Inspired by nature.Enriched by culture.Backed by science.
Established in 2010, Vera Iconica Architecture is a global firm based in Jackson, Wyoming, that specializes in the art and science of wellness architecture. Our approach seeks balance. Of physical and emotional health. Of humanity and the environment. Of beauty and ritual. Creating a shared landscape that goes beyond aesthetics to deliver meaningful, holistic experiences that enrich the wellbeing of our clients.
Vera Iconica means ‘true likeness.’
This philosophy guides our Intuitive Design Process, through which we harmonize the places we design with the people that occupy them.
People who spend more time in nature tend to live longer, happier lives. Source
Our Experts
Veronica Schreibeis Smith
Recognized for pushing the envelope on design and design theory, Veronica is a world-renowned expert on Wellness Architecture. Her international work experience in Peru, South Korea, and Germany solidified the importance of cultural influence in her architectural practice. Veronica creates powerful, poignant design solutions by truly listening to clients (both what is said and unsaid) as well as to her own intuition.
Christopher Hancock
Christopher has a passion for systems and sustainability, valuing the creation of clean, powerful spaces that support vitality and connections to nature. To achieve this, he makes it his mission to care for each client and their unique project goals. With a 20-year background as a designer and builder, Christopher applies this vital insight and experience to every project.
Shane Salisbury
Based out of Denver, Colorado, Shane enjoys sailing with his wife and family, and competes in a one-design fleet at the nation's highest yacht club - 9,017 feet. Architecturally, Shane has worked for several award winning firms that specialize in high-end residential, commercial, and mixed-use architecture. In addition, Shane has utilized his expertise to further the profession, teaching architecture and digital fabrication at several universities in the United States and abroad, including several years at the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia. He is obsessed with elk.
Blair Costello
An intuitive problem solver, Blair listens to and dissects underlying currents of information to achieve thoughtful solutions alongside an innate sensitivity to the fluid energy of spaces and experiences. Blair utilizes her skills to compose interior architecture that responds to the rhythms and rituals of each client, and helped develop the Vera Iconica Wellness Kitchen. She believes in healing through nature, behavior, and lifestyle, which has led to her specialization in indoor environments and materials that enhance wellbeing.
Andrew Mackie
Andrew is a Certified Building Biologist who studied architecture at Yale University’s School of Architecture, and art at the Cranbrook Academy of Art, all of which furthered his passion for old stuff, old places, and classic details. Prior to starting his architecture career, Andrew co-owned and ran a 'Healthy Home and Lifestyle' store for a dozen years, helping people protect their kids, and make their homes beautiful and safe. Andrew is currently traveling around the country in an RV with his family looking for cool ducks.
Olivia Theriot
Olivia is originally from Massachusetts. She attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies (graduated summa cum laude) in 2014, followed by a Master of Architecture degree in 2016 (master's project received the Alumni Award). Olivia moved to Denver in 2016 and spent 4.5 years at a firm specializing in multifamily mixed use projects. She is currently involved in the Downtown Denver Leadership Program and enjoys reading, writing, thrifting, and traveling as much as possible.
Virginia Flanagan
Virginia was born in Alabama and raised in Texas. Prior to joining Vera Iconica, she spent 5 years working for a New York law firm in Talent Management and Recruiting. Burned out by big city life, she moved out west 7 years ago where she met her husband. Virginia and her husband recently completely gutted and renovated a 1972 28-foot Airstream camper. She is obsessed with all things dirt biking and spends summer weekends travelling around the Mountain West to races. She copes with the non-dirt biking winter season with backcountry skiing and fat tire bike racing.
Emily Chastain
Emily holds a BA in Environmental Design from Texas A&M University and a Masters in Architecture from University of Denver, Colorado. She has 12 years of experience in the field of architecture ranging from university, hospitality, and retail, is LEED BD+C accredited, and a licensed architect in the state of Colorado. She lives in Durango, Colorado where she enjoys mountain biking, skiing and exploring southwest Colorado. Emily is helping shape the Durango built environment by serving on the Durango Design Review Board.
Zhao Yang
Zhao Yang has a Master degree of Architecture graduated from Washington University in St. Louis. He had experiences in both architecture and landscape architecture. Zhao is interested in parametric design and is on his way to become a LEED certificate architect.
Irina Tabarana
Born and raised in Romania, Irina began her architectural studies in Romania then continued in the US, graduating with her Master’s in 2018. Irina is very interested in how culture has informed architecture, and how architecture plays an important role in preserving cultures globally. When not working, Irina likes to go caving and explore the underworld.
Chelsea Thompson
Chelsea grew up in Bozeman, Montana and attended university in both Seattle and San Diego. She spent the past 10 years designing all types of commercial spaces, from schools in Wyoming to hospitals in Turkey. Chelsea loves traveling and exploring new areas. She is currently on an adventure with her family of 4, living in the Middle East!
Sonya Berg
Luis Longhi
As both an artist-sculptor and an architect, Luis has a vision to ensure architecture is created in a responsible way, in harmony with the environment and the cultural space it resides in. His philosophy of “architecture with soul,” with its unique aesthetic and methodology, results in spaces that can move the emotions of a building’s inhabitants and visitors.
Send resume, cover letter, and portfolio to info@veraiconica.com.
We are connected with thought leaders and researchers worldwide who aim to understand the effects of the built environment on human health and wellbeing. Our connections include: the Global Wellness Institute, the Institute for Wellness Architecture + Design, the Institute for Building Biology and Ecology, the Design Futures Council, the Lake Nona Institute and more.
We have established collaborations with global experts to expand our unique offerings, from natural and age-old building techniques to sacred geometry and biophilic design. By integrating the most advanced technology with architecture, we deliver environments for our clients that that promote wellbeing and quality of life.
Alongside our esteemed partners, we bring balance to your environment through experiences centered in beauty, ritual, culture and landscape.