The Design Team

 

Our new home is an expression and extension of the beauty and variety of the landscape of Utah. It's environmentally sensitive design blends the building into the foothills, and the defining architectural elements create innovative spaces for showcasing our exhibits. In mindful collaboration, the building design and exhibit design for the Natural History Museum of Utah were coequal.

"Utah is very much about the land and its unusual landscapes. But it's not just about the land -- it's about how people have engaged the land over millenia. We began to the shape and modify the building accordingly." 

                                                                         -  Todd Schliemann, Ennead Architects

"People will leave infused with multiple voices to inspire them to extend the museum's focus and lens -- whether it's reading wonderful books on nature and sharing them with your family and friends or joining a local organization. A great museum creates healthy learning habits."
                                                                          -  Ralph Appelbaum, RAA

The Rio Tinto Center Design & Construction Team

Ennead Architects

Known for powerful building designs for cultural, educational, scientific and not-for-profit institutions, Ennead's research-based design process creates signature building designs that are expressive of an institution's philosophy and vision.  Ennead (known as Polshek Partnership at the time of the selection by the Museum) is noted for its work in the museum industry, including the Newseum in Washington D.C., and the American Museum of Natural History, Rose Center for Earth and Space among many others.
Ennead Architects Website

GSBS Architects

GSBS embraces emerging principles of architecture to create positive structures that are more pleasant to be in, less costly to maintain, and contribute to a healthier environment.  A recognized leader in sustainable design for more than three decades, GSBS has designed 14 LEED-certified buildings, including one of the first LEED certified buildings in the world, the 2002 Olympic Speed Skating Oval.  The award-winning Escalante Visitors Center is recognized for its zero carbon footprint and photo-voltaic array.
GSBS Architects Website

Ralph Appelbaum & Associates, Inc.

Ralph Appelbaum Associates (RAA) are planners, designers, and producers of award-winning museum exhibitions, visitor centers, and educational environments. Subject areas range from natural history and the physical sciences, to cultural, social, and corporate history, sports, and the fine arts.
Ralph Appelbaum & Associates Website

Big-D Construction

With a portfolio that is complex and vast, Big-D Construction has been an industry leader in sustainable design and construction for more than 40 years. The company has built well over 35 LEED certified buildings, including the first ever completed for the State of Utah. Among many, recent highly recognized projects include the Westminster College Meldrum Science Center, Swaner EcoCenter, and the Vernal Dinosaur National Monument Quarry Visitor Center. 
Big-D Construction Website

Design Workshop

An award-winning firm practicing landscape architecture, Design Workshop merges artistic vision, environmental sensitivity, community values and sound economics to create compelling places that stand the test of time. Since forming in 1969, Design Workshop excels in many areas of green design, including restoring natural landscapes, conserving and protecting ecosystems. Their work is consistently recognized nationally for excellence. 
Design Workshop Website