home and they liked the way we approached the architecture, so that led to many more homes. We designed a home in Costa Rica for a German couple that had previously stayed at Blanket Bay Lodge in New Zealand and they found us from there. We have had several other people who stayed at the lodge as well who sought us out to do work in various locations all over the U.S. fortunately, word-of-mouth makes up almost 60% of our work. How does running a business influence your creative outlook and vice versa? I’ve been very fortunate, we’ve had great projects and great clients, and I haven’t needed to be as focused on business as I have been on results. If you have a happy client, then it all comes together.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned in your profession and how did you learn it? Be a good listener and get to know your clients. You have to understand their family dynamics and dig deep so that you know how their family works to figure out how you can meet their specific needs. When clients allow us that kind of interaction, we do our best work. We’ve had a few clients that just say, “Just do it,” and that dynamic is not nearly as satisfying. We know how to do that, and we’ve had some clients who have never seen their home until it was complete. Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give yourself earlier in your career? Work hard. Success doesn’t come easy. It takes a lot of weekends and late nights to get things right, so be a good listener and be willing to work hard. What career accomplishment are you proudest of? Many of the homes we work on are very private, so most people will never see a lot of our work. 16 IDAHO ARCHITECTURE | 2024 | aiaidaho.com
I’m proud of the Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church because it affects a lot of people, and it happens that I am a member of the church. It was a real honor to be chosen to design and manage the design and construction. It has become one of the iconic buildings in Sun Valley. We collaborated with an artist in London to design the central light fixture inside. It’s unexpected, and it’s beautiful. You can watch a video about the design of the church by scanning the QR code. https://youtu.be/ nJlJXvBrdlQ?si=QIuuoJttJeTSNaQ5 Do you have a favorite project you’ve worked on? It’s hard to pick just one — that would be like picking your favorite child. Several projects have resulted in lifelong friendships, and I am still very close to several of those families. Costa Rica, the fishing lodge in New Zealand, which has won many awards from the travel world and has been rated as one of the top places to visit, the 20-plus homes in Hawaii and Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church in Sun Valley, Idaho — I have enjoyed working on all of them. Do you have offices out of state? I create teams wherever I go that’s out of our area. I don’t have an office at the location; I have builders and artisans to team up with me, so I don’t have to travel back and forth as frequently. Are you involved in any charities outside of the workplace? We have been involved with our church’s outreach for 40 years. We also support Higher Ground, a local organization that helps veterans as well as special needs children and adults. My wife led the Girl Scouts for 30 years, and we continue to support them. There are many nonprofits we support, including the University of Idaho. What do you see as the biggest challenge for Idaho architects today? Trying to help communities realize they need to plan ahead and be mindful of their history and their unique personalities and not lose sight of that with the growth demands. Growth is inevitable, and that is not bad, but it’s got to be well thought through. I was the chairman of the Planning Commission in Sun Valley for 23 years. We worked hard to keep Sun Valley, Sun Valley. I think architects should be active and involved with planning in their various communities and try to help guide the planning and zoning commissions and city councils. With their background and training, growth can be thoughtful. What can architects do to address affordable housing in Idaho? I’m currently working on a project to address this issue. Many of our communities lack affordable housing. We need to look for ways to plan ahead, not just with land planning but also be open to new types of housing in order to find solutions to the affordable housing problem. There is a lot of opportunity with manufactured housing because it’s built in a controlled environment. I think we’re going to see more of manufactured housing that can meet the challenge for affordable housing. We also need to use our land differently — look at some of the areas where we have farmland after farmland that has been subdivided. In Europe, they don’t use their farmland for housing; they’re protective to preserve productive farmland. We need more density in some but not all areas. We can’t do things the way we’ve always done them. I don’t have all the solutions, but I think all of us have to take a fresh look at how we plan for growth. Any thoughts to pass on to up-and-coming architects? It’s one thing to be in the business, but it is also important to get involved with your community and share your educational experience to help guide the planning of your communities. b 17
Collaboration 101 The Oxford Dictionary defines “collaboration” as “the action of working with someone to produce or create something.” The Intelligent Information Management Glossary defines “collaboration” as “a working practice whereby individuals work together for a common purpose to achieve business benefit.” One can surmise, from these two definitions, that collaboration means “working together” in its simplest form. Artists and musicians collaborate frequently. Architects sometimes join forces to work on large projects, with two firms providing their respective talents and abilities. The design process requires collaboration in its best form. Sharing ideas, challenging assumptions and thinking outside the box all contribute to the collaborative design process. In today’s world of advanced communication, information and technology, the title of Architect often refers to a group of people working in a collaborative manner on a design project. I have worked on many large, complicated building design projects where the architect or the designer could not be traced to a single person. These large projects consisted of large collaborative design and planning teams comprised of many individuals, each with a specific focus or talent that contributed to the design process. In my role as a Laboratory Architect, I have often been involved in the early concept planning and design of a new science building with the prime architect. My architect client was almost always a collaborative team of talented individuals. Many of these team members could be identified as a designer with a specific focus or specialty. Some were licensed architects, some were licensed engineers, some were licensed interior designers and some were interns working their way to licensure. Each provided a valuable contribution to the design effort. I believe that collaboration is essential to the design process. Sharing ideas, thinking outside the box, and testing new theories all contribute to the collaboration of a building design team. Many years ago, I was reviewing a set of drawings with a CAD drawing person. There was a specific detail in the set of drawings that I did not understand. I asked, “Why is this detail drawn like this?” The answer I received was revealing: “I don’t know. That’s just the way we have always done it.” At that moment, I realized that often we do things because it is all we know. We don’t know a better way. I submit that if the answer to the question “Why do we do it this way?” is “I don’t know. That’s just the way we’ve always done it,” then right there in front of you is a golden opportunity for innovation. And collaboration between designers, planners, engineers and architects is the platform for achieving new innovation. Build a bigger table, not a bigger wall. b Glen Berry is a fourth-generation Idahoan and a descendant of working-class British Isle and German immigrants. His mother, Marlene, was an artist and art educator. She taught Glen how to draw and paint at an early age. Glen has always been interested in art, design and architecture. As a graduate student at the University of Utah Graduate School of Architecture, Glen decided to focus his architecture career on the planning and design of science buildings. Since 1986, he has been the lead lab designer/architect for approximately 150 science buildings worldwide, with a total combined construction budget of about $5 billion and a combined gross building area of about 10 million square feet. He has worked as a lab design consultant to Renzo Piano, Norman Foster, Shepley Bullfinch, Stantec, Gensler, Hummel, CSHQA, LPA, G70, Johnson Favaro, LMS, Mimar Group, Marlene Imirzian, Ratcliff, EHDD, WRNS, IBI Group, Thomas Hacker, Perkins & Will, SmithGroup and Lake Flato, among many others. Glen lives in Eagle, Idaho, with his wife of 44 years, Laura Ann Chillog, a high school English teacher. He works most of the time from his home office and travels occasionally for his studio assignment with the San Francisco office of Gensler. Glen is an associate at Gensler and an active part of the science design studio, currently working on several large-scale science building projects on the West Coast. Glen gladly serves in AIA Idaho as the chair of the Fellows & Honors Committee. BY GLEN BERRY, FAIA, CHAIR, AIA IDAHO FELLOWS & HONORS COMMITTEE 18 IDAHO ARCHITECTURE | 2024 | aiaidaho.com
www.thenewslinkgroup.orgRkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODQxMjUw