National Parks Work
North Rim AZ + Yosemite CA
Location
Stay, Gather + Culture
Project type
Architect,
Master Planning
+ Programming
Role
National Parks Workforce & Visitor Facilities
This collective body of work for the U.S. National Park Service addresses both visitor-facing amenities and essential workforce housing within some of the country’s most remote and environmentally sensitive landscapes. Projects include the renovation of the Grand Canyon North Rim Visitor Center, the adaptive reuse of a historic log building as a camper store, a new modular workforce housing campus at the North Rim, and dormitory-style workforce housing for Yosemite National Park—each shaped by extreme climate, logistical constraints, and a deep respect for place.
Challenge
Designing within national parks presents a unique set of challenges: short construction seasons, limited site access, strict environmental protections, and the need for durable, low-maintenance buildings that can withstand harsh climates while blending seamlessly into iconic natural settings. At the Grand Canyon North Rim, heavy snowfall, isolation, and limited access demanded construction strategies that minimized on-site labor and disruption. Renovating historic structures—such as the existing log building repurposed as a camper store—required careful stewardship to preserve character while improving functionality. At Yosemite, the need for efficient, high-density workforce housing had to be balanced with comfort, longevity, and sensitivity to the surrounding landscape.
Solution
At the Grand Canyon North Rim, the Visitor Center renovation focused on improving functionality, circulation clarity, and durability while reinforcing the building’s connection to its dramatic setting. The adjacent camper store was thoughtfully adapted from an existing historic log structure, preserving its rustic character while upgrading systems and interiors to support modern visitor use. A new workforce housing campus was designed using modular units fabricated off-site and assembled during the narrow construction window, allowing for speed, precision, and reduced environmental impact. At Yosemite, a dormitory-style workforce housing solution prioritized efficient layouts, shared amenities, and robust building systems to support seasonal staff while fostering a sense of community.
Materials + Craft
Material strategies emphasized resilience, constructability, and contextual sensitivity. Historic log construction at the North Rim was carefully repaired and supplemented with discreet modern interventions, allowing the camper store to retain its authenticity while meeting contemporary performance needs. Prefabricated modular systems were paired with durable exterior materials selected for extreme weather exposure, long service life, and minimal maintenance. Across all projects, craft was expressed through restraint, durability, and logistical precision—supporting the National Park Service’s mission while allowing the natural landscape to remain the primary focus.
