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In the DesignBuildUTAH@Bluff class, it’s not just about construction work. We value opportunities to experience the local landscape, culture, and history during our stay in Bluff. We primarily use weekends for what we call “sketch classes,” visiting various places and making experimental samples based on the inspiration we find.

In October, with the support of Monument Valley Safari, we participated in an in-depth tour of Monument Valley. This was especially meaningful as we are working directly in front of Monument Valley every day this year, making it a tour full of learning about the significance of this place. Thank you, Monument Valley Safari!

Read MoreMonument Valley tour!

During the fall semester, seven undergraduate students came to Bluff to participate in a one-week program. They camped in tents on campus during their stay. The first day was orientation, after which they immediately started making rammed earth wall samples for the project.

Read MoreFall break DesignBuildUTAH@BLuff class

We’ve officially reached the halfway point of this year’s project! The roofs are on both structures, and we recently held a “Topping Off Celebration” with the home-recipient families. It was a truly moving moment, sharing the joy of this milestone together under a brand-new roof.

So much has happened in the last six months. In this update, we want to introduce the incredible donors and volunteers who have supported our journey so far.

Read MoreA Toast! Our Mid-Project Celebration and the Circle of Support

Calling all DBU@B alumni—we need your voice!

We are supporting our friend Coline Madelaine, a French architect and researcher who is conducting Ph.D. research on the global impact of hands-on architectural education. Her work focuses specifically on the history and influence of our program!

Read MoreA Special Request for Our Alumni

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 best part? Working in front of the magnificent, ever-changing views of Monument Valley.

Read MoreProject Spotlight: “Kinform”

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 Reuse and Regenerative Design” workshop, designed to equip you with the knowledge and practical skills to transform your landscape using sustainable greywater reuse.

Read MoreDig In! Join Our Free Hands-On Greywater System Implementation & Planting Workshop

This summer, the DesignBuildUTAH@Bluff 2025 project has kicked off with great enthusiasm in the magnificent landscape of Monument Valley! The journey for 11 students began with a visit to the Studio 23 project (completed in 2010) and the planting of apple trees, supported by the Montezuma Orchard Restoration Project. After 15 years, the students inspected the building, which showed various signs of wear, and repaired what they could. They also had the valuable opportunity to hear firsthand accounts from residents who have lived there for 15 years.

Read MoreBuild Together in Monument Valley! DesignBuildUTAH@Bluff 2025 Project Kicks Off!

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 relationship between architecture, the environment, and humans continues to grow, the more we learn about nature’s mechanisms, the more amazed we are by its profound depth.

For the memorable first class, we welcomed special lecturer Reagan Wytsalucy to delve deep into “Soil Health.”

Read MoreFirst Permaculture Class: Starting with 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 a free, hands-on Soil Health Workshop, sponsored by the University of Utah and the Utah State University Extension, designed to equip you with practical knowledge and techniques.

Read MoreDig In! Join Our Free Workshop to Cultivate Healthier Soil

A Happy New Year!

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 success!

Read MoreAk’ei House Open House Success!