Stella Coble
Q: Where are you from?
I’m from Nashville, Tennessee.
Q: Where did you go to school?
I did my undergraduate degree at the University of Colorado in Boulder and my master's at the University of Texas in Austin.
Q: Tell me about your family.
My parents are Nashvillians through and through-- both were raised in the city, along with two of my four grandparents. This made for tons of family around when I was growing up. My brother is currently at CU Boulder (Sko Buffs!), and my older sister is here in Salt Lake City with her adventurous husband and a new baby. I am stoked to have a little niece!
Q: What is the most interesting aspect of architecture to you?
I think the most interesting thing about architecture is its connection to history—how buildings change over time and connect people across generations. In undergrad, I wrote my thesis about the Palazzo della Civiltà in Rome, built for the 1942 World's Fair. Mussolini wanted an icon of his empire, but the start of WWII meant it never was used for its purpose. For decades it was vacant but during that time it became a backdrop for many films. Recently it has become Fendi's headquarters. I'm fascinated by structures like this one that have several iterations. I also love that we get to see ideas built in real life. Seeing a design become a physical space is incredibly rewarding.
Q: What is the last show you binge watched?
Oof. This is embarrassing because I haven’t been watching much TV recently. I just started The Studio and am occasionally rewatching episodes of Sex and the City.
Q: Favorite Park City hidden gem?
Shows at The Egyptian, hiking to Bloods Lake, mountain biking the WOW trail, and grabbing a fancy drink at Stein Eriksen mid-ski day. Around Utah: I love exploring the San Rafael Swell—I recently hiked to the Cosmic Ashtray and it was unreal. Hells Backbone Grill and Capitol Burger are must-tries in the region (although they aren’t so hidden). Mountain-wise: All of the ski resorts are great, but Alta wins in my book. It has the best wildflower hikes in the summer and the best snow in the winter! Hiking up Catherine’s Pass that connects Alta to Brighton is stunning. Plus, a porch hang at the Goldminer’s Daughter is a classic. In Salt Lake City: The Pearl for drinks, Central Ninth for sandwiches, Tulie Bakery for pastries, Takashi for The Box Roll. Worth the drive: High West Distillery in Wanship or the Owl Bar at Sundance
Q: What are the top three things on your bucket list?
There are tons of places I want to go but I’ve especially been thinking about backpacking in the Dolomites, rafting the Grand Canyon, and skiing at Portillo in Chile.
Q: What are five features you would include in your dream home?
This is a tough one! A sweet porch or patio for dining and hanging out outside; great mountain views through well placed windows and skylights; a cozy den with a fireplace and space for all of my books; a comfortable kitchen with an island for entertaining; and a garage for skis, bikes, paddleboards, and future gear—right now my bikes live in my kitchen! A sauna and hot tub would be welcome additions too. And I would love to have wood paneled rooms maybe even some plywood-- think Sea Ranch meets mountain cabin. That’s certainly more than five...
Q: Where are you most excited to travel next?
In December, I’m visiting my brother who is studying in South America. We are planning to hike the W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park. I've been wanting to go there for years. It looks incredible!
