Architecture, at its core, is the art of shaping spaces and experiences, and for Jim Poloncic, Senior Project Manager at Think Architecture, it all began with a set of Lincoln Logs. “I played with Lincoln Logs as a kid, pulling one out of Frank Lloyd Wright’s playbook,” he recalls. This early fascination grew into a passion that has guided his career, influencing his design approach and professional journey.
A Holistic Approach to Design
While Jim humbly downplays being an “expert,” he reveals a deep-seated love for design that spans the full spectrum from the macro to the micro. “In my mind, it’s the whole process,” he explains. “When I get a project, I try to think of its regional aspects – considering the unique characteristics of areas like Park City, the valley, or Southern Utah.”
Jim’s approach often involves translating abstract regional elements into tangible design features. For example, while working on the Taylor’s Boat project off I-15 and Bangerter Highway, he envisioned the building as a submarine surfacing. “Some of those components make it into the final design, others are adapted along the way, but that process is key to how I create,” he notes.
Influences and Inspirations
Jim draws significant inspiration from the modern architectural movement, noting that “several architects have influenced my work.” Among them are Steven Holl, Tadao Ando, Thom Mayne of Morphosis, and Antoine Predock, each bringing a unique perspective to the field. Holl is known for his use of simple geometric forms, Ando for his innovative work with concrete, light, and texture, Mayne for his bold, avant-garde designs, and Predock for his strong regional and cultural connections. Jim credits these architects with shaping his own approach to design.
Fostering Meaningful Client Partnerships
For Jim, successful client partnerships are rooted in education and engagement. “Many clients will only build one building in their lifetime, and many don’t fully understand what architects do,” he says. His approach involves demystifying the architectural process, guiding clients through design and construction, and helping them develop enthusiasm for the project.
Recalling his experience with the Park City Fire Station, Jim explains, “Even with the inevitable setbacks, the client enjoyed the process and started to see the art in it.” He strives to make clients feel comfortable, framing challenges as natural parts of the journey rather than negatives. “It’s really enjoyable when the client develops that energy about the project,” he adds.
Finding Joy in the Design Process
Jim finds the design process most rewarding when he reaches what he calls the “aha” moment. “It’s that moment when you’ve wrestled with an idea, and then, through serendipity or hard work, you solve it,” he explains. These moments can come easily or require intense effort, but they are always satisfying. “Whether it’s a detail or a broader program aspect, resolving it is what makes the process truly fulfilling,” he shares.
Embracing Local Influences
Utah’s unique landscape has a profound influence on Jim’s design philosophy. “Utah’s topography is incredibly diverse—mountainous, desert, even prehistoric with a history tied to Lake Bonneville,” he observes. This rich geographical and geological tapestry offers endless inspiration. One example he shares is a concession stand at the Ogden Raptors baseball field, where the concessions building was designed to resemble a whale’s flipper fin, a subtle nod to the ancient lake that once covered much of Utah. “I didn’t tell anyone—it was just part of my process,” Jim says, underscoring his commitment to embedding local character into his designs.
A Passion Beyond Architecture
If he weren’t an architect, Jim imagines he might have pursued a career in the aeronautical industry or automotive industry as a designer—or even become a race car driver. “There’s a lot of crossover in design thinking, whether it’s boats, cars, or buildings,” he reflects.
Through his thoughtful approach to design, deep appreciation for local context, and dedication to client engagement, Jim Poloncic embodies the creative spirit of Think Architecture, turning spaces into stories and challenges into opportunities for innovation.