Business Details
29 Years
experience
Sustainable Contemporary Architecture in the American West
Sparano + Mooney Architecture is a collective of designers and craftspeople with offices in Salt Lake City and Los Angeles. We create compelling spaces that connect people with their communities and landscape, and are committed to offering sustainable, contemporary architecture to clients throughout the American West who care deeply about design. Our architects and designers are experts at helping develop architecture that will serve generations to come on complex sites throughout the western mountain region. Whether a new landmark building for your cultural institution or a legacy home for your family, our California or Utah architects will help you realize your vision through thoughtfully-considered and carefully-executed designs, delivered through a collaborative process honed over more than 25 years of practice. Our portfolio of contemporary design work can be found throughout California, Utah, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico and beyond. A wide range of sustainable architecture solutions are carefully crafted at multiple scales, from micro off-the-grid projects, to sophisticated new-build residential architecture and adaptive re-use of historic structures, to new institutional, cultural and worship buildings, as well as mixed-use, master planning and urban design projects.Please contact us to discuss the realization of a home for your cultural institution, non-profit, place of worship or your family's legacy residential estate. Our practice has been consistently recognized for design excellence and has received over 50 design and honor awards. Sparano + Mooney Architecture was named the 2017 American Institute of Architects Western Mountain Region Architectural Firm of the Year and the 2013 American Institute of Architects Utah Architectural Firm of the Year. The firm's work has been featured in national and international press including the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, World Architecture, Monocle, Architecture + Urbanism, Architectural Digest, Dwell, Aspire Design & Home, Domus, LArca, Western Art & Architecture, and Mountain Living.
Services
Arts + Culture Architecture
Mountain Modern Homes
Sustainable Design
Master Planning
Civic Architecture
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We have over 25 years of experience in contemporary architecture across the American West.
- Our team includes LEED accredited professionals committed to sustainable design.
- We employ a collaborative process refined through decades of practice.
- We offer tailored solutions for complex sites and unique client visions.
- Our firm has received over 50 design and honor awards for architectural excellence.
Associations and certifications
- LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
What people say
Award-winning designs
Sustainable expertise
Collaborative process
Mountain landscape integration
25+ years experience
Services
Arts + Culture Architecture
We specialize in creating landmark arts and culture facilities that enhance communities through experimentation and expression. Our portfolio includes museums, cultural centers, and performing arts projects for civic agencies and non-profits. Our collaborative approach ensures architecture reflects community values while embracing cutting-edge technology and materials.
Mountain Modern Homes
Our heritage modern homes are nestled in iconic landscapes across the American West. We create understated, elegant residential architecture through one-of-a-kind designs that balance leading-edge technologies with timeless sustainable practices inspired by nature. Each home is customized to reflect the client's vision and the unique characteristics of its site.
Sustainable Design
We integrate energy-efficient and environmentally responsible solutions into all our projects. Our LEED-accredited team develops architecture that harmonizes with spectacular mountain landscapes while addressing contemporary conditions. Solutions range from micro off-the-grid projects to adaptive reuse of historic structures, emphasizing quality, craft, and material innovation.
Master Planning
We provide comprehensive planning services for mixed-use developments, resort communities, and urban design projects. Our research-based approach considers site-specific contexts, cultural needs, and long-term sustainability. The process involves stakeholder engagement to create functional, aesthetically innovative spaces that serve diverse communities.
Civic Architecture
We design civic and municipal buildings that serve as community anchors. Our work includes libraries, government facilities, and public spaces that balance aesthetic innovation with technical excellence. Each project undergoes rigorous research to ensure it meets functional requirements while contributing positively to the urban fabric and public experience.
People
John Sparano
Founding Partner
John Sparano co-founded Sparano + Mooney Architecture in 1997 and serves as a guiding force in the firm's design philosophy. He was elevated to fellowship in the American Institute of Architects in 2015 and has received multiple regional and national awards for architectural excellence.
Anne Mooney
Founding Partner
Anne Mooney, FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP, co-founded the firm and has been recognized as a leader in sustainable design. She was named one of Mountain Living's Top Women in Architecture and elevated to AIA fellowship in 2023. Anne also serves as Professor of Architecture at the University of Utah.
Ludwig Juarez
Partner
Ludwig Juarez brings extensive experience in complex architectural projects and contributes to the firm's leadership in design innovation. He plays a key role in advancing the practice's commitment to sustainable solutions and community-focused architecture.
Nate King
Partner
Nate King specializes in integrating technical expertise with creative design solutions. As a partner, he oversees project execution and ensures the firm's high standards of quality and client service are maintained across all project types.
Seth Striefel
Partner
Seth Striefel contributes to the firm's leadership with a focus on expanding the practice's impact through innovative design approaches. He works closely with clients to translate their visions into built environments that respond to both functional needs and aesthetic aspirations.
Questions
What types of architectural projects does Sparano + Mooney specialize in?
We specialize in arts + culture facilities, mountain modern homes, sustainable design, master planning, and civic architecture across the American West.
Are your designs environmentally sustainable?
Yes, our LEED-accredited team integrates energy-efficient solutions and environmentally responsible materials into every project, from off-grid homes to institutional buildings.
How long has your firm been in practice?
We've been creating award-winning architecture since 1997, celebrating 25 years of design leadership in 2022.
Do you work outside the American West?
While our focus is the American West, our portfolio includes projects in international locations through collaborations and special commissions.
How do you approach the design process?
We use a research-based conceptual approach, developing architecture that reflects each client's vision while considering site, program, and cultural context through collaborative engagement.
Reviews (5)
Neylan McBaine
Feb 24, 2021
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Anne Mooney and John Sparano were the dream team for building our home. Their distinct vision paired with their flexibility and patience resulted in a spectacular and unique home. We can't recommend them highly enough!
Jacob Smith
May 31, 2020
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I just called and spoke to the secretary (lady who answered)... After I told her what I need done, she decided that I just need a structural engineer to draw up the plans for permits. Since her office wouldn't be the right fit for that small of a job, she took down my email and sent me a few engineers who could help me. Short & sweet. Much appreciated!
Omar Abou Ismail
May 03, 2018
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Sparano + Mooney Architecture are literally, in my humble opinion, the best World Class architects! They have literally exceeded my expectation in the work that they have done and literally manifested my dream restaurant. Although i'm in a shopping center, once you walk in, you literally are in another world that feels like i'm the only one in the shopping center. A lot of people tell me that they feel they are in Europe, or in LA or New York. Their design is simple, yet elegant, and has a very European touch to it. The sense of feng shui is superb, the way they designed everything, flows so perfectly
David Nuescheler
Oct 01, 2016
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We worked with Sparano Mooney on a complex large residential project and found them very professional and accommodating of the sometimes changing environment. Their designs were absolutely stunning. It seems like they read my minimalistic Swiss mind. The team also brought in an incredible partner to design the landscape in concert with the home on an untouched reserve. We could not imagine a better partner for any of our future projects.
Amy Tibbals
Aug 25, 2016
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We've worked with John and Anne in various capacities at cityhomeCOLLECTIVE. As editor here, I've enthusiastically slapped them with our badge of approval on the website several times and for myriad reasons. Sparano & Mooney Architecture is a firm that stands as tried-and-true testament to the level of talent in Salt Lake City. As such, we've featured their personal residence and commercial projects as "Places of Worship"a title we reserve for those spaces in our city that warrant the highest of praise. Their holistic approach to each and every project is a refreshing style that perfectly aligns
