The layout and flow of an office or retail space has a direct influence on both the client and employee experience. That layout helps elevate a brand, entice new customers, and motivate company staff. Optimal results can be achieved with the help of an architect, who is best equipped to create a unique, interactive space while considering the purpose of the building and considering the client’s requirements.
Our list below describes the best commercial architects in Orem, Utah. We selected these firms for their accreditations, certifications, and professional affiliations. Industry awards, client reviews, and press features were considered. Below we list the range of services these firms offer, their specializations, and the length of time they have been in the industry.
Curtis Miner Architecture
233 S Pleasant Grove Boulevard, #105, Pleasant Grove, UT 84062
With expertise in commercial architecture, Curtis Miner Architecture (CMA) offers quality master planning, programming, interior design, and code consultation services for clients ranging from small private developers to large institutions. The firm undertakes institutional, commercial, healthcare, multi-family residential, educational, and industrial projects that have won awards from the Utah Construction & Design, the Associated General Contractors of Utah, and the American Planning Association.
From a career based on custom home designs, Curtis N. Miner expanded his practice to cover commercial architecture, forming Curtis Miner Architecture in 1998. He is a member of the AIA and holds a certificate from NCARB. Curtis is also a part of the Pleasant Grove AIA R/UDAT Committee, the Pleasant Grove Planning Commission, the Pleasant Grove Downtown Design Committee, and the AIA Central Utah Executive Board. He brings his knowledge of the architecture and planning process to CMA’s collection of commercial facilities.
Located in the highly visible thoroughfare of University Parkway in Orem, Utah, CMA redesigned their dated facility to meet Mazda’s current branding and imaging requirements. The 7,618-square-foot remodel added natural daylighting to the entry, as well as significant updates to the showroom and lobby and an exterior facelift.
FFKR Architects
730 Pacific Avenue, Salt Lake City, UT 84104
FFKR Architects provides client-focused architectural, landscape architecture, planning, and interior design services to a broad range of clientele. The firm also offers pre-design services, such as programming, facility surveys, documentation of existing conditions, and due-diligence research to understand government jurisdictional requirements. The firm’s process begins with an in-depth examination of the client’s needs and desires. Its services are then tailored to fit those parameters. FFKR’s design specialties include retail spaces, office buildings, showroom-warehouse facilities, and foodservice establishments. As a LEED AP, FFKR promotes green design and takes budgetary responsibility. It has been named a Western Mountain Region AIA firm of the year and the AIA Utah Firm of the Year.
Roger Jackson serves as President and Senior Principal Architect. He uses his talents for drawing in the design process to figure things out. A project that influenced the future of his career was the conversion of Hotel Utah to the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, which was finished in 1993. A Fellow of the AIA (FAIA), Roger has contributed to traditional design in Utah through Nauvoo Illinois Temple, the Utah State Office Buildings, and the recently completed Provo City Center Temple.
One of the most prominent works of FFKR is the series of Beans & Brews Coffee House stores it completed in various locations across the Western United States. Apart from amplifying the branding of the company, the design prototype can be quickly adapted to site constraints and local building standards for a shorter turnaround time period for the design, permitting, and construction processes.
Harris Architecture
920 East 800 North, Suite 201, Orem, UT 84097
Harris Architecture (formerly Ken Harris Architect) sets the bar for architecture, interior design, and planning firms in Utah, Idaho, Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, and Arizona. The firm is accustomed to working on office, commercial/corporate, retail, medical, educational, multi-use, hospitality, multi-family, and custom residential projects that meet the standards of the International Interior Design Association. From start to finish, the firm works with its clients to create unique, yet universal designs that have earned the trust of the Utah Valley Home Builders Association.
Kenneth Harris is the driving force of leadership and design within the firm. He is currently licensed to practice in Utah, Idaho, Colorado, Arizona, and Montana. In the span of four decades, he has designed countless recognizable projects throughout Utah, Idaho, and Arizona. The AIA member is a well-known expert in residential, commercial office buildings, mixed-use developments, condominiums, and retail spaces. He has been instrumental in Harris Architecture’s work on numerous widely recognized structures in Orem, including Sleepy Ridge. The three-story facility consists of a golf clubhouse, a reception center, and offices with below-grade car parking. The finished design looks remarkably like the majestic castles of Scotland.
CRSA
175 S Main Street, Suite 300, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Since Craig R. Smith, AIA established the firm in 1986, CRSA has proven its skill as an innovator in balancing functionality with lively, place-making, award-winning design. The culture of the firm is one of openness and collaboration, maintaining the involvement of clients and communities throughout the design process. The firm has gained recognition for producing unique spatial solutions that adhere to timelines and budgets. Its professional services encompass feasibility studies, programming, space planning, architecture, interior design, and landscape design. The firm is adept in construction documentation development and construction administration through occupancy as well.
Kelly Gillman—the vice president and managing principal—holds membership with the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) and the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). He believes in a holistic approach to design. This affords the firm a balance between the current needs of its clients and respect for the future needs of the community. CRSA has developed a diverse body of work; an excellent sample is the Utah Valley University Classroom Building. The LEED Gold-certified structure has 34 classrooms, a 1,000-seat auditorium, and a study and learning space. The auditorium can be divided into three sections for flexible use; a multipurpose space on the fifth floor provides panoramic views of Utah Valley.
AE URBIA
909 W South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan, UT 84095
AE URBIA is a collective of architects and engineers dedicated to enhancing businesses, communities, and cities by building spaces that enrich lives and increase efficiency. The firm caters to commercial and residential markets and is licensed in over 20 states and delivers projects in over 15 countries. AE URBIA is a sister company of J.M. Williams and Associates, Inc. (JMWA), and both are run by James Williams, a Licensed Professional Engineer, Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer, and Architect. He is affiliated with the AIA and is a LEED Accredited Professional with over three decades of experience. He has chaired several committees and is a member of the American Concrete Institute, the International Codes Council, and the Structural Engineer’s Association of Utah, among others. On top of this, James has been honored with the Irving Gill Distinguished Architect Award, solidifying his strong technical and design influence on AE URBIA’s practice, which has resulted in the Clyde Company Corporate Office.
The 3-story 30,000-square foot architectural tilt-up concrete structure features a reflection pool, roof top patio, 26-foot-tall cantilevered-canopy and a 50-foot-tall atrium that spans 40 feet bringing natural light into the core of the building. Large windows and staggered walls also provide additional natural light and an abundance of lake and mountain views. The Clyde Companies Corporate office has received 10 state and national awards.
Axis Architects
927 S State Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Bestowed with a Merit Award by AIA Utah, Axis Architects specializes in architecture, master planning, programming, and interior design for public and private clients. Axis is well-versed in various delivery methods including construction manager, general contractor, design build, and traditional bid. Its in-house staff has experience in project management, cost estimating, manufacturing, and digital fabrication.
It’s all overseen by Pierre O. Langue. Prior to starting the firm in 2005, Pierre worked in France and in the US for nationally recognized firms as an architect and principal designer. His 25-year career has seen him become a LEED AP, a Diplôme d’architecte, and a member of the AIA, which also granted him the prestigious Young Architect Award. Pierre has authored and developed many of the strategies the firm has used to creatively respond to the needs of their clients while staying on top of the current trends. Utah Valley University’s Noorda Theatre is one great example of Axis’s work.
This new black box theatre showcases a flexible seating system that can be arranged with the actors in the center with seating on two, three, or four sides or as a traditional proscenium. The main theatre has black walls, ceiling, and floor. Instead of a traditional catwalk, the team designed a state-of-the-art walk-on ceiling grid made of woven stainless steel cables. It allows technicians to adjust lights rapidly and safely above a 17-foot high net.
inForm architecture
2175 W 3000 S, Suite 202, Heber City, UT 84032
Customized, branded spaces are at the core of inForm Architecture’s practice. With projects across the state of Utah, inForm collaborates with clients to create spaces that promote their company brand and serve as a powerful tool to increase customer and employee engagement. inForm combines its know-how in architecture, engineering, business, and behavioral science to produce well-balanced commercial and residential projects.
inForm is led by principal architect, Rob Bouwhuis. He draws on 18 years in the industry and is actively involved with the AIA and the Society for College & University Planning. Rob is a LEED AP and has held leadership positions in AIA Utah and the Northern Utah chapter. He led the inForm team in the creation of Alpine Credit Union’s new administration building in Orem, Utah. This ACU building also houses a fully functioning branch.
This project illustrates inForm’s revolutionary process which begins with design step number one: client brand exploration. As a result, ACU’s design differed greatly from the clients’ initial ideas, instead becoming much more consistent with its company brand and audience while honoring ACU’s emphasis on maintaining a progressive and tech-friendly organization.
Curved volumes contrast with geometric and rigid masses, telling the story of financial solidarity combined with modern approaches. A building envelope was designed and commissioned to maximize environmental and energy efficiencies. Glass curtains highlight natural lighting to optimize the building site and scenic views. Customized designs by inForm Architecture elevate each project’s success on many dimensions.
