In contrast to traditional religious institutional design, a cutting edge architecture of “impermanence,” developed in phases utilizes fabric, simple materials, and inexpensive structural systems including decomposed granite and xeriscape, multiple pre-engineered metal structures, printed vinyl graphics and banners, fabric, and EIFS, this creative thematic approach of drawing inspiration from the ancient Israelite “moving tabernacle/tent” for the 1000 seat interim Phase One worship center led to a solution which met the project’s extremely constrained budget of under $5 million for site and building construction costs. In fact, the 8,000 square foot student ministries building was constructed for $54.23 per square foot. The phase one campus consists of three buildings totaling 41,00sf. The site plan will facilitate the development of a 2500 seat worship center, associated ministry facilities, as well as potential mixed use/commercial venues. This church’s weekend attendance increased by 62% (to 1,700) on opening Sunday. Gene Appel, the campus pastor of one of America’s largest churches ( Willow Creek Community Church) stated that “I’ve never seen a new church have such a well planned creative facility in its first phase of building. It’s a highly functional people magnet and ministry center.

AIA Nevada Design Awards (2006) Entry No. B06027, Submission.
UNLV Architecture Studies Library holds: Form Core Boards, Project Identification Form, Photo Release Form, Intern Compensation Disclaimer Form, Project Entry Form, Exteriors Photos, Site Plan, Floor Plans, Interior Photos and CD