Building Nevada - February 2007

Architecture Extra

Brad Van Woert Embraces the Future of Architecture

by Jeanne Lauf Walpole

When Brad Van Woert joined the late Jack B. Sheehan to practice architecture in 1978, the Reno firm was barely three years old. From their first design project for the Reno Ace’s Hockey Ice Arena, the business has grown to become one of the largest, most successful and most award-winning architecture firms in Northern Nevada. Known today as Sheehan Van Woert Bigotti Architecture (SVWB), the business welcomed Angela Bigotti in 1992. Sheehan died in 2005.

Although he was not born in Nevada, Van Woert grew up in Sparks and left home to receive his degree in architecture from the University of Oregon in 1972. Van Woert has spent the bulk of his career at SVWB. For more than 30 years, he has designed hundreds of projects ranging from small remodels to large, multi-million dollar developments.

Van Woert’s designs are characterized by their bold form and functional interpretation. Notable projects include the Sparks Main Fire Station in Sparks, the Brian J. Whalen Parking Garage at the University of Nevada, Reno and the Loyalton Library & Children & Families Services Center in Loyalton, Calif. His skill at embracing new age technologies is especially prominent in his current project of designing the Computational Research and Visualization Building for the Desert Research Institute in Reno. SVWB was honored this year with five awards at the Inaugural Northern Nevada Architecture Design Awards presented by Northern Nevada AIA and Reno Magazine. Buildings that were recognized include the Truckee Meadows Community College New Student Center, Holy Cross Catholic Community Church and Scott Meek & Son Concrete Company Office.

After Sheehan’s death, Van Woert became CEO of the company and assumed a more business-oriented role. At age 57, however, his creative juices are still flowing, especially as co-founder of the Black Rock Design Institute. Created to stimulate interest in the future of architecture, the institute sponsors speakers and seminars as continuing education on a regular basis. “I see a long productive life still ahead, practicing architecture, but in a different way,” he said.

Jeanne Lauf Walpole
Jeanne Lauf Walpole is a freelance writer based in Northern Nevada.