ABOUT

Our origin story

55+ years of community design looking forward to the next 50

ASSIST Inc is an independent nonprofit Community Design Center founded in 1969 by the Graduate School of Architecture at the University of Utah and the Utah Society of the American Institute of Architects. For the past 50 years ASSIST has been providing architectural design, community planning and development assistance to nonprofit and community groups; housing repair for low income households; and accessibility design assistance to people with disabilities.

1969
Founded
55+
Years
Historic Slides

Historic Slides

AT OUR CORE

Our values

Community & Connection

Elevating, connecting, and stabilizing communities by providing critical home services & design. Elevating communities by design.

Accessible Modifications

We are approachable and provide access to good design resources to traditionally underserved communities.

Quality of Work

Personal client relationships. Exhibiting empathy, compassion, and integrity.

HISTORICAL TIMELINE
1969Started by Carl Inoway in the corner of the Utah AIA office
1970Incorporated 11/20/1970 as 501(c)(3) Utah Corporation
1971Received Model Cities grant of $22,000 and moved to 218 E 500 S
1972Surveyed central city residents and started Emergency Home Repair program
1975Published Inside-Out-Renewal study and models
1980Published Gateway study and West South Temple A Mixed-Use Development District study and model
1982Published Housing in Different Contexts
1985Published Rural Design and Jefferson Historical District study (Ogden)
1986Published Sandy Historic District study and model
1987Co-Founded Urban Design Coalition. Printed Poor Choices Threaten poster
1988Participated in AIA R/UDAT (regional/urban design assistance team)
1990Set up Community Development Corporation of Utah
1992Hosted Association for Community Design annual national meeting
1993Published and distributed to all Utah legislators Our Transportation Future
1994Co-sponsored New Utah Housing Competition
1995Put on Future Moves Conference at Salt Palace
1996Sponsored East Downtown community design workshops
1997Presented at Gov. Leavitt's Growth Summit
1998Participated in original Envision Utah Scenarios Committee. Published ASSIST Guidebook to the Accessible Home, Ed. 1
2000Citizens' Alternative to the Legacy Highway presented
2002ASSIST Guidebook to the Accessible Home, Ed. 2 published
2005ASSIST Guidebook Ed. 3 published. Distributed 10,000 Visiting New Heights visitablity posters. Legacy Parkway and Preserve settlement.
2008Published IDEAS for Home Improvement Energy, Water & Access
2011Proposed 300 South Bicycle Boulevard. Provided 13 Energy Efficiency grants
2012Hosted Association for Community Design annual national meeting
2013Presented AIA national conference on Visitability for Healthy Neighborhoods. Joined Green and Healthy Homes collaboration
2014Presented Shared Solution alternative to the West Davis Freeway. Published Bright IDEAS for Home Improvement Health, Energy, Access, Water
2015Presented on design leadership for visitability and practical modifications to the U.S. Access Board
2017First Assist Architectural project completed for Phoenix Services
2020Aging in Place contract with Salt Lake County
2021Accessibility remodel at The Inn Between
2021Switchpoint Kitchen Addition/Remodel to Resource Center
2021Entrada Entertainment Stage designed and built by Assist team
2022Utah Aids Foundation Legacy Health Clinic remodel commenced
2022Salt Lake Acting Company accessibility remodel
2023Trinity AME basement remodel completed
2023The Point at Fairpark phased development begins
2023Springdale George Barker River Park work commences
2023Springdale Town Hall remodel
2023Completed 24/7 Childcare Stepping Stones
2024Community Design project Davis Behavioral Health awarded to Assist
2024Nettie Gregory Center renderings request for fundraising purposes