Sparkflight Studios

Viewing south at our Wardelle Street Townhouses project as buildings near completion. Affordable housing is needed now more than ever due to the impact of COVID-19. Our Wardelle Street Townhouses project for the Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority provides 57 affordable units to a market in need. Access to stable, decent, affordable, and accessible housing is essential for one's wellbeing. Late afternoon light illuminates the west facade of Building 1. Landscaping is in place along parts of Wardelle Street.

430 Pico Affordable Housing, Brooks + Scarpa The impact of COVID-19 has been especially severe on low-income and those of modest economic means, and the lack of affordable housing places additional pressure on house prices and rent rates, further eroding affordability. Attaining a vibrant housing market depends heavily on whether the market can provide a broader and more affordable range of housing options for tomorrow’s households. As reported on Habitat for Humanity’s website , based on a 2019 report: “The latest data shows that nearly 38 million households nationwide — 31.5% of all households — are paying more than 30% of their incomes on housing. That’s 20.5 million renters and 17.3 million homeowners. This is just a slight half-percentage point drop from the previous year. Homeowners saw nearly all of the modest improvement, while a near-record share of renters — 47.4% — still face unaffordable rents. In the nation’s hottest housing market areas, those struggling with unaffordabil...

The Parks at Walter Reed Our mission at Sparkflight Studios is to "design for humans," to create spaces for our neighbors that produce positive social impact. To that end, we are actively pursuing and passionate about mixed-use, multi-family affordable housing projects. These types of projects encompass what it means to truly design for the betterment of our communities. By developing an area that is a self-sustaining business and residential destination not totally reliant on cars/parking for its clientele, we are providing much-needed affordable housing while supporting economic development by bringing businesses a built-in customer base. These projects are starting to be built across the country, with promising results. According to the Multi-Housing News website : "Developers from market-rate to affordable housing are identifying ways to create mixed-income and mixed-use developments that promote diversity, equity and integration." One such project is th...

At the halfway point of the charrette This year AIA Las Vegas put a call out to our professional community to coordinate a Blueprint for Better Housing.  This is our local chapter's response to a national project Blueprint for Better that challenges architects to work closely with community leaders to "...tackle key issues from rising water levels and more frequent natural disasters, to diverse housing needs and the increased urgency for sustainable design." After coordination with community stakeholders, the AIA identified three housing categories: Multi-family Mixed Use, Workforce Housing, and Micro Housing.  Key locations within the city were targeted as virtual project sites, and an all-day visioning charrette was held in late August.  Happily, our design teams, six total, consisted of a mix of non-architects like business owners, bankers, government employees, developers--and a few architects and landscape architects too.  This event was just the star...

Just in time for summer, we've been working on some cool interiors and hot exterior upgrades.  Take a look at what we've been up to below and click on the photos for a closer look.   Sushi Burrito Bowl Delicious sushi burritos coming soon!  Our fresh interior design for a new restaurant abstractly highlights the ingredients that make this food so tempting. Futuro Academy Charter School  This Fall, 150 lucky students will begin their school year in shiny new facilities at Futuro Academy, a public charter school.  Phase 1 of the design includes over 49, 000 square feet of a vacant grocery and retail stores transformed into a center for learning. More about this project here . Vera Johnson Manor A Our  76-unit multifamily housing renovation is now in the field.  Over the next year, these 30-year-old apartments will emerge as attractive, contemporary dwellings.  Check back soon for the "after" photos.  More about th...

We're looking forward to the transformation of this multifamily project at Vera Johnson Manor A!  Over 71,700 square feet will be overhauled with a fresh, sophisticated palette for interiors.  The exteriors will be refreshed with a three-part color scheme for variety; and the addition of new patio enclosures, durable paint coatings, and replacement roofing. Front Perspective at Patios Interior Materials & Color Palette Exterior Materials & Color Palette

We have a unique mix of projects on the boards this month.  Two photovoltaic projects have moved into the construction phase, and include an education component with interactive touchscreen and engaging animated characters developed by AEI .  In addition, these projects include a partnership with the non-profit DRI to bring free green box science kits to Clark County School District classrooms. Other work includes a 76-unit multifamily modernization project, a private residence loft remodel with elevator, and graphic murals for the RTC Mobility Training Center. Private Residence

Rulon Earl - Community Center Lounge and Computer Bar Residents at Rulon Earl Manor will be treated to a Grand Opening event for the newly remodeled Rulon Earl Community Center this December. Rulon Earl - Entry View We're pleased to complete this 2,200 SF exterior and interior remodel for wheelchair and general accessibility requirements for a 1979-built community center and surrounding site.  Improvements include Audex systems for hearing impairment and braile and tactile signage, dumpster enclosure improvements for accessibility, and modification of concrete flatwork for sidewalks, curbing and ramps.  Landscaping was upgraded adjacent to new accessible route through Phase I community and 88,000 SF of interior streets were repaved. Rulon Earl - Community Center Floor Plan Materials were selected for ease of maintenance, longevity,  and a contemporary look.  Exterior and interior were finished with a bright yet sophisticated color palette to enliven ...

Melina Soto is a versatile designer with strong graphic skills and interests that span from architectural design to fine arts.  Her experience includes various tenant improvement for large Property Managers in Clark County as well as large companies such as Republic Services. At Anne Johnson, AIA, clients’ projects benefit from Soto’s expertise in architectural design, great understanding of spatial qualities and a rich backgound in design-build process.  Melina has been with the firm since 2013. A graduate of University of Nevada Las Vegas, Soto went on to achieve a Master of Architecture degree at the University of Utah.   During this time, as a student with Studio 23, Soto completed a 1,000 square feet design-build residential project including construction with recycled and renewable materials and passive solar system to accommodate a   family on the Navajo Reservation.  Following graduation, she went on to be a project administrator ...

Since March of this year, we’ve been working with the Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority to upgrade some single-family properties to comply with UFAS/ADA and local codes.   Click here to see where we started. It’s been rewarding to know that individuals with disabilities will enjoy a better quality of life with their families in homes designed to accommodate them. Take a look at these before/after transformations to see the incredible change. Contact us any time if you’re interested in learning more about the process, or what we can do to assist you with property upgrades. Read more about our public housing projects by clicking here and scrolling down... MC Mojave Construction is the contractor. Before & After photos by Henri Sagalow Photography

Along with meeting requirements to comply with UFAS/ADA and local codes, our design work is mindful of a special livable quality of life essential to the success of the remodel of five Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority (SNRHA) properties. Accessibility for occupant-mobility begins with street side landscaping that is navigable and inviting. Our design work for these five scattered sites in Henderson and Las Vegas includes re-grading and concrete work, full exterior repairs and painting, full interior finishes, replacement of kitchen and bath fixtures and cabinetry, as well as provision of hard-wired smoke detectors and audio/visual doorbell alert systems for the hearing impaired.  The design chosen for the interior includes soft and neutral colors creating a cozy atmosphere. Neutral beiges are selected for the flooring and wall treatment, while warm chestnut stains and deep brown laminates finish the cabinetry and countertops. The transfer showers are covered i...

Anne Johnson, AIA architecture and graphics studio is pleased to have Rochelle Aquino on board and actively engaged in multiple ongoing projects.    Rochelle is a versatile designer with a background in education and healthcare administration.  Her design skills encompass graphic and interior design, and work experience includes interfacing with small business and the broad perspective of the ASID Design Salon at World Market Center. A graduate of The Art Institute of Las Vegas, Aquino completed a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design, a CIDA Accredited institution.   Her sketching, rendering, and 3D modeling skills are being used in the Winchester Cultural Center - Dance Studio addition currently in studio, while her ArchiCAD technology skills have aided our work on the Lewis Building.   Aquino is drawing on her space planning, sustainable materials, and color theory specialties for input on the remodeling of five scattered SNRHA houses.   Her enth...

Accessibility covers a broad range of needs, including the elderly, persons in wheelchairs, the blind, and persons with other disabilities. Unfortunately, non-accessible properties can expose property owners and managers to litgation.  Have you ever heard of someone falling because of a lack of railings on a property or broken concrete sidewalks?       Property owners and managers often find themselves in need of cost-effective non-accessibility mitigation to address these hazardous and illegal situations. Together with civil engineer Ken Erlanger of KJE Consulting Engineers, we are using our expertise to provide solutions.   Homeowner's Associations (HOA), Residential Property Management groups, and Commercial Property Development groups, among others, can all benefit from a consultation.  Call us for assistance with your or your clients' needs. Anne Johnson, AIA design services include ADA, building code and feasib...

Marble Manor is a local housing community with ongoing donation needs for their Family Self Sufficiency center and adult education programming.  Please feel free to share this update with anyone that may be interested in investing in-kind or cash donations for the ongoing projects. The Community Center's transformation has continued to roll ahead.  On September 16th, the Career Training and Adult Learning Center had its Grand Opening.  The original plan to locate a Children's Reading Area in the Community Center was altered to meet the urgent need for adult education, job search assistance, computer skills training and GED support. The Computer Lab, sponsored by Bechtel SAIC, now provides five workstations and computer training in partnership with UNLV . The Children's area will instead be located in Marble Manor's Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) center on J Street. Stacey Bostwick at (702) 922-7016 or sbostwick@haclv.org can provide additional details. We ha...

It's finally here! Marble Manor's playground and Community Center enhancements will be dedicated this next Friday, April 10 at 3 p.m. Location: 912 Gerson, Las Vegas, NV 89106 Our friends and colleagues are welcome guests. Please join us for some light refreshments, and to hear some inspiring words from Councilman Barlow and members of the community/artist team. This multi-agency project, completed over almost two years, enhances the Marble Manor Community Center and playground, and will serve 235 households and over 600 children. If you'd like to contribute, please consider donations of children's books, sport equipment, or funds for the Housing Authority's 501(c)3 Rose Foundation. Call us for more information (702) 553-3323. We'll be posting photos of the renovated interiors soon, including the Bechtel SAIC Technology Center! See more about this project... (scroll down after clicking link)

It was an honor to receive this acknowledgment from the Housing Authority. What a great team! From artists, to landscapers, the City of Las Vegas Arts Commission, Metro and the Housing Authority. Proud to be a part of it. A lovely sentiment on the plaque: "Feeling Gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it - William Arthur Ward"

There was a fantastic turnout for Marble Manor's planting day on November 15th. Over 100 community members worked with Norm Schilling and crew to install desert landscape that looks, and smells, beautiful! We can hardly wait to see it blossom. This sensory-rich desert garden design provided by Schilling Horticulture was made possible by their leadership and contribution of both manpower and equipment. Many additional community partners contributed, such as SNAG , eagle scouts, Mountain State Nursery , Plant World Nursery , Ahern Rentals , Whiting Brothers - Rock City , Ewing Irrigation and the Nevada Shade Tree Council . Representatives from the multi-agency partnership all helped plant as well. Next up are the finishing touches to the exterior, including a new Community Center entrance, and interior improvements. Stay tuned...

Artists Dayo Adelaja and Mark Melnick have completed Phase One of the Marble Manor Enhancement Project. Bland, blank walls are banished after community members worked with them to create these space-transforming murals. Our portion of the work (architecture and landscape enhancements) is scheduled for a tentative grand opening in September 2008. Contact Anne Johnson, AIA if you'd like to be involved in this project as a Community Partner! Contributions of labor and materials are needed.

The Marble Manor Enhancement Project is a public housing partnership between Metro, the City of Las Vegas Office of Cultural Affairs, Housing Authority of the City of Las Vegas, and the Las Vegas Arts Commission. Green design elements include solar-powered exterior lighting, daylighting at the new playground entrance, xeriscaping, 100% recycled plastic benches and salvaged concrete paving. Currently the project consists of two mural projects, architectural enhancements to improve appearance and use of the Community Center/Playground, and the addition of a Reading Garden to support the "Success by Six" program. Anne Johnson, AIA is pleased to be working with the City of Las Vegas as Project Architect. More to come...