Our City + State

Architecture as Camouflage

6/3/2026 | Brian Tripoli
Kerri Fukui

As real estate agents who work closely with people relocating to our beautiful state, we at cityhomeCOLLECTIVE hear all the time why this home of ours is such a great place to live. Our thriving economy, relative affordability and exceptional quality of life have made Utah one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, and part of that appeal lies in our access to the outdoors. We boast not only ‘The Greatest Snow on Earth’  but also five ‘Mighty’ national parks. 

But growth comes with challenges. Home prices have soared, infrastructure is under increasing strain, and the pressure on our natural resources cannot be ignored. 

We are one of the driest states in the country, and our rapid population growth impacts both our air quality and water supply. cityhomeCOLLECTIVE has been a longtime supporter of organizations like Breathe Utah.

Big Development, such as proposed hyperscale AI data centers, takes a tremendous toll on our fragile habitats, the shrinking Great Salt Lake and our delicate deserts among them. These projects also have lasting impacts on the surrounding communities.

We love that people love this beautiful place of ours.

Utah is no longer the nation’s best-kept secret. Every year, more people move here than leave, yet, while growth and development are inevitable, they do not need to be indiscriminate. Thoughtful planning and responsible stewardship are critical to the well being of Utah.

Although not perfect, Kayenta, located just outside Snow Canyon near St. George, serves as an example of sustainable development and environmentally conscious design. With ‘architecture as camouflage’, the subdivision was created with a bias towards the landscape and a deep respect for the environment. It remains one of my favorite places in all the world.  

Ultimately, we are all stewards of the land. We do not own it, and it is our responsibility to leave it better than we found it.

Protecting Utah's natural resources is not only good stewardship, it is good business, and the long-term prosperity of our communities relies on the health and preservation of the landscapes that make Utah so special. 

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