Utah Architects Design Lobbies to Make a Solid First Impression

The changing nature of lobby design is transforming spaces into open, flexible, inviting locales where people easily converge. As the future of work continues to change, savvy building owners are using lobbies to create a unique sense of identity and an important piece of total visitor and employee experience.

Curtis Miner Architecture (CMA) previously highlighted how the thoughtful blend of architecture and interior design can bring a lobby to life. Our architects and interior designers continue to see building owners investing in the lobby enhancements such as ceiling treatments, stair features, a concierge desk, art and environmental graphics, natural daylight, large volumes of spaces, and a variety of furniture offerings.

CMA enjoys uncovering not just the needs of the people and organizations we design for, but also their vision, aspiration and purpose. We invited Jay Taggart and Dallas Nelson to highlight two recent projects which feature lobbies that create powerful first impressions:

Creating Connection for Alpha Warranty

Repeatedly recognized as one of Utah’s top workplaces, Alpha Warranty sought a high-end progressive aesthetic for its new headquarters. The lobby of the extended car warranty office building not only connects visitors to the rest of the 114,400 square foot office building, but it also gets them excited about exploring all the diverse spaces inside.

“The lobby is a dynamic space because the guest connects visually to every level of the building,” describes CMA principal Jay Taggart. Visitors enter the building on the second level and can gaze up to the executive suite on level three or down to the first level where the gymnasium, bowling alley, and locker room are located.

Wood, concrete, aluminum, and stone are artfully incorporated throughout the lobby. In addition to a clerestory that illuminates the interior space, modern linear and circular light fixtures draw the eye upward. Circular pendant lights were incorporated to represent wheels – a fun nod to the clients’ business. 

A First Impression of Lehi Police Station

The character and function of a lobby space often influence a visitor’s first impression of a building and its use. The lobby of Lehi’s new police station also honors the history of the community and the 130-year old Broadbent Building that previously occupied the site. “We recognized the fine balance between creating open, inviting spaces for the public while still protecting officers and staff,” CMA project architect Dallas Nelson discloses.

Glass lobby walls create a sense of transparency, offering new opportunities for the city police force to engage with the community. “What most visitors don’t realize are security controls such as ballistic-rated lobby walls and glass help maintain the proper lines of invisible security while promoting accessibility,” shares Dallas.

CMA has repurposed bricks from the Broadbent Building and introduced them into the lobby and entry into the Broadbent Community Room. The space will be available for police training, emergency operations, and community events.

Durable materials such as granite, Terrazzo flooring, metal panels, concrete, and brick also represent the stability and security that the police service provide.

These creative solutions reinforce how lobby design plays an important role in contributing to positive work environment through design. As our clients look for new ways to apply today’s office design trends to common areas, we offer creative solutions balanced with strong technical knowledge and tools to bring a vision to life.