grand-teton-discovery-and-visitor-center

A sense of place

"Oh, it's perfect."

That's what I said when we pulled up to the Grand Teton Discovery and Visitor Center in Moose, Wyoming.

Having just driven through an alpine valley presided over by the most starkly beautiful mountains I had ever seen, the Teton Range, I was not expecting to be wowed by a building. But, I was.

Grand Teton Mountains

The Teton Range, Photo by Jairph

The visitor center, designed by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, fits. With its jagged, upturned roofline and tall asymmetrical windows, it's right for this dramatic landscape. And, it's perfectly suited to its purpose, introducing us to the wonders of the Teton Mountains.

Craig Thomas visitor center in Grand Teton National Park at Moose, Wyoming, USA, Photo by Acroterion

How do we capture the sense of a place in design - be it architecture or interior design?

We must forget for a moment about materials, plans, and even people. We must absorb the essence of the place. Then, we must work to give form to that essence.

(More photos, sketches, and plans here: https://www.bcj.com/projects/grand-teton-discovery-and-visitor-center)

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About the author

She didn't know it, but Jackie Lopey's days as an advertising executive were numbered when she bought and renovated a 1950's bungalow. She soon went back to school and started her own design studio. Jackie is an award-winning, California certified interior designer and the founder of Wide Canvas.

As a California Certified Interior Designer, Jackie Lopey is qualified to plan, design, and document nonstructural, non-seismic interior work—including space planning, finish and fixture specifications, and interior construction documents suitable for permit submittal by clients and their licensed design professionals—within existing buildings in the state. Her services include programming client needs, developing code‑aware layouts, preparing detailed interior drawings and specifications for licensed contractors, and guiding the installation of finishes and furnishings.

In Nevada, Wide Canvas provides design consulting focused on selections and visualizations, helping you choose cabinetry, surfaces, fixtures, furnishings, and finishes that fit your style and budget. The team develops clear concept layouts, mood boards, and 3D views to communicate design intent, and then collaborates with licensed design and construction professionals so they can translate those ideas into compliant plans and a successful build.