Every season, people come to settle in Park City and the Wasatch Back, and companies that help those people create their home are growing in stride with the population. New businesses, like the four highlighted below, are setting themselves apart with an ethos of collaboration, listening and action.

1. STUDIO INTERIORS

Franky Hernandez and Tam Taggart were instant best friends when they met just out of design school. In 2021, shortly after moving to Utah from Florida, they combined their years of industry experience to start Studio Interiors.

“We were inspired by a desire to create spaces that truly reflect the personalities and lifestyles of our clients,” Tam says. “We felt there was a need for a design studio that didn’t just follow trends, but focused on balancing timeless aesthetics with modern functionality.”

The full-service interior design firm specializes in new construction, remodels, interior styling and detailing. “Our expertise extends to developer spec packages, commercial and hospitality projects, rental investment properties, and exterior selections, including architectural detailing,” Tam elaborates, adding that they cover everything from fabrics and furniture to lighting and art.

Client connection is the foundation of Franky and Tam’s approach to business. “Client care and collaboration are the core of our culture. Design is never just about aesthetics; it’s about understanding the unique needs of each project and translating our client’s vision into reality.”

2. CIRQUE STUDIO ARCHITECTS

When several clients approached Ryan McMullin and Jon Turkula with aspirational projects, the seasoned architects knew it was the perfect opportunity to launch their own firm.

“Both Ryan and I were working at other firms doing high-end commercial and residential work,” Jon explains. “In the fall of 2021, a couple of dream clients approached us with big projects that encompassed everything a design firm could ask for.” The projects included a luxury resort with an inland lake, an event space, and a ski-in, ski-out legacy home in Deer Valley.

Ryan and Jon knew that building an excellent team was critical for the firm’s success. Shortly after opening, they welcomed architects Alan Taylor and Connor Stephens.

“Clients and relationships are paramount at Cirque Studio. Good architecture needs good clients and good relationships,” Jon says. “To simplify the process, we came up with the equation: People

+ Place + Process = Project. This method helps us to create modern, timeless, meaningful site- specific spaces that can grow and mature with the community and the families that live in them.”

3. EVIL EYE STUDIO

In the fall of 2023, Melissa Grant founded an interior design service inspired by the cycles of natural elements: water, wood, fire, earth and metal. Her business, Evil Eye Studio, offers custom design solutions and project management services that adhere to the principles of feng shui. The goal is to cultivate balance in the home.

“I’m all about getting opposites to interact — the old and the new, light and dark, yin and yang. I like to balance the expected with a little bit of the unexpected. My end goal is to create a harmonious home. I continue to be inspired by nature and pay attention to its patterns and cycles,” Melissa explains.

Melissa also likes to help her clients envision the possibilities. “I like to get to know people. Everyone’s unique taste and style is so interesting. I like to guide clients to show them what’s possible. You can never dream too big.”

4. HIGH ALTITUDE WOODWORKS

Dane Rodman noticed an untapped niche in the building industry while working on homes in Promontory, Tuhaye and The Colony over a five-year period.

“I realized that there was a need for extremely high-quality carpenters in the area,” he explains. In the spring of 2023, he responded by launching High Altitude Woodworks, which is focused on quality and execution. “I live by the phrase, ‘If you’re not going to do it to the absolute best of your ability, don’t do it,’” Dane says.

High Altitude Woodworks specializes in custom woodworking services. “[We do] any fine finish woodworking you can imagine,” Dane says. “Including built-ins, tongue and groove ceilings, baseboards, door casings, crown moldings, handrails and saunas.”