PROFILE
SPARANO + MOONEY ARCHITECTURE is a leading design firm based in the American West offering sustainable, contemporary architecture to clients who care deeply about design from offices in Los Angeles, California, and Salt Lake City, Utah. Since 1997, the firm has consistently cultivated a culture of excellence in design and client service as core values. The practice uses a research-based conceptual design approach, developing architecture that reflects an area of study unique to each client’s vision while carefully considering the site and program, as well as the cultural and community contexts.
We draw inspiration from the rich and timeless modern traditions in architecture, and create warm and inviting environments that respond to contemporary conditions. Comprehensive architectural design and project planning services are provided to civic, municipal, institutional and private clients. Exceptional architectural solutions are developed for these clients through a balance of aesthetic and technical innovation delivered through an effective project management process. Our award-winning work has been widely recognized, and has been featured in exhibitions and publications around the world. Recent publications include A+U (Tokyo), Bauwelt (Berlin), World Architecture (London), Dwell (USA), Hinge (Hong Kong), L’Arca (Milan) and the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Robb Report and Forbes (USA).
The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) accredited team of architects is committed to providing energy-efficient and environmentally-responsible and sustainable design solutions.
CULTURE
At SPARANO + MOONEY ARCHITECTURE, our culture is built on a foundation of sophisticated design excellence, industry best practices and professionalism. We are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive and inspiring workplace where all individuals are valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully. Our studio culture emphasizes a deep respect for the connection of people to landscape.
We support open dialogue, mentorship and continuous learning, recognizing that collaboration and diverse perspectives fuel innovation. Through our work, we aim to serve the public good, celebrate the mythology of place, advance sustainability and uphold the highest standards of integrity in design and business practices. This culture reflects not only how we work, but who we strive to be as individuals, as a team and as stewards of the built environment.
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At Sparano + Mooney Architecture, we begin by listening, and we position our clients’ vision and goals at the heart of everything we do. Our responsive, collaborative and iterative design process is tailored to meet each client’s unique needs, ensuring thoughtful stewardship of their resources. Through our work, we strive to create beautiful, sophisticated buildings that prioritize design excellence, inspire connection and leave a lasting, meaningful impact on the communities we serve.
Sparano + Mooney Architecture is the leading architectural voice in the American West, highly sought after by individuals, civic agencies, non-profits and arts and cultural clients who value exceptional design. Our reputation affords us the opportunity to be highly selective about the types of projects we agree to take on. We have cultivated a studio culture that prioritizes creativity, collaboration and excellence, making us an employer of choice for accomplished professionals committed to bringing their full talents to the rewarding pursuit of crafting extraordinary architecture.
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At Sparano + Mooney Architecture, we believe that architecture is enriched by a broad range of human perspectives. Our commitment to creating a culture of inclusion is fundamental to how we design, how we collaborate and how we engage with and serve our communities. We recognize that great design emerges from listening deeply, welcoming diverse perspectives and creating environments - both within our practice and through our work - that honor the dignity and belonging of every individual.
As a firm, we strive to cultivate a culture where all team members feel heard, respected, supported and empowered to contribute their unique talents as we collectively produce our work. We actively seek diversity in background, identity, thought and lived experience because we have learned this richness in experience leads to stronger teams, more innovative solutions and more meaningful architecture. Equity guides our decision-making, from opportunities for professional growth and mentorship to transparent processes that ensure fairness and accountability. Inclusion and belonging shapes our daily interactions, fostering an environment where every voice is valued and collaboration guides our design process.
Our aspirations extend beyond our studio. We are committed to designing spaces that reflect and serve the diverse communities who inhabit them, and to working with clients, consultants and partners who share our belief in the transformative power of inclusive design. Through continuous learning, open dialogue and intentional action, we aim to advance a more just, equitable and welcoming design profession one project, one relationship and one idea at a time.
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Sparano + Mooney Architecture is committed to improving the communities in which we live and work. This commitment to positively impacting civic life is evident in the firm’s involvement in a wide range of activities and though our support for non-profits that provide vital services. Each year our team of partners, principals and staff donates hundreds of hours to assist on boards and design juries, to mentor and provide academic service and to engage in professional development activities. As charter members of the 1+ Program for Public Architecture, the office assists worthy organizations by contributing our time, design expertise and/or financial resources to help those in need. Our architecture offices are frequently used for community events including gallery strolls, open studios, student and professional practice demonstrations and tours, as well as an exhibition space for artists and students to display their work. The organizations that we support include:
Museum of Fine Arts, Butte (MoFAB)
National Alliance on Mental Illness Wood River Valley
Nuzzles and Co. Pet Rescue + Adoption
Topaz Museum + Education Center
University of Utah School of Architecture
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As founding members of The1% for Public Architecture program and members since 2002, our firm has long embraced the belief that thoughtful, well-designed architecture should be available to a broad audience. The program is a national initiative that connects non-profit organizations with architecture firms willing to donate their time and expertise pro bono. Our focus on 501 (c) (3) nonprofits help us render architectural design services to nonprofits working in the public interest.
Since our founding, we have recognized the transformative power of architecture in strengthening communities, advancing equity and improving quality of life, committing ourselves to being active contributors to public-interest design. Through The 1% for Public Architecture initiative, our studio dedicates a meaningful portion of our professional time each year to pro bono design services, partnering with nonprofit organizations, cultural institutions, educational institutions and community groups who may not otherwise have access to high-level architectural expertise.
Participation in The 1% for Public Architecture is more than a pledge for us; it is a foundational aspect of our practice and our firm culture. It challenges us to listen deeply, engage openly and design with empathy. The work we undertake through this program has broadened our understanding of community needs, sharpens our creative problem solving and reinforces our belief that architecture is a powerful tool for social good. These collaborations have resulted in welcoming environments for learning, healing, gathering and advocacy through spaces that reflect the resilience and aspirations of the communities they serve.
Our ongoing commitment to public architecture continues to shape who we are as designers and as citizens. As we invest our time and skills in communities and organizations doing essential work, we collaborate in creating a lasting, positive impact with one project, one partnership and one shared vision at a time.
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Arcadia Historical Society
Archdiocese of Los Angeles
Brilliant Corners
Caine College of the Arts
Centro Civico Mexicano
Centro de la Familia
City of Arcadia
City of Carson
City of La Habra
City of La Mirada
City of Long Beach
City of Los Angeles
City of Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency
City of Los Angeles Department of World Airports
City of Matteson, Illinois
City of Montebello
City of San Fernando
City of South El Monte
County of Los Angeles
County of Los Angeles Department of Parks + Recreation
Diocese of Salt Lake City
East West Partners
Geffen Contemporary at MoCA
Gifted Music School
Hollywood Presbyterian Church
Hollywood Urban Project
Linc Housing
Los Angeles Unified School District
Madeleine Choir School
Mountain Recreation + Conservation Authority (MRCA)
Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (MoCA)
Museum of Fine Arts, Butte, Montana (MoFAB)
Numerous Private Custom Residential Clients
Park City Municipal Corporation
Ramada Suites Hotel
Rancho Simi Park District
Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake City
Salt Lake County
Santa Fe Springs Performing Arts Center
State of California
State of Utah
Sundance Institute / Sundance Film Festival
Town of Alta
United States Marine Corps
University of Utah
Utah Div. of Facilities Construction + Management (DFCM)
Utah Museum of Contemporary Art
Utah State University
Utah Symphony | Utah Opera
Utah Tech University
Vernal City
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
SPARANO + MOONEY ARCHITECTURE takes great pride in developing sustainable architecture – always. Whether a project pursues certification or not, we embed sustainable and passive design principles into our projects from the start so that socially and environmentally-responsible architecture is never an afterthought.
Through our research-based conceptual design approach, we carefully consider the context of each project’s site, heritage and surrounding landscape. This approach connects rigorous design principles with extraordinary clients, resulting in work that has been imbued with richness in detail and intent.
Our practice and our people have held sustainability as a core value since the firm’s foundation in 1997. We believe sustainability is a triple win: it’s good for people, good for business and good for our environment. As a baseline, our work carefully employs passive design and daylighting strategies; we strive to minimize environmental impact by carefully considering local materials as a method to conserve resources. While we regularly pursue net-zero energy performance and LEED certifications, we embed each project with these essential ideas. Achieving responsible and efficient designs requires working proactively and collaboratively with owners and builders to fully understand the impact of a project’s lifecycle. At a minimum, every project must ensure its occupants are both comfortable and inspired. We believe every project is an opportunity to elevate the built environment, strengthen communities and reinforce the relationship between architecture and nature.
Our formal Sustainable Design Action Plan outlines our methodology and foundational commitments: strengthening core design principles; and guiding our actions that in turn uphold our responsibility as stewards of both the built and natural environments. Our team is dedicated to making a meaningful contribution to this mission.