From an early age, Lars was drawn to architecture. His favorite childhood pastimes included sketching, building forts and playing with building blocks. These interests fostered his creativity and set the path that he would follow the rest of this life. At the age of eight he declared his intention to become an architect. For his Eagle Scout project he designed and oversaw the construction of a pedestrian bridge across a waterway that separated a local neighborhood from an adjacent elementary school.
A period of church service took Lars to Italy where was able to see some of the most important architectural works ever created. The awe and wonderment that he experienced would transform his perceptions of what buildings could be and increased his passion for design.
In 1992, Lars had his first opportunity to work in the field of architecture while attending Boise State University in the Pre-Architecture Program. During this time, Lars learned that construction drawings can be beautiful as well as technically sound. Drafting by hand with ink placed a premium on accuracy and efficiency.
In 1995, Lars was one of 45 students accepted into the Professional Program of Architecture at the University of Idaho. The world of Architecture was fully revealed to him during this intensive period of study and work. He devoured all that was offered and spent endless hours exploring the philosophies and works of the great architects of history and our time.
Lars received numerous awards and scholarships as a result of his approach to his studies including winning national and regional design competitions. He was made a member of the Tau Sigma Delta Architectural Honor Society and was awarded the American Institute of Architects Gold Medal for Excellence in the study of Architecture. He graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture in 1998.
Before graduation, Lars secured a position with Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Architects in their Portland, Oregon office. While at ZGF, he was privileged to make contributions to a number of notable projects, including the $400 million Clinical Research Center of the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, the Portland, Oregon, Airport Expansion and the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.
In 2000, Lars was hired by CSHQA Architects in Boise, Idaho, to act as a creative engine for the Boise Airport New Terminal Building project. His design work can be seen throughout the interior of the airport on the floors, ceilings and walls as well as many of the exterior design elements. Other projects that he designed in part or in whole are included the areas of law enforcement, education, retail, and housing.
An opportunity to work in the development community was presented in 2003 when one of the larger residential land developers in the Treasure Valley made the decision to start a residential construction company. Lars held the title of Executive Vice President with general management duties in addition to product development and sales. He was also involved in land planning activities for a number of neighborhood developments. In just three years, sales reached over 250 homes per year.
In 2007, Lars joined Brighton Corporation to develop and implement new strategies in residential development and product design to address the evolving marketplace. Specifically, his duties with Brighton Homes include market research and analysis, product development and prototyping, and Sales and Marketing. His measured approach and unique understanding of the residential markets have led to continued success in challenging times. As Brighton Corporation moves into the future, Lars will be instrumental to the quality of future developments as an integrated land planning and product development approach is pursued by Brighton Corporation.
Lars resides in Meridian with his wife, April, their son Zachary and two Italian greyhounds. He has a wide range of interests including golf, travel and history.
