Nevadan At Work: Architect pushes developers to dream global, hire local

Las Vegas architect Rob Filary looks at the design of the Smith Center for Performing Arts in downtown Las Vegas' Symphony Park and is offended -- almost embarrassed.

It's apparent that an out-of-state architect designed the exterior without any context to the city or surrounding desert, said Filary, a designer and project manager at Pugsley Simpson Coulter Architects and president of the American Institute of Architects Las Vegas chapter.

Washington, D.C.-based David M. Schwarz Architects designed a building rooted in the past that has been replicated all across America and Europe, Filary said.

"It's unfortunate that we've allowed for the creation of another inappropriate thematic building away from the Strip," Filary said. "It's a much-needed cultural building and I'm sure the venue will be successful simply by virtue of its entertainment programs. However, it will be the performers that make the venue a success, not the architectural design."

Filary said he would have designed something unique and contemporary that is forward-thinking.

"I would've used appropriate sustainable materials that could be found locally. For instance, I would not have imported tile from Italy for the grand lobby space," he said. "Also, with our Vegas sun and high desert temperatures, I would not have openings on the west or east sides of the building without some sort of vertical solar shading device."

The Smith Center, Filary said, serves as a clear example of why public entities need to be reminded of the breadth of local architectural talent.

Filary trumpets the institute's "Think Local First" campaign to give preference to architects and contractors in Las Vegas. It generates jobs and keeps money in the local community, he said.

Question: How can architectural firms survive when there's hardly any construction activity?

Answer: Although construction projects are limited, we are seeing clients preparing for the future. We've been doing master planning and conceptual design studies that will hopefully one day come to fruition. We've termed these projects as "shovel ready" in hopes that the government will actually start funding buildings as opposed to only new road construction.

Question: Have some architects had to leave Las Vegas?

Answer: When Las Vegas was booming, many out-of-state firms created an office here. Most of those firms have left town. There have also been many small firms that have been forced to close their offices, but the larger, more established Las Vegas firms continue to exist.

Question: What about your firm? How have you been able to exist?

Answer: Our firm has been in existence for more than 40 years, and thanks to our established roots and client relationships that we've developed and maintained over the years, we've managed to survive. It has been a difficult couple of years, but we've been able to sustain and focus on good design and marketing more than ever. Unfortunately, marketing does not support the day-to-day operations of a firm and sometimes it takes several years before a marketing effort results in an actual project. Like most architects, we are remaining optimistic and trying to sustain our operations in hopes that the economy will turn around in the near future.

Question: Do you pursue out-of-state projects?

Answer: Our firm has had some success in obtaining a little out-of-state work by teaming with local architects. We completed a library down in Yuma, Ariz., and we were working on a large library in Fresno, Calif., that is still trying to secure the funding to go forward. We're also working with a firm that has offices in Louisiana and Texas in hopes of getting some work by combining their design talents with our extensive university and K-12 school design experience.

Question: Don't you have to be licensed in those states?

Answer: Yes, you need to be licensed if you are the prime architect, but if you team with a local architect, the license is not required.

Question: Where is the bulk of your work coming from?

Answer: We have been fortunate to maintain successful working relationships with our past clients. For example, (Las Vegas-based) Lotus Broadcasting. We did their original studio building back in 2000, and when they were able to acquire a couple of new radio stations, the general manager (Tony Bonnici) asked us to design an addition and do some minor interior renovation to the existing building.

Our firm was also part of the design team on the McCarran International Airport Terminal 3 project and has done several interior concourse renovations over the years, so with that experience we are thankful to be working on the C gates renovation with the (Clark County) Department of Aviation.

Question: What about educational facilities?

Answer: We've maintained a good working relationship with the Clark County School District, who will hopefully continue to upgrade some of their older school facilities. We've had great success working on the design and construction of the new Career and Technical Academies that are popping up around town. This is a much needed educational building type for the community since many of our students cannot afford to go to college. The most recently completed school is the West Career and Technical Academy in Summerlin on the way out to Red Rock. Currently, we are working on a few building additions at the Southeast Career and Technical Academy.

Question: How much have you had to reduce staff from the boom years?

Answer: During the growth years, our staff maxed out at 49 employees. We currently have 18 staff members, which still makes us one of the larger and more capable firms in the valley.

Question: Have you had any new hires recently?

Answer: Yes, we've been blessed to be able to have a few new hires. We recently hired the top graduate from the master's level program at the UNLV School of Architecture. Also, with our collaboration with the Southern Nevada Housing Authority, we have hired an interior design intern through their work-training program.

Question: What advice would you give someone looking for a career in architecture?

Answer: Diversification is key. With all the staffing cuts that have occurred, we are all being asked to perform the work of multiple employees. For instance, my strong skill set is design, but given the limited design opportunities these days, I am now more heavily involved in marketing, technical development and the construction administration side of architecture. In other words, in order to be an asset to a firm, you must possess an exceptional talent and be able to take on multiple roles and responsibilities.

Question: What's the outlook for the industry in Las Vegas?

Answer: We are seeing that there are many potential clients interested in hiring a Las Vegas architect, but unfortunately, until the banks start releasing money, the funding for these projects is difficult. We are seeing mostly tenant improvement projects and renovations to existing buildings.

Question: Everyone is taking a hit in annual revenue. How much has it fallen for your firm?

Answer: Using 2009 as our peak year, we've seen a decline of approximately 70 percent in our revenues. Since the big economic dip, we've been able to maintain steady revenue for 2010 and 2011.

Question: What's your latest project?

Answer: We are currently working on the St. Francis Catholic church and school in Henderson. We did their parish hall several years ago and they're hoping to raise money to build a new 2,000-seat church and chapel and K-8 school. We are in the early fundraising stages and provided numerous three-dimensional renderings, a physical site model and a video walk-through of the entire campus. Essentially, we've conceptually designed the whole project and created a vision for them that resonates with the parishioners and local surrounding businesses.

Contact reporter Hubble Smith at hsmith@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0491.