Nelson Hansen

Q: Where are you from?

Utah! Though my interests have taken me all over the world, the Rocky Mountains have always been home base. There’s something about the mix of desert heat and alpine snow that feels deeply centering to me.

Q: Where did you go to school?

You know what? I didn’t - at least not in the traditional sense. My path into architecture began as a teenager, when I lucked into architecture courses offered in partnership with a local university. I became obsessed almost immediately, consuming every bit of material I could find. After high school, I convinced a local firm to take me on as an apprentice, and I haven’t looked back since.

Q: Tell me about your family.

My mom and dad were the hippies of their generation and raised me in a home full of things like homegrown sourdough (excellent) and wheatgrass shots (less excellent). I have a number-crunching younger brother and an older sister with a very cute little family of her own. And as anyone with nieces or nephews knows, being an uncle is simply the best.

Q: What is the most interesting aspect of architecture to you?

I believe architecture is the most powerful design form in transforming people’s lives and our environment. I feel incredibly lucky to be part of a field that can so directly influence both daily life and the character of a community.

Q: What is the last show you binge watched?

The Pitt. It’s such a great love letter to humanity.

Q: Favorite Park City hidden gem?

I love the summer arts festival and weekend farmers market along Main Street in Park City. Closer to home in Salt Lake, I’d nominate the 15th and 15th neighborhood, ideally starting with a latte and morning bun from Tulie Bakery followed by a stroll through The King’s English bookstore.

Q: What are the top three things on your bucket list?

Travel EVERYWHERE, design and build my own home, and spend a chapter of life living abroad.

Q: What are five features you would include in your dream home?

It would be just big enough (small) with simple massing, clean lines, and materials that age beautifully. Ideally it would sit in a natural setting and include a quiet, light-filled studio and a wood-fired sauna down by the stream.

Q: Where are you most excited to travel next?

Scandinavia! The architecture and design culture there are hard to beat.