Sparkflight Studios

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...

Take a tour around the world to see how other global citizens are celebrating Earth Day 2015, then consider how you can--or comment here to share. Many are getting outside, and away from our desks, to reconnect with mother earth.  International experiences include hiking the Great Wall in China and picking up trash, bicycling in Peru, and planting trees, protecting the Asian elephant in India , or contributing to green-focused campaigns.  Read more here . Here in the states, you may know a child who's participating in Climate Education Week , with K-12 learning activities meeting Common Core standards.  For all ages, the "A Billion Acts of Green Campaign" is still going strong...approaching 2 Billion, and you can find inspiration on their website . In our own backyard, Project GREEN is hosting a clean up in the Pittman Wash at 9:00AM Saturday, April 25.  It promises to be a beautiful morning.  If you're lucky, you'll get to spot a roadrunner or cottontai...

Anne was featured as the member spotlight in the April 2015 issue of AIA Las Vegas' Forum newsletter. Check out the full issue on the AIA Las Vegas website , or read a bit here: I AM A MEMBER OF AIA BECAUSE ….I am a member because it is crucial to be part of an organization that binds together our design community and informs the public about what design professionals do. The AIA’s programs, educational opportunities, and exposure to other professionals in the field have been a benefit. I see AIA Las Vegas as valuable to both developing and established design professionals. Biography: I am an architect, graphic artist, wife, and mother. The process of juggling these roles contributes to who I am and how our firm approaches architecture. We listen to our clients to learn what is important to them, and strive to balance sustainability, beauty, and function. In-house, mentoring and growing talent is a privilege. On a weekly basis, our office takes time to seek design inspira...

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

For almost two years, with support from numerous organizations and individuals, the concept of a contemporary art museum in the downtown 18b District has been gaining momentum.  It's comprised of three primary components: Museum, Outdoor Park/Events Space and Education Center. Initially conceived by the great-grandaughter of Benny Binion, Katie O'Neill, the proposed 35,000 square feet museum is titled The Modern Contemporary Art Museum .  Three floors will include a gallery, gift shop, restaurant, event space and the The Center for Creativity.  Emerging artists and designers will be able to access laboratories, design tools, and workshops.  Visitors and locals will enjoy "Luminous Park," an outdoor sculpture garden. Fundraising is still in progress, and an office is now open at Art Square.  Interested parties are welcome to drop by for more information. Learn more at the website:  www.themodernlv.org

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 ...