With two Las Vegas natives at the helm, JVC Architects has devoted itself to preserving the other side of the city – the community that exists outside of the Strip. The company prides itself on architecture that enhances the surrounding environment and adds value to the community, particularly cost-efficient religious buildings.
JVC Architects’ roots are anchored in religious architecture. The firm was born 16 years ago when founder James Van Compernolle teamed up with Phoenix-based architecture firm CCBG to design St. Joseph, Husband of Mary Catholic Church in Las Vegas. The 40,000-square-foot project involved the master-planning, design and construction of a sanctuary, large recreation room, offices and meeting rooms. JVC Architects was involved in this three-phase project until its completion in 2000, nine years after it began.
The goal with all the company’s religious projects is to create environmentally-responsible designs that meet the immediate and future needs of the churches and their congregations.
JVC Architects’ design process, special sensitivity to religious projects and emphasis on sustainable principles has remained in the forefront of the firm’s work since its inception. It has proven to be a successful approach as repeat and long-term business is commonplace and the backbone of the firm’s client list. Since 1991, JVC Architects has always had a project under contract with the Catholic Diocese of Las Vegas.
While JVC Architects does not solely specialize in religious architecture, places of worship have remained constant on the firm’s project list. Recently, JVC Architects completed Sacred Heart Church in Ely. The firm designed a main nave – or central approach to the altar – and a small chapel for the 10,000-square-foot church, while incorporating several green building features.
The local parish had the money to build a nice facility due to generous donations, but could not justify the capital required for costly upkeep. By implementing sustainable design principles, including a special heat pump and insulated glass, JVC Architects was able to create an energy-efficient facility that requires less money to maintain. JVC Architects’ approach toward handling the client’s unique concerns, coupled with the project’s contemporary design, resulted in a Best of 2006 Award in Green Building from Southwest Contractor magazine.
Currently, JVC Architects is working on a multitude of Nevada churches in different phases of design and construction. These include Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, South Hills Church Community, St. Bridget Catholic Church, Faith African Methodist Evangelical, Northgate Christian Church and the Salvation Army Chapel. Together, the religious facilities total more than 300,000 square feet of space.
With Nevada’s growing population and increased demand for places of worship to accommodate larger
congregations, JVC Architects will continue to play an integral role in providing aesthetically-pleasing, socially-responsible and functional community designs to Nevada and the greater Southwest region.