Women in Architecture Salt Lake City (WIA SLC) has named Soonju Kwon, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Principal at GSBS Architects, its 2025 Architect of the Year. The award recognizes a woman architect who has played a prominent role in a transformative project in Utah and who demonstrates excellence in design and project leadership.
Kwon, a principal, shareholder, and board member at GSBS Architects, was honored for her work on The Nest at Snowbird Resort. This 24,000-square-foot alpine dining facility replaces the iconic Mid Gad Restaurant built in the 1970s. As Lead Architect, Kwon guided the design and construction of the all-electric, LEED-targeted facility, balancing Snowbird’s operational needs with contemporary design and sustainability goals, all within the logistical challenges of a high-altitude site.
Kwon’s work embodies WIA’s mission to support and elevate women architects.
“Advancing diversity across architecture and its allied fields is something I care about deeply,” Kwon said. “While it’s an honor to be recognized for my role on The Nest at Snowbird, the success of this project belongs to an extraordinary team—eight women among our nine core members for the highly complicated project. Their collaboration, and a client with a strong commitment to sensitivity and sustainability in replacing an iconic structure, made this work possible.”
Born in Seoul, South Korea, Kwon immigrated to the U.S. to study architecture and joined GSBS in 2010. Over her 15 years with the firm, she has advanced from emerging architect to firm leader, championing interdisciplinary collaboration and mentoring colleagues. Her portfolio includes work at Snowbird, Deer Valley, and Big Sky ski resorts, as well as the Utah State University Huntsman School of Business.
She contributes to civic design and leadership as a founding board member of WIA SLC, a design committee member for Utah’s new state flag, and an adjunct professor at the University of Utah’s College of Architecture + Planning. Kwon also contributes to Utah’s beauty through public art pieces, including an installation at Salt Lake City International Airport and street art pieces for the Salt Lake City Art Council’s series of public sculptures.
Founded in 1978, GSBS Architects employs nearly 100 professionals and support staff at its offices in Salt Lake City and Fort Worth, Texas. GSBS offers a comprehensive range of creative and consulting services, encompassing architecture, landscape architecture, interior design, planning, urban design, sustainability, and experiential graphic design. For more information about GSBS Architects and Kwon’s work, visit www.gsbsarchitects.com.
For more about WIA SLC, visit www.wiaslc.com.
