Landmark project recognized for exemplary historic restoration and design excellence
SALT LAKE CITY and MESA, Ariz. (March 23, 2026) — GSBS Architects announced that its renovation of the Mesa Arizona Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has received a prestigious Honor Award for Religious Architecture: Restoration from the 2026 Faith & Form International Awards for Religious Architecture & Art.
Presented by Partners for Sacred Places and the American Institute of Architects’ Interfaith Design knowledge community, the Faith and Form Awards program recognizes the world’s best work in religious architecture, design, and art. This year’s program included 75 entries from nine countries—12 projects received awards.
The Mesa Temple project was recognized for what jurors described as a “truly comprehensive restoration,” highlighting the team’s careful study of the building’s architecture, materials, and craftsmanship, alongside thoughtful integration of modern systems. (Read juror’s comments and see project photos here.)
Restoring a Landmark to Its Original Vision
Originally completed in 1927, the Mesa Arizona Temple is one of the earliest Latter-day Saint temples built outside of Utah. Its striking Neoclassical/Beaux-Arts character makes it an iconic landmark in the Southwest. Renovations over the past century, though, altered aspects of its original design.
GSBS Architects led a comprehensive renovation to return the temple to its original architectural intent while ensuring it meets contemporary needs.
“This project was about more than renovation–it was about rediscovery,” said Travis Shepperd, Historical Architect and principal with GSBS Architects and project lead for the building’s exterior renovation. “By combining historical research with modern tools and craftsmanship, we renovated the Temple to meet contemporary needs while preserving its original design language and aesthetic.”
Craft, Technology, & Diligence
The award-winning project unites historic preservation with modern performance through a series of precise, high impact renovations:
- Restored or re-created exterior architectural features using archival research to identify the original supplier of the terra-cotta ornamentation.
- Located and harvested remnant stone from near the original quarry, long buried by an earthquake, to match the interior marble wainscoting.
- Engaged skilled artisans to restore or re-create ornamental plaster, stonework, tile, fabrics, carpets, furniture, and period lighting.
- Upgraded building systems to improve efficiency, resilience, life safety, and patron comfort.
- Enhanced circulation and accessibility throughout, including an innovative custom lift system that blends inconspicuously with the historical interior.
- Restored the temple grounds to their original Beaux-Arts symmetry.
“The Mesa Temple has deep meaning for generations of people, both those who are Church members and those who aren’t,” said Stephanie DeMott, GSBS Architects Principal and lead for the building’s interior renovation. “This project honors that legacy and ensures the temple can continue to serve the community for decades to come.”
Every decision prioritized authenticity, craftsmanship, and continuity, preserving original materials wherever possible while reinstating lost features with meticulous detail.
A Collaborative Effort Rooted in Stewardship
The renovation reflects close collaboration among GSBS Architects, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and a multidisciplinary team of engineers, landscape architects, historians, artists, contractor, and craftspeople.
“The dedication of the owner and design team is evident in every aspect of the project,” noted the awards jury. “From restored architectural features to thoughtfully integrated modern systems, this work demonstrates the highest level of stewardship and design excellence.”
The temple project previously earned an Honor Award by the American Institute of Architects’ Utah Chapter, with a juror commenting that it “represents the pinnacle of restoration architecture – it is hard to imagine it being done better.”
A Lasting Legacy for Community and Faith
Today, the restored Mesa Temple stands as both a spiritual center and architectural landmark, serving thousands of patrons and visitors each year while honoring its century-long history.
The project underscores GSBS Architects’ long-standing expertise in complex renovations, historic preservation, and meaningful placemaking across the Mountain West and beyond.
About GSBS Architects
GSBS Architects is an award-winning architecture and design firm with offices in Salt Lake City and Fort Worth. The firm brings a thoughtful, community-focused approach to design, grounded in excellence and sustainability.
