Sparkflight Studios

Image by Spencer Platt/Getty Images , © All Rights Reserved. With joy and shared enthusiasm, Sparkflight Studios wishes you and your loved ones a blessed Fourth.   Let America be America again. Let it be the dream it used to be. Let it be the pioneer on the plain Seeking a home where he himself is free. ... We, the people, must redeem The land, the mines, the plants, the rivers. The mountains and the endless plain— All, all the stretch of these great green states— And make America again!  — Langston Hughes, July 1936 From The Collected Poems of Langston Hughes, published by Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. Copyright © 1994 the Estate of Langston Hughes.

Sparkflight Studios is now certified for WBE and WOSB under the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), which means we have an advocate for access, capacity development, recognition, and community support to facilitate real-time business opportunities. WBENC also offers training that helps grow our capacity. WBENC is the largest certifier of women-owned businesses in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners and entrepreneurs. The United States Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved WBENC as a Third Party Certifier for Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) certification as part of the SBA's WOSB Federal Contracting Program.  WBENC President and CEO, Pamela Prince-Eason, explains the importance of WBENC and WOSB certification to women's business growth in this short video; link here .

As part of Nevada’s Unified Certification Program (UCP), Sparkflight Studios is recertified as both a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Small Business Enterprise (SBE) with the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT). Yes, that’s quite a lot of acronyms! So what does it mean? The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program “is all about securing equal opportunity in business. Funded through the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), the program helps businesses classified as small, woman-owned, or disadvantaged to compete in a fair environment right alongside larger corporations”. (NDOT DBE website) Sparkflight Studios is grateful to be a recertified vendor with NDOT. We bring our extensive expertise in architectural design and construction to every project. Our abilities can contribute in other ways outside of a traditional architecture firm, such as unique signage or large-format graphics and public art-- including workshops, environmental furniture, presentati...

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

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 ...

Caught sight of a Smart Car charging at the photovoltaic canopy after an appointment at Clark County Government Center today.  It's very satisfying to see our project in use! Learn more about this project in our previous posts. December 2011 - Opening September 2011 - Construction February 2011 - September 2011 - Construction Background Since construction completed nearly three years ago, there are many charging stations at hotels on the Strip, at downtown's Container Park and Zappos headquarters, and North Las Vegas' City Hall. See a map of other nearby charging stations here: Enter zip code 89155 This installation operates on the Chargepoint system, and you can learn more, download an app, or find other locations at their website .

As discovered on a recent visit to Phoenix’s Sky Harbor airport, bottle fillers are becoming a more commonplace way to hydrate.  According to the Pacific Institute , global sales of bottled water are growing faster than any other beverage.  If you must buy a bottle, refill it for seconds.  Better yet, get a reusable bottle in BPA-free plastic, steel, aluminum or even glass. Ready for a refill? Elkay EZH20 bottle filling station has a fill rate of 1.1 gallon-per minute (gpm) for a refrigerated unit, which is three times faster than a standard drinking fountain.     The unit is sensor-activated, so users don’t have to touch anything. The bottle can be held or placed on the designed platform to balance the bottle as it is being filled. The intuitive, touchless operation helps keep the station clean and germ free. What makes Elkay EZH20 bottle filling station appealing? It fills bottles with filtered water in seconds and providing sustainable benefits b...

From WPA to the U.S. Interstate Highway system, to ARRA and local bond initiatives, projects for public works and infrastructure keep cities and the economy humming along, but can they do even more.  Can economic, environmental and social synergies contribute even more to our communities?  The developers of Envision (TM) say "Yes!" Envision is a "green" sustainability rating system for infrastructure projects.  Introduced in 2012, it's the result of a joint collaboration between the Zofnass Program for Sustainable Infrastructure at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design and the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI). Public works and infrastructure projects can now receive the recognition for sustainable approaches that their architectural and development projects have received through LEED, Living Building Challenge, Green Globes and similar third-party rating systems. Similar to LEED, the system has 60 sustainability criteria, ...

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 ...

The Green California 2014 conference is just wrapping up today.  It was exciting to learn of the latest developments in California Green action and legislation.   Sessions included innovation, electric vehicles and EV infrastructure, government best practices, green schools, energy and buildings, funding strategies, water, farm to fork to fuel and an Expo with exciting new products. Energy policy updates are of special interest since CALGreen and the updated 2013 California Energy Code are barometers for code updates coming regionally and nationally.   Other sessions explained current developments in renewable energy production--including renewable natural gas created from organic waste.  What an incredible way to divert from the landfill!  Learn more at the CleanWorld website.  Related to the CALGreen policies, were updates on water policy related to the current drought and graywater usage. Our April post focused on the use of graywater in fi...

We celebrate the Dance Studio opening at the Winchester Cultural Center and wish the local community many happy years of dance and recreation use! Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani joined community members, Friends of Winchester, Clark County staff and the Winchester Star Catchers for a dedication program on January 25, 2013. Read more about the Winchester project... Photos from that event and the project follow: Winchester Star Catchers Architectural photography by Henri Sagalow Photography Exteriors from Parking & Park Dance Studio Interiors Shelving & Display Detail Dance Studio Interiors Alcove Storage

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

Next month, construction launches on an approximately 1,400 SF Dance Studio Room addition to the Winchester Cultural Center .  This center has cultivated the arts and beautiful desert gardens for decades.  It’s been an honor and pleasure to work with Patrick Gaffey, center director, and the talented instructors, in designing this great addition for the arts.  It’s our aspiration that this dance studio addition will inspire community members of all ages to continue to advance their talents. The inspiration for the dance studio was taking the outdoor atmosphere indoors.  Inside the dance studio, a decorative tree sculpture with shelving serves as a “pride wall” and welcomes students.  This tree motif, echoed on the natural linoleum entrance floor and walls, enlivens and energizes both place and participants.  Easily accessed cubbies provide quick transition from daily routine into the class setting.  Alcoves on the east and west walls serve multiple...

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...

New photovoltaic covered parking and vehicle charging stations at Clark County's downtown Government Center are now open to the public.  Our studio is proud to have contributed this design to help Clark County "Go Green!"  If you own an electric vehicle see how to use the free charging stations on ChargePoint's website . Explore animations about how solar photovoltaic systems work and see real-time data for Clark County's solar installations here...  Learn more about this project by clicking here and scrolling down... This project is part of Clark County Real Property Management's (RPM) Energy Management program and is primarily funded by grant funds targeted for Energy Efficiency and Conservation under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).  Cesar Ceballos is RPM's Design and Construction Administrator for the project.  Our design team includes Wright Engineers and KJE Consulting Engine...

Monofacial photovoltaic (PV) panels cover this LED-lit structural steel shade structure over 20 visitor parking spaces.  This solar power array generates Renewable Energy Credits for Clark County and offsets their electric utility bill.  Electric vehicle charging stations are available to a majority of the parking spaces.   The project also includes an accessible, public, interactive kiosk at the main entrance to Government Center. This project is part of Clark County Real Property Management's (RPM) En ergy Management program and is primarily funded by grant funds targeted for Energy Efficiency and Conservation under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).   Cesar Ceballos is RPM's Design and Construction Administrator for the project.  Our design team includes Wright Engineers and KJE Consulting Engineers.  Contractor is Jetstream Construction . Read more about Clark County's newest photovoltaic projects by clicking here an...

Work is progressing steadily at the Clark County Government Center Photovoltaic project. Our design team includes Wright Engineers and KJE Consulting Engineers.  Contractor is Jetstream Construction . Read more about the project funding  here...  or see the finished result here... More photographs here...  structural steel frame shoring  aerial courtesy of Jetstream Construction completed structural frame x-brace detail at beams Read more about the project here...