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THE ART OF DESIGN
Gulch Design Group - photo by Danny Lee
“Oh, we have to build here, this is pure abstraction wherever you look.” — Frank Lloyd Wright Art and architecture. Together, these two disciplines share a common focus on design, visual literacy, the creative process and the stewardship of the built and natural environment. Architecture alone is the art we live in. In 1937, Frank Lloyd Wright began construction on Taliesin West, an architectural masterpiece built in Scottsdale, Arizona. It was, and remains, one of the first homes that brilliantly and artistically integrated indoor and outdoor spaces. His inspiration was the glorious yet rugged desert and the vast views that surrounded the place he would come to lay his foundation upon. In the 21st century, a well-thought design requires a critical inquiry of culture and the integration of technology. In the southwest, strong consideration addressing the ethical and social dimensions of development are evolving. Notable developers across the southwest have become comfortable pushing their creative imagination outside of traditional disciplinary boundaries. Here, we introduce you to three of Southern Utah’s developers. Each are uniquely diverse in their backgrounds and professional approach to design. Their philosophy and architectural belief systems are as different as each sunset, but are all connected by their love for the southwest.
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KENT BYLUND AND PATRICK MANNING Split Rock Development Group
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photos by Danny Lee
What inspires you? KENT: Nature inspires me. It is the starting point in every design that we do. For the work that we do in Southern Utah it is impossible not to be inspired. We are surrounded by natural beauty in every direction. And yet, living in these amazing surroundings every day, it is easy to grow accustomed to these red rocks and lava flows as simply a backdrop to the minutiae of the ebbs and flows of the daily routines that create our lives. It is easy to forget what a privilege it is to live in these surroundings. I see that happen all the time with the people that live in this area. But it is one of the only places in the world that you have the ability to witness with your eyes the natural phenomenon of three distinct ecosystems coming together as a result of geologic events of such a grand scale that they merged in the southwest corner of Utah that we call our backyard. PATRICK: I did not grow up in this area. But when I came in to Southern Utah and started my own exploratory process, I was in awe. That is the purest way that I can describe the experience. After living here for many years and talking to people that are visiting or new residents, that remains the consensus, awe. They are taken aback by the land and by the views and by the shifting light and shadows as the sun crosses the exposed, raw, jagged red rocks. Walking the lands of the snow canyon corridor, the Hurricane Dunes, Zion National Park, and all of the areas in between and around, my awe grows. And no matter what your belief system this area awakens a deep spiritual experience. This is the joy that I get out in nature. I am transfixed by the beauty that appears to be masterfully designed by a great artist.
that Stone Cliff has a beautiful development. In some respects we are similar but very different. And the clients that are drawn to one area or development are not always the same. Clients are drawn to these developments for different reasons and that is a good thing for St. George and the surrounding communities. Options, beautifully designed options and developments are essential to elevating the entire community. I am a big believer that everyone wins and wins big when they come from thinking abundantly. I have a great respect for these developments. I am glad that they are here and I enjoy working and interacting with them.
Is the use of natural elements in your design attributed to your love of nature? PATRICK: Nature is the inspiration for our design and it is the launching off point for every project. We believe that design, excellent design, is an art form. If you go back to the early history of Split Rock you can see that we designed with this in mind and we still do to this day. When I first became affiliated with Split Rock, I was drawn to the company because of the vision and design that the company had. I learned quickly that this vision rested with Kent Bylund and the team that he assembled. His eye for beauty and his ability to hyper focus on the small details and recognize the small nuances that would improve the functionality and design of a home or a room impressed me. And I knew that I wanted to work with him and with this company.
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Is excellent design an art form? KENT: For me it is about creating beautiful functionality. You can create something that is functional and practical but the alchemy comes when you bring to the table the beauty. Beauty elevates the human soul. There are studies on it, studies on the sense of elevation one experiences when viewing a beautiful piece of art, sculpture, or nature. That is what my team wants everyone that owns one of our home designs to experience every day. That is what excites us.
Do you feel that there are other’s out there that get the concept? PATRICK: I have to give credit where credit is due. I think that Kayenta is a great concept and I think that they have done a fantastic job of blending the land and the development together. I also think woman
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Kay, Kason & Kolby Traveller KH Traveller Development
What initiated your interest in building? KAY: I’m from Northern Utah. North of Logan. Richmond, up by the Idaho border. I was down here for a week looking for a job, had my clothes packed and was ready to go back home when I got a job on the road down here working on the Interstate. That’s how I got to St. George. It was in the 70s. Then one morning, I was sitting at a restaurant having breakfast. A guy came up and said, “I got this piece of property. And I think it’d be a good place for townhouses.” I didn’t know what a townhouse or condominium was.” (he laughs) “I got here early when [St. George] was growing and I was able to grow with it.”
What inspires you? KASON: My Dad inspires me. KOLBY: You stole my answer! KASON: He came into town, didn’t know anything about building, but he taught himself and now I’ve been given the opportunity by being brought up in it, where I would be remiss if I didn’t take the opportunity that Kay has provided me by raising me in the business. It’s something I’ve enjoyed doing and transitioned into a career.
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THE MEN’S ISSUE 2014
detail to make it a livable piece of art, but they won’t buckle down and do it. A lot are capable, but few will buckle down and do it. KOLBY: I think there’s a lot of builders that will have two or three really good homes in their career, but there are few who build a good quality, artistic, livable home, done right, over and over again. KAY: There’s a lot of them. There are a lot of good developers in St. George. A lot of good subcontractors. There are a lot of good people in St. George. That’s what makes St. George what it is.
What responsibility do you take to preserve the natural elements that exist?
KOLBY: My Dad inspires me as well. My inspiration comes from wanting to finish his vision for Stone Cliff that he had and continuing the legacy that he’s started.
Is excellent home design an art form? KASON: I do think it’s an art form to design a beautiful home that is also livable. I think a lot of times, people want to build an architecturally marvelous home but don’t take into account, and lose sight of what the home is really for ... living. To be able to build a stunning home from the exterior to the interior that’s actually livable, that’s an art. KOLBY: I think the art is in the details. The quality of the workmanship, and the quality of the materials. KAY: I’m not an artist, but I can basically see the height and the depth and the way [a home] is facing. I can see that in my mind.
Do you feel there are others that get this concept? KASON: There’s a lot of people who “get it” but there’s few that will actually go the extra mile to do it. I feel like people know what to do, but some just don’t want to take the time and effort and attention to
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KAY: We put [Stone Cliff] together so that each home will have a view, most of them to Pine Valley, some to the west. There is oh, probably a 100 acres of that project [Stone Cliff] that is left as open space. If you really study the project there’s just a lot of open space. We try to preserve much of the natural surroundings. We also try to tie in as many elements in the home as we can to the terrain or colors in the rock that make up the landscape of Southern Utah.
What is the secret to your longevity? KAY: I like to eat. (laughs) I don’t have an education. I was brought up in Cache Valley, and you had to work. I was just trying to find a way to survive. Why I got into building I have no idea. (laughs) I just happen to get down here and hit it just right. Had some good partners and enjoy building.
What is the one thing that your dad has taught you that stands out: KASON: Don’t be a whimp (laughs). Work ethic. He’s 77 years old and still comes to work 10-12 hours a day. He’s instilled that into me from the time I was 12 years old (and fought it like crazy) working during the summer when all I wanted to do is mess around with friends. Now, there’s nothing I’d rather be doing, than this work. KOLBY: There is one important lesson I’ve learned from working with him. I have seen opportunities to get ahead and in the process maybe hurt someone to make some extra money. He has taught me it’s more important to be fair and honest with people and to make sure in business, everyone comes out on top.
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Matt Marten Gulch Design Group
photo by Nick Adams
photo by Danny Lee
photo by Danny Lee
What or who inspires you? A feeling or essence. I am also inspired by people, places and nature. I love to travel and see what is going on around the world. People, places and the natural environment can inspire me to be creative. I find inspiration in busy public spaces, markets, museums, cafes and on the street. I also get inspired by nature - its colors, textures and patterns. Ultimately, I design for people. I enjoy creating spaces that people can use and relate to - sometimes on a spiritual level. Spaces that can provide comfort and a source of joy.
What are some of the many ways you use natural elements in your designs? I like to create an environment that brings the outdoors in. The connection to nature and the amazing natural environment we live in keeps me in balance. When I can see the red cliffs, the blue sky and the tapestry of sagebrush, I experience a sense of calm. Using colors and materials from nature inside a home further makes that connection.
Do you see the design of a home as a form of art? Designing space is an artistic endeavor for me. The process of combining materials, colors and textures together - in a thoughtful way to create something unique is a form of art. Designing a home is like setting a scene in a movie or play but this “set� is the place we get to live our lives.
Do you feel there are others in the southwest area who get this concept? There are many talented artists, architects and designers in the southwest that create amazing spaces. In fact, there is a long history of artistic and creative innovators in the west. This tradition is a great inspiration to me. Nature, light and the open landscapes are the common thread that inspires us to create. I think the West has always inspired new freedoms in thought and expression.
Describe how you make the magic happen.
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In order for me to get the creative juices flowing I need to get quite and be left alone. I focus on my inspiration for a specific project and once I find my meditative zone I get carried away in the flow. Honestly, this is when I am the most happy.
What one element separates what you design? Beyond the creative vision, for me, design is an exercise in logic and organization. My approach is to take what seems to be chaos and create some level of order, pattern or language. I try to create good design with longevity and purpose. I love a good trend when it comes along but I am careful not to get swept away in it. Good design is good design and will last for many years. Styles and themes come and go but beauty, quality and function stand the test of time. I work hard to create something that will endure and look amazing years later.
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