Architect | Studio Long Playing
As a young mother and American immigrant who grew up in the megalopolis of São Paulo, Brazil, Libby Haslam had few friends in Salt Lake City. In 1994, the University of Utah School of Architecture became a place of great acceptance for her. Libby’s professional journey began at a nonprofit company called ASSIST, where she learned about accessibility and how to navigate design/build for low-income households. She went on to work at Magda Jackovcev Architects, Gigaplex Architects and GSBS Architects, and ran the Design Build Bluff program in Bluff, Utah. In 2018, she started her own practice, Studio Long Playing, which is currently working on several projects ranging from science labs to the Fashion Institute, educational spaces, a wellness center, restaurants and retail spaces. Collaborating with artists and creative minds is a primary goal of Studio Long Playing’s all-women team.
How do you view your role as a woman in your sector or industry?
It is tricky; women have to prove themselves constantly in this profession. We often find that if a man is in the room, there is a certain trust that goes to him instinctively and a weariness toward a woman’s ability. This is slowly changing, but when I first started working, it wasn’t uncommon to see calendars of naked women posted in construction trailers. There were many and still are uncomfortable situations based on gender, race and age. The environment is definitely better, thanks to other humans who care about and value diversity. I strive to be a mentor to other women who love architecture and want to be part of this profession.
What community projects or charity work are you involved in, and why are they important to you?
Prior engagements in my community include serving on boards such as Spy Hop and the Salt Lake Art Design Board. I co-founded Women in Architecture SLC with my dear friend Celestia Carson and am now in an advisory role position. I serve on the executive board for the Utah chapter of the American Institute of Architects, which — for the first time in its history — has an all-female executive board. I have taught a design studio at the University of Utah School of Architecture for 25 years, which has been a delightful way to pass to young (and old) students the very tools that were offered to me: how to succeed in a path of one’s choosing. It is with great pride that I see former students becoming leaders in their firms, winning projects, working in meaningful places and making real change in our world. To Main Page