Barry Sivertson has always been curious about how things work. Long before architecture became his profession, he found himself paying attention to how machines fit together, how buildings stand up, and why certain spaces feel solid and right. That curiosity still drives his work today, and it shows in the care he brings to every project.
Learning from Nature
Nature is Barry’s most consistent source of inspiration. He’s fascinated by the geometry found in natural systems and the way air, water, and light shape our experience of a place. Those elements influence how he thinks about structure and how people move through a space. He’s especially drawn to buildings that feel connected to the earth, places where that relationship is felt rather than forced.
Sustainability, Simply Put
For Barry, sustainable design is practical and intuitive. It means creating spaces that are efficient to build and comfortable to live in, spaces that are easy to heat, cool, and care for over time. Growing up in Minnesota left a strong impression. Cold winters spent sitting in warm sunlight and summers cooled by shade and breeze taught him how powerful simple design decisions can be. He believes the natural world already offers solutions and that good architecture thoughtfully utilizes them.
Designing Through Connection
Connection sits at the center of Barry’s design philosophy. He approaches every project by asking how a space should feel and what it needs to support. How does it connect to memory and emotion? How does it serve its purpose? How does it relate structurally and to the world outside? Whether it’s the flow between rooms or the way a building supports community, Barry is always looking for the relationships that make a space feel complete.
Collaboration That Matters
Barry enjoys the collaborative environment at Think Architecture, where conversations about design and structure are encouraged. He values working with architects who are open to exploring ideas together and appreciates being part of a team where his perspective is welcomed. That same mindset shapes how he works with clients. He believes the most successful partnerships start with genuine curiosity about what matters to the people involved. When trust is present and priorities are shared, good design naturally follows.
Designing for Utah
Utah’s climate is always part of Barry’s thinking. High altitude, dry conditions, and abundant sunshine require careful attention to insulation, shading, and solar exposure. At the same time, Utah’s landscapes offer incredible views that deserve to be framed and enjoyed. Barry enjoys balancing protection from the elements with opportunities to connect buildings to their surroundings, especially when energy efficiency is a goal.
Looking Ahead
Barry is excited about innovations that reduce energy use by working with natural systems, including advancements in thermal heat pumps and similar technologies. As communities continue to grow and available space becomes more limited, he sees a growing need to protect access to outdoor areas. Places where people can walk, touch grass, and reconnect with the outside world will only become more important.
Life Beyond the Studio
Outside of work, Barry enjoys photography, hiking, and woodworking. He often finds inspiration by visiting buildings, spending time inside them, and paying attention to how they feel. Reading also plays a role in his creative life, helping him explore deeper connections between people, place, and time. If architecture hadn’t been the path, Barry imagines he might have become an elementary school teacher, a role rooted in curiosity, learning, and connection.
