Blending the Old with the New
by Aimee L. Cook
Jean-Yves Lacroix has been in the design industry for over 30 years, founding his own architecture company, Lacroix Design, in 1998. Blending the old with the new, he is a true innovator in the modern world of architecture.
Having a hands-on approach comes naturally to Jean-Yves. He studied carpentry and architecture in Switzerland, following the path of the construction family business. His father, Daniel Lacroix, was also the co-founder of the Lacroix Ski Company, a manufacturer of high-end, custom-built skis. Jean-Yves honed his skills and developed his design style in France during this time.
Jean-Yves moved to Utah in 1989 and worked for a few architecture firms before starting his own.
“I strive to design very efficiently—no wasted space. That is how I learned in Europe,” Jean-Yves states. “My clients are my inspiration. I learn what I can about their personalities and translate that into the designs.”
“My clients are my inspiration. I learn what I can about their personalities and translate that into the designs.”
–Jean-Yves Lacroix, Lacroix Design
You can spot a Lacroix Design project fairly easily. Specializing in high-end residential, there are a lot of details to include throughout the process, and Jean-Yves approaches them all logically. He uses clean lines and incorporates metal, wood, and glass to create luxurious homes that effortlessly blend an industrial feel with warm mountain vibes.
His youngest daughter, Ines, is following in her father’s footsteps and is currently studying architecture at the University of Utah. “She loves design and photography. I cannot wait to have her join me on future projects,” Jean-Yves says.
Preston Campbell, a builder for Go West Development, has worked on many home-build projects over the past 15 years with Lacroix Design. He praises Jean-Yves’ ability to listen to clients as a unique characteristic that sets him apart from other architects. As a result, every one of his homes is unique and tailored perfectly to suit his clients’ specific needs.
“There is a lot of the same old, same old in Park City, and I feel like Jean-Yves really breaks that mold. He brings that European flare—there is a real fresh energy that he has.”
–Preston Campbell, Builder, Go West Development
“There is a lot of the same old, same old in Park City, and I feel like Jean-Yves really breaks that mold,” Campbell says. “He brings that European flare—there is a real fresh energy that he has. Jean-Yves figures out ways to use every inch of space that others would ignore. His plans are greatly detailed; Jean-Yves creates the 3D design very early in the process, allowing the homeowner and builder to see the potential of the space.”
In addition to Campbell, Jean-Yves has cultivated meaningful work relationships over the years with many builders such as Paul Berman (Big Canyon Homes), Todd Evans (Blackdog Builders), Murray and Felicity Gardner (Gardner Group). Jean-Yves also enjoys designing smaller homes and homes that are eco-friendly. He is always up for new challenges, pushing the boundaries of what can be done with design and spaces. Jean-Yves intends to do more of these types of designs in the future.
