Sparkflight Studios

SAY IT LOUD - Nevada Virtual Gallery in collaboration with UNLV  ©2021 by BeyondtheBuilt.com . Beyond the Built Environment "uniquely address the inequitable disparities in architecture by providing a holistic platform aimed to support numerous stages of the architecture pipeline. [They] promote agency among diverse audiences and advocate for equity in the built environment through [their] approach which utilizes a method ... termed "the triple E, C". The triple E, C method is a strategy to: Engage, Elevate, Educate, and Collaborate." A collaboration between Beyond the Built Environment and The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, explore Anne's two virtual galleries at SAY IT LOUD - Nevada Virtual Gallery. The two featured projects are: Winchester Cultural Center Dance Studio (2013) - Las Vegas RTC Mobility Training Center - Interior Murals & Streetscape (2016) - Las Vegas Find additional project details, photographs, and a Q&A session with SAY IT LOUD, her...

Although we wish to again be with one another in the same physical space, we have learned to adapt and rethink our approach to gathering virtually. As architects and problem-solvers, we look to our toolkit to provide means for visualizing and analyzing three-dimensional space with real-time feedback for our clients. In this post, we'll introduce a few of our tools illustrating how Sparkflight Studios is navigating architectural practice in a virtual environment. Zoom This video conferencing platform is well known, and for good reason. We use Zoom on a daily basis, both internally and with our consultants and clients. It's a reliable tool with features that allow for productive and engaging meetings. We find that the annotate and whiteboard options are especially useful when communicating ideas graphically. Often, we screen-share our 3D BIM model and annotate over floor plans to work through problems, and imagine new solutions. BIMx BIMx is a unique tool to interactively present...

Since 2010, we've been a listed DBE vendor with Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT).  The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program  dates back to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and "level[s] the playing field by providing small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals a fair opportunity to compete for federally funded transportation contracts." (NDOT DBE website) We aim to work with prime contractors to provide services that are not typically provided by architectural firms such as graphic mural creation and sculptural elements.  Our extensive architectural and construction experience supports delivery of exceptional spaces.  Our collaborative approach means that getting to the finish line is an enjoyable experience. The interior cityscape and mural design at the RTC's Mobility Training Center is one example of the type of project we excel at.  Read more here... Our registration is  NV20235437NUC...

Entrance to the MTC It's been worth the wait!  After over three years of planning, designing and building, the RTC's Mobility Training Center (MTC) held its grand opening last week.  Our office contributed to 9,800 square feet of murals for the project.  We're excited to see how this asset to the community helps southern Nevadans gain greater independence with mobility and life skills.   Per the RTC's website, " Mobility training is meant to aid people in developing the confidence necessary to travel independently" on fixed route transit systems rather than relying on paratransit options. Read more about the project here... Jean Peyton opens Angela's House Angela's House is a bonus in the MTC.  Developed by Blindconnect , the "house" is accessed through a facade designed to look like an apartment building, and contains the rooms typically found in a residence such as living, kitchen, laundry, bedrooms, and bathroom.  Accordi...

Over a year and a half of efforts by our design team are coming to fruition with over 9,000 square feet of installed graphic murals! Red Rock Mural © 2015 Anne Johnson AIA Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada ( RTC ) is currently expanding their Sunset Maintenance Facility, including a 14,700 square foot Mobility Training Center designed by Gensler Nevada and constructed by Sletten Construction of Nevada .  The new training center will teach RTC's paratransit clients to move more independently throughout the city.  The Center is designed to simulate a person's interaction with the outside environment.  Obstacles and views that a person navigating the city will frequently encounter are included such as bus stops, ramps, commercial buildings, residential complexes, and the beautiful surrounding mountain ranges. Our studio designed 25-feet high interior murals to create a city street effect and also simulate the views a transit rider would see acro...

Las Vegas Strip - "Welcome to Vegas" Collage Mural © 2015 Anne Johnson AIA This spring and summer have been busy in the studio!  After months of preparation, the murals at RTC's Mobility Training Center are going up.  These 25-feet high interior murals are original illustrations from our studio, and are being used to orient the RTC's paratransit clients to the cardinal directions of the valley: north, east and west.  Each landmark was simplified and crafted to be easily recognizable from a distance.  For example, the east-facing mural contains a rendering of Frenchman Mountain and south Strip high-profile properties.  We will post construction progress photos as available.  The printing and installation is being completed beautifully by Pictographics . At the same time, we've been making headway with a 76-unit multifamily housing renovation.  We're very excited to help transform these 30-year-old apartments into attractive, contemporary dwellin...

In recent months, we've noticed a trend in retail packaging design: less is more! No longer limited to eco-boutiques, it's thrilling to see mainstream manufacturers and big box retailers adopting eco-friendly packaging practices. The goal: Less in the Landfill. What we're seeing out on the shelves: Elimination of plastic and shrink-wrap Smaller product labeling (recyclable & recycled, of course) Product labeling attached with biodegradable hemp or jute string (instead of plastic loops) Reusable packaging (paperboard and tins - for refills and repurposing) Compostable bags and clam-shells Flat packs Less on-shelf packaging means effort must be invested on the back-end with protective shipping design. However, this need can be met with recycled and biodegradable products such as Geami Protective Packaging System and compostable cornstarch peanuts*. Get in-depth info about reducing secondary packaging, and more, from the pros on Sustainable is Good . As a consumer, you...

Green Drinks Las Vegas celebrated its 2-year anniversary last Thursday at the Springs Preserve. It was a great turnout with more than 70 attendees, the new logo unveiling, and a preview of Green Living Nevada magazine. The coming year promises to be an exciting one with Green Drinks' vision to be the preferred hub for individuals and businesses to connect over a common green interest. Check out Green Drinks for yourself each 2nd Thursday of the month, 6:00-7:30 pm at the Springs Cafe by Wolfgang Puck at the Springs Preserve . Or join the Facebook group. Logo design courtesy of Anne Johnson AIA .

Let us enhance your business by applying our expertise. Our graphic services are provided by Anne Johnson, lead designer, and a select group of collaborative partners. Together, we offer design for print and digital media. Services include business identity packages, logos, promotional materials, event posters, custom stationery, websites, and custom illustration. We focus on design, our partners produce stellar product. Whatever your particular needs, our process and product will be spot on. If you have a preferred printer or webmaster, we're happy to work with them too. See our portfolio for some work samples. If you're looking for a specific example, just ask us!

Dr Olivia Lucero-Purdie approached us with her need for a quality brochure to promote her two business locations. We spent time discussing her needs, and came up with a tri-fold brochure-mailer. Now she has a professional and informative piece to share with existing clients, and to get the word out to new clients with a mail campaign. More information on eco-friendly options for business marketing materials... Eco-friendly attributes: -Multi-purpose product (brochure, mailer, able to attach business card) -No envelope required for mailings Take it a step further: -Use tree-free or 100% recycled paper stock (we can help you select stocks and green printers) -Use paperless e-mailing campaigns with services like Constant Contact or RatePoint (we can create text and images for you!) Visit Dr. Purdie’s practice at 127 Water Street in Downtown Henderson, or at the Las Vegas Injury Center 2820 W. Charleston, Suite 38. Contact Dr. Lucero-Purdie at (702) 614-7800.

There are many ways to ”green” your organization’s marketing and printed materials. Reducing waste and improving printing practices are a good start. When evaluating a new communications or promotional project, consider these five steps: 1. Planning 2. Paper 3. Bleaching 4. Ink 5. Press Planning Planning is key to greening your marketing materials. A first step to reducing paper waste is to use electronic or voice communications whenever possible. When printing is necessary, select materials and processes that minimize waste generation and impact on air and water quality. At the start of every project talk with your designer and printer about their eco-friendly practices. Allow schedule and budget for cradle-to-grave planning—thinking about the full life cycle of the piece: e.g., Can we use recycled or other eco-friendly paper? How will this piece be recycled or disposed of? What chemicals will deinking put back into the waste stream?. Even better, plan for cradle...

A green, or ecological architect, works to more effectively adapt to and integrate with nature's processes. (1) This firm is committed to designing architecture and graphics that inspire you, add to your bottom line, and reduce impact on the environment. Design for results: Energy efficiency Recycled & renewable materials Healthy indoor environment Connection to nature Benefit from rebates & lower operating costs Eco-optimized inks, stocks, and processes As firm principal, and a LEED Accredited Professional , I'm qualified to lead you through the process of achieving measurable success in building sustainably. Discover how design can support living lightly by 'greening' your home or business. (1) see Ecological Design by Sim Van Der Ryn, 1996

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Check back here for posts on current Green Design and Business trends. Anne Johnson, AIA is an architecture and graphics studio focused on integrating sustainable practices into residential, commercial and civic projects. Services include design and LEED consulting. We provide Client-Centered Sustainable Solutions.