Blog
Field notes from Bluff — mud, timber, and the people who show up.
The 2026 Season Kicks Off in Bluff!
On May 16th, the new season of DesignBuildUTAH@Bluff officially began — and we started it in a way you might not expect: with radio calisthenics (rajio taisō)! ...
Fall Volunteers, Welcome! Public Design Presentation on July 31
After five rounds of research and lively debate during the design period, we're getting ready to move into the construction phase this fall!
News from Japan: Hands-on Exploration in Traditional Japan (Part 1)
This summer, the University of Utah launched its new study program, "Hands-on Exploration in Traditional Japan," held right here in Japan. From Hiroko's perspec...
Event invitation: Hands-on “Zero Waste” weekend in Bluff (March 2026)
Forge, Build, Return: A Sustainable Design Retreat
Hands-on Japan trip in summer 2026: now enrolling by Feb 15!
Join DesignBuildUTAH@Bluff Co-Director Hiroko for an architectural journey from Tokyo to Wajima. Open to students, alumni, and the general public (18+), this co...
Completion of “Kinform – K’é éí hólǫ́” house
We are honored to reveal the newest residential project from 2025 DBU@Bluff. This year, 11 students dedicated two semesters (design in the summer and constructi...
Coming up !
In the final push of December, we will proceed with the cabinet installation, which student Tom has been preparing since summer. The interior will move on to pa...
Project update
Thank you to the families and friends of the current students for coming to the site to support us. We appreciate your cooperation as strong supporters of each ...
The Secret Ingredient: A Huge Thank You to Our Incredible Community!
Hey everyone!
Monument Valley tour!
In the DesignBuildUTAH@Bluff class, it’s not just about construction work. We value opportunities to experience the local landscape, culture, and history during...
Project Spotlight: “Kinform”
We are thrilled to be working on “Kinform,” a unique two-building residence designed to connect a family’s existing trailer with a beautiful new structure. The ...
Dig In! Join Our Free Hands-On Greywater System Implementation & Planting Workshop
Are you ready to learn how to create a thriving, water-wise garden right at home? DesignBuildUTAH is excited to announce our upcoming “Living Systems: Greywater...
Build Together in Monument Valley! DesignBuildUTAH@Bluff 2025 Project Kicks Off!
This summer, the DesignBuildUTAH@Bluff 2025 project has kicked off with great enthusiasm in the magnificent landscape of Monument Valley! The journey for 11 stu...
First Permaculture Class: Starting with Soil
A new breeze has begun to blow across the Bluff campus! Our long-held interest, the Permaculture class, has finally started. As the importance of the relationsh...
Dig In! Join Our Free Workshop to Cultivate Healthier Soil
Are you passionate about gardening, farming, or simply making our local environment more sustainable? Healthy soil is the foundation of it all! We invite you to...
Ak’ei House Open House Success!
Happy New Year, everyone! I hope this year brings you all the best. I have some great news to share today. The Design Build Bluff Ak’ei House open house was a s...
Our 20th Anniversary event
We are excited to share with you the incredible highlights and unforgettable moments from our 20th Anniversary event. Thank you for being a part of this journey...
Screen Dance | 2021 student’s final video project
A final video project by Anna Karczewsa, a 2021 student.
Design Build Bluff | This Is Utah by PBC Utah
For Four peaks project