Our Unique Approach
Jacoby Architects is an award winning architecture firm that focuses on creating one-of-a-kind projects. Our passion, our custom approach, and our relentless care generate highly innovative designs and unparalleled client service; a service that has been described by clients as feeling like a part of our family. Every project that we tackle gets the attention of our entire firm as we look for opportunity in every square inch to make it the next, most special project we have completed.


Our Philosophy
Our philosophy is built upon listening. Clients like us because we are friendly, attentive, and put simply – we just care more! When we leave our egos at the door, it allows us to create designs that are entirely appropriate for the client, for the building, and for the site. We never try to force a style or a look; because if you’re not excited, then we’re not excited.
A Meaningful Process
Joe Jacoby
Optimist, visionary, leader—these are just a few of our favorite things about Joe. Owner of Jacoby Architects, he earned his Bachelor and Master of Architecture from UC Berkeley. Well-traveled, Joe spent a few years practicing architecture in San Francisco and London. Always sketching and creating in the office, Joe looks for every opportunity to make spaces interesting. Driving the conceptual foundation of our projects, from imagination to construction, he seeks to find the wow factor in each of our clients’ unique lists of spaces and programs. Inspired by the mountains and deserts of Utah, his designs complement the site while providing for the needs of the building’s occupants. One to dislike “can’t”, Joe can provide you with the stunning and functional building you’re looking for.
Kraig Wilkes
As a northern Utah native growing up in a small town, Kraig attained an early appreciation for the beauty of nature and the importance of sustainability. With a family of close-knit DIYers, he became well-versed in the creative process and in the critical role that teamwork can play in accomplishing a common goal. Kraig discovered Jacoby Architects while earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in architecture from the University of Utah. Now as a Principal, Kraig is often the right-hand man and go-to guy of the office. His patience, good-natured attitude, care, and expertise translate to complete quality in the buildings he skillfully designs.
Khue Ho
Khue joins our team all the way from Vietnam. With an M.A. degree in Interior Design from Sheffield Hallam University, Khue’s breadth of knowledge, based on her experiences working in the interior design world of Vietnam, has become a valuable resource for our entire firm. Her design work is characterized by empathy and awareness, the same traits she displays in her interpersonal communications. Khue not only works incredibly hard but plays hard too. She enjoys traveling, and while Europe has been her favorite destination to date, she’s looking forward next to exploring the various regions of Peru.
Cesar Robles
Eric Jacoby
Ever the kinetic learner, Eric loves figuring out how things work and how they’re built. He is also inspired by visuals, explaining the wanderlust which has driven him to sketch old buildings across the globe. However, sketching hasn’t been his only international pursuit. After earning his bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of Utah and his Master of Architecture from UC Berkeley, Eric spent two years working as an architect in San Francisco followed by three years in the busy hubs of Amsterdam, London, and Edinburgh, and the next 10+ years working here at Jacoby Architects. Pursuing his hands-on design roots, Eric also recently launched a separate product design company offering elegant and exciting pieces.
Robert Jacoby
After earning his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Idaho, Masters of Architecture from the University of Utah, and obtaining a professional license, Robert founded the firm back in 1976. Robert continues to offer hands-on guidance and wisdom cultivated from an illustrious 55+ year career in the field of architecture. While Robert now has more time to devote to his other passions including jewelry making, silversmithing, cabinetmaking, welding, painting, sketching, and landscaping (just to name a paltry few), he still maintains a strong passion for both the field of architecture and the company he originally founded.
Sanae Adams
Sanae joins our team from Japan, merging thoughtful modern design with a keen sense of organization. Her passion is carefully orchestrating the experience of place and proportion to create a positive impact. She first studied Law in Japan, for which she received a bachelors degree. Then making the journey to Utah to study architecture, receiving a Masters in Architecture at the University of Utah, she is now a permanent resident of Utah.
Amy Jacoby
Amy’s colorful work adventures have taken her across the world; spending a year in China to teach English to children, to a temp agency in New Zealand, to a psych tech at a local farm teaching Equine Therapy, to a psych tech at the UofU psych ward, to an active real estate agent, and now keeping our accounts on track here at Jacoby Architects. Amy’ personal motto is “Be Nice,” a simple statement that anyone in her presence senses immediately. As a member of the next generation of Jacoby’s here, we aren’t kidding when we say we are a family business.
Alina Kowalczyk
Native to Poland, Alina discovered her love for art and architecture. In her free time, she spends time traveling to new places, observing new trends in architecture, sketching and painting. After moving to Utah, Alina acquired a position in an architectural firm in her first year of college, and has been actively practicing architecture since. Over the last 14 years, Alina has been involved in designing a variety of projects that include educational, public, hospitality and multi-family developments. She is adept at working with the client on design solutions that align with aesthetic and practical expectations.
Green Initiative
We are on a constant quest for more eco-friendly designs. We are experienced with achieving all levels of LEED certification, the State of Utah High Performance Building Standard, and the integration of cost-effective, energy-saving strategies into our projects. For example, the Marriott Honors Residential Scholars Community on the University of Utah Campus is LEED Gold and performs 30% better than required by code. This translates to a savings of over $20,000 per year in utilities alone.
Even our projects that do not require a LEED certification or compliance with energy standards, as best practice, include proper building orientation; natural daylighting and ventilation; well-insulated envelopes; building materials that are recycled, low embodied, and low emitting; and high-efficiency fixtures and equipment.

Awards | Honors
2021 Honor Award, Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind Elizabeth Delong School, AIA Western Mountain Region
2020 Project of the year K-12, Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind Elizabeth Delong School, Association of General Contractors of Utah
2020 Most Outstanding: Community Impact, Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind Elizabeth Delong School, Utah Construction & Design
2020 Merit Award, Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind Elizabeth Delong School, AIA Utah
2019 Excellence in Construction, Higher Education Over $5 Million, USU Sorenson Legacy Foundation Center for Clinical Excellence, ABC Utah
2019 Merit Award, Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind Openshaw Education Center, Utah Masonry Council
2018 LEED Gold Certification, Sorenson Legacy Foundation Center for Clinical Excellence, U.S. Green Building Council
2018 Most Outstanding: Publisher’s Pick, Utah State University Sorenson Legacy Foundation Center for Clinical Excellence, Utah Construction & Design
2018 Higher Education / Research Merit Award, Sorenson Legacy Foundation Center for Clinical Excellence, ENR Regional Best Projects
2018 Interior Division Winner, Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, Vanceva World of Color Awards
2017 Honor Award, Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind Openshaw Education Center, AIA Utah
2016 Project of the year.k-12, C. Mark Openshaw School for the Deaf & Blind, Salt Lake Center Association of General Contractors of Utah
2016 Most Outstanding Higher Education Award., Utah State University Brigham City Regional Campus, Utah Construction and Design
2016 Most Outstanding K-12 project.C. Mark Openshaw School for the Deaf & Blind. Utah Construction and Design
2016 LEED Gold Certification.Utah State University, Brigham City Regional Campus .U.S. Green Building Council
2015 Outstanding Architect of The Year. Associated General Contractors of Utah
2015 Merit Design Award, University of Utah Guest House Utah Masonry Council
2015 Merit Design Award, University Of Utah Honors HouseUtah Masonry Council
2015 Best of Show ,Utah State University Brigham City Regional Campus, Utah Masonry Council
2015 Winner, USU Brigham City Campus, ABC Excellence in Construction, Commercial over $10million
2014 Merit Design Award, BYU Monte L Bean Museum, Utah Masonry council
2014 Outstanding Architect of the Year, Association of General Contractors of Utah
2013 Best of State – Public Preschool, Utah State University, Emma Eccles Jones Early Childhood Education and Research Center
2013 LEED Gold certification. University of Utah Honors BuildingU.S. Green Building Council
2012 Honorable Mention, University of Utah Guesthouse, ABC Excellence in Construction Award, (Commercial over $5 million)
2010 Best of show, Utah State University, Emma Eccles Jones Early Childhood Education and Research CenterThe Utah Masonry Council
2010 Partnership Award.Utah State University
2007 Best Mid-Mountain Lodge.Watson Shelter, Alta Ski Resort.Utah State University
General
Best Ski Hotel in Utah, Rustler Lodge, Usa Today
The Most Luxurious in Alta, Rustler Lodge, Washington Post
#1 Ski Lodge in Alta, Rustler Lodge, Trip Advisor, 2010-2015 Hall of Fame