Utah is more than a pretty great state; it’s our home. As we gathered in Park City in early January with a lively group of residential architects practicing along the Wasatch Front and Back, we were reminded of the design quality and range of great work happening throughout the state. The AIA Utah CRAN Group gathered at The Avenue, a spacious and exquisitely detailed ATI/Solus showroom, to share and discuss the evolving landscape of custom home design in our region. 

Our friends and colleagues, predominantly working as sole practitioners or at small firms, practice in an increasingly complex residential design market. They turned out for the opportunity to gather and exchange thoughts on their current designs and the market.

The Growth of Custom Home Development in the Wasatch Back

With significant developments unfolding at Powder Mountain, Wasatch Peaks, Park City, Kamas, Jordanelle/Upper Provo River, and Sundance, it’s evident that Utah architects are in charge of innovative, sustainable home design. As a firm deeply rooted in the local community, we take great pride in contributing to this growth while ensuring that thoughtful, well-crafted architecture and functional design remain a priority.

Learning From our Peers

Two of our peers, Chris Price and Brian Hebdon, shared some of their current work across the region, from Deer Valley and Summit Park to Big Cottonwood. Chris shared a few projects that highlighted his refined, minimalist designs and his foundational values in sustainable building design. Brian focused on his projects that dealt with challenging zoning restrictions in prime ski territories. It was evident that Chris and Brian are deeply attuned to the rugged yet breathtaking landscapes of the Wasatch Back.

The State of the Custom Real Estate Market

Jacquelyn Harris Grayson, a real estate expert from Park City, provided a market update that underscored the unprecedented demand for high-end homes in the region. Marcella, a new development in Deer Valley, has already seen dozens of lots sold in the past year, with a second phase on the horizon. With a Tiger Woods-designed golf course as a centerpiece, this community offers year-round outdoor engagement.

Meanwhile, Powder Mountain is reemerging as Powder Haven under the stewardship of Reed Hastings. A partially privatized resort model makes it a unique enclave for homeowners. Wasatch Peaks, the newest private resort community, is positioning itself as a competitor to the Yellowstone Club in Montana, further solidifying the region’s status as a premier destination for luxury mountain living.

Looking Ahead: The Role of Thoughtful Architecture

As a locally based firm, we are deeply invested in the future of Park City and the broader Wasatch Back. We love where we live for many of the same reasons as our clients–the phenomenal landscapes and unbeatable access to hiking, biking, skiing, and more. We believe the best architecture stems from a deep understanding of place, and we remain committed to designing homes that honor the landscape, enhance the community, and provide an unparalleled living experience for our clients.

The AIA Utah CRAN Social served as a valuable forum to connect with fellow architects and industry leaders who share our passion for designing extraordinary homes in extraordinary places. As 2025 unfolds, we look forward to continuing these conversations and, most importantly, contributing to the thoughtful evolution of luxury mountain living in Utah.