Patrick Schirf is a mild-mannered force of nature who quickly cozied up to our COLLECTIVE heart, big-spoon style. As one half of the Corigan Kushma team here at CHC, this magic and mild fella is set up for success and well-equipped to handle even the trickiest of real estate transactions, so I'm actually long overdue in helping you get to know his act.

As a former wildlife biologist, Patrick has perfected the calming energy necessary to defuse any tense situation (be it with wolves or clients), but his soft-spoken nature oft begets surprisingly hilarious anecdotes (see below for proof). He's the proud owner of some of my all-time favorite floral print button-ups, and the man’s never one to shy away from a good cardigan. That said, I’ve also heard him make reference to both the Wu-Tang Clan and Phil Mickelson, so he remains a mystery in all the best ways. There are a few things I know to be true: he loves the Earth, his girlfriend Sophie, and their Italian greyhound, Monty. Patrick comes from "house" stock, which is to say, each of his parents has roots in contracting/development and real estate/interior design, so he's definitely landed in the right place. In fact, the Schirf gang is firmly rooted and invested in the growth of Park City, and his uncle founded the goodness that is Wasatch Brewery (a respectful "thank you", sir). Patrick is gravely concerned about the bees (same), and though he currently resides in his hometown of P.C., he journeys down the mountain a few times a week to set up camp at our office’s big, marble table. Truth be told, I cherish the moments I get to spend staring at the back of his majestic bun. Patrick is down for whatever, up for anything, and sort of akin to an artfully toasted Pizza Bagel—the perfect treat, anytime. Keep reading...it's well worth your time.

Describe your perfect home or space. What does it look/feel like? The perfect space to me is the interface between inside and outside. A seamless transition from the natural world to a well-designed interior space. I love an open living room with clean simple lines, big open windows to expansive views, and elements of the natural world; from plants and water features to wood finishes and smooth stone. A space that reminds me what we are all connected to, but with a refined and welcoming design element added to the rawness of that wild connection.

One thing you absolutely cannot stand: Close-minded people
 
One thing you absolutely, unequivocally LOVE: Nature

You're an agent here. Tell me why. What lead you to this work? I would say the original spark came from my parents. My dad was a contractor/developer/broker in Park City for 30+ years, so I was always around construction sites, and they were friends with lots of agents. My mom started a company called Mountain Land Design where she sold high-end appliances, fixtures, door hardware etc. So I was always flipping through her design catalogs as a kid and really fell in love with what good design can bring to a home. Even growing up in that environment I still didn’t really think real estate was right for me...until I discovered cityhomeCOLLECTIVE.
 
Give me your take on our little COLLECTIVE. It’s a pretty special place. I’ve never been a part of an environment that emphasizes the importance of being your authentic self in order to thrive. It elevates people to be their best selves, and as a result, allows you to serve your clients in the best way possible. It feels like you’re really making a difference in peoples lives. It’s very rewarding. I also love the brand we've created. From the design work, the mission of the company, the people, everything.



Describe your perfect day. What, exactly, does that look like for you? 
Wake up early. Make a nice breakfast (whatever I’m feeling in the moment), then get outside. The perfect day would be a hike or bike ride with people that make me laugh and feel happy. We head out on a bright, sunny day to a secluded place that ends at a flowing body of water. I love being next to a river. Maybe go for a swim, maybe just hang out on the banks and enjoy the company and the sun. Just being in that moment next to the river with the sun on my face and the people I care about making me smile would be the dream.

Favorite read/watch: Read--Ken Follet books (Pillars of the Earth, etc). Watch--Planet Earth (I and II). Pretty into Chefs Table, as well.



On my first day of college, I walked through the crowded part of campus without knowing that my backpack had slowly pulled my skirt up over my ass. It shaped me as a person, I think, in that it ruined my life. Tell me something humiliating about you. I had a fun little college experience, as well. I was in biology class sitting next to a group of super attractive girls. I was a bit tired from partying the night before and drifted off to sleep while in class. As I slipped into a nice relaxed state, my body decided it was the opportune time to let some wind out. I heard the sound release from my body and immediately snapped back to reality only to see the horrified looks on the row of girls sitting next to me. I then tried desperately to rub my feet across the linoleum floor to see if I could produce a similar sound and play if off, but the sound I needed never came. At least it didn’t smell, I guess.
 
You could be living anywhere, really. Why SLC? I was born and raised in Park City, and now live just outside of town, toward Kamas. I was gone for several years while I pursued a different career, but would always find my self coming back home. I never spent a ton of time in SLC as a kid...but since I last moved back, I have been spending a lot of time here, even outside of work. It has created a special energy that is exciting to be around. Not only is it so close to so many things to fill out someone’s life (nature, restaurants, shows etc)., but it has a buzz about it that makes you feel like you’re at the forefront of something amazing taking place. SLC is going places.

How do you think we can improve this fantastic little slice of our nation? Where are we lacking? I think the lack of public transportation is a huge issue. I think there is also a negative stigma behind using the existing public transit that needs to go away. SLC is a major commuter city and the air quality is becoming a bigger and bigger problem. It felt like there were some small steps being made in the last few years, but it kind of felt like putting a band-aid on a bullet hole. Now I’m afraid things are looking even worse. I know there are people living in this city that are trying to make changes, but we need to find ways to take more drastic measures to improve the air quality. I wish I had an answer. I’m a commuter myself, so I don’t have much room to talk. I wish I could find a solution and move away from our dependence on these major pollutants.