Sparkflight Studios

Often to mark Earth Day, we list some local events that contribute to the "greening" of our valley and list sustainable actions that we can all take.  Scroll down for that content... This year the post is direr. Or, more hopeful depending on your disposition.  Small actions are wonderful, but not enough.  Mega steps are required if we want our next generations to be able to harvest food from the oceans,  live in our coastal cities, and enjoy the diversity of fauna and flora that we do now.  There is no Planet B. Today we see increasing extreme weather events and overwhelming scientific evidence of an anthropogenic-accelerated climate change. As designers and occupants of this amazing planet, we must take responsibility for our role in the acceleration.  Other than designing for " resilience ," what can be done to reverse global warming and related impacts?  Get informed.  Take action. Here is the evidence that it is happening: Glob...

It's so exciting to know that this project is coming to the Las Vegas Community!  Our office has been thrilled to work with Family Promise to design their Family Navigation Center.  YOU can be a part of making Las Vegas even better by contributing to Family Promise's capital campaign. Today is the #NVBigGive .  What can you do to make a difference? The mission of Family Promise of Las Vegas is helping homeless families transition to permanent housing and independence. This 8,745 SF Family Navigation Center is an extension of these values by providing spaces of learning, healing, and comfort. Did you know that... According to the 2018 Southern Nevada Homeless Census and Survey Comprehensive Report*: Statewide in Nevada there are 7,281 individuals who are homeless on any given night. In 2018 in Southern Nevada 15,000 children experienced homelessness and unstable living conditions. Lack of affordable housing is one of the primary risk factors for homelessnes...

Materials board for an office tenant improvement. A materials board is not an unusual object to find in our studio. It allows our clients to visualize their space with tactile feedback. In this particular presentation, we are complimenting the existing wall colors of beige and blue (P-1 & P-2) with earth tones emphasizing yellows and grays. Because the vertical elements are mostly homogenous, we selected a carpet tile (CT-1) with a non-directional patterning that creates a “shore-like” effect.   A majority of these products are sustainably sourced. Sustainability has always been an ethos of Sparkflight and selecting finish materials are an essential component of sustainable practice. For example, forbo (LT-1) is a global leader in sustainable flooring systems. Overall, they have the largest phthalate-free portfolio in the industry. Similarly, Interface (CT-1) offers sustainable products; this particular carpet tile has a 100% recycled content nylon in its...

Finish Line! Step, breathe in; step, breathe out. Scaling 108 flights of stairs and over 1,400 steps requires rhythm and patience. This past February our office participated in the American Lung Association’s Scale the Strat fundraiser as part of the Ninjaneers team. Participants climbed the stairwell of the Stratosphere to support research, patient education, and advocacy efforts. As you begin your ascent, you become aware that every step matters, no matter how small. Each increment is a small triumph. The same is true for the Lung Association: every dollar, every climb, every breath is a blessing and a gift. Sometimes we can be so focused on reaching our goal at the top that we can forget the joy of the climb. We are thankful to be a part of this important cause and look forward to doing it again next year! Written by James Maurer.

Walking into the World Market Center SFS recently had an office lunch at the Lou Ruvo Center before heading over to the World Market Center to view trends and styles in interior design. The SFS team observed several exhibits and was most excited at those that engaged the senses. To this point, the most extreme was TŌV’s “On Fleek” showroom— complete with an ice cream stand (and complimentary rosé). TŌV was an immersive experience in tactility, bold colors, and geometry. (Yes, plenty of millennial pink too). TŌV’s “On Fleek” showroom: candy, donuts, and Cardi B On the "Contemporary" floor there were several showrooms that allowed the team to investigate ways of combining materials and details of those mechanics:  How can brass and wood connect in sleek yet architectonic ways?  How can wood be used texturally?  More subdued than  TŌV, but still interesting was Four Hands’ showroom. Sleek design with a rustic palette defines their catalog. For exam...

Client-centered sustainable solutions. With a tagline like that, you know we take client feedback seriously! Here are a few testimonials from clients about the quality of our work and our commitment to their success: "Anne’s professional knowledge and technical expertise met our expectations.  Her leadership promoted a thorough and innovative approach to researching and providing appropriate design solutions during all phases of this project.  Anne’s Construction Administration delivery skills were exceptional and instrumental in the overall success of this project.    Anne’s team building skills and focus allowed her team to deliver timely submittals and render decisions to resolve technical challenges, which led to the overall success of the project."   – Peter U.  "I'm starting a new company and Anne is helping me in all areas from design to city permits and approval.  She is very professional and responsive which is what I need for th...

In honor of Memorial Day weekend, we extend our gratitude to all the heroes who gave their lives to win our freedom. The " Find Your Luck " window has been repurposed as a memorial thank you.  As we see it these heroes made the luck, the good, that we enjoy today.  The lucky 4-leaf clover has made a new appearance.  Can you find it? They Made Your Luck Heroes: 7 O'Clock Shadows