Location : Jackson, Wyoming – Teton Mountain Range

Project Completion : June 01, 2024

Project Introduction : The observatory’s design reimagines the traditional astronomy facility to enhance public engagement and improve astronomy literacy. Developed as an extension of Wyoming Stargazing, the project supports dark sky initiatives while making science more accessible to a broader audience. Today, the observatory is operated by Snow King Mountain, continuing its mission of education, outreach, and environmental stewardship.

Project Values : Public Outreach, Dark Sky Preservation, Nature Interpretation, High-Performance Assembly.

Project Team : Max C Chapman Jr , Ryan Stanley, Jeff Golightly, Architect Jamie Farmer – Farmer Payne Architects, Structural Engineer – Jeff Hobson, Energy-1, Samuel Singer – Wyoming Stargazing

Project Role : Jakub Galczynski researched and designed the Snow King Observatory in 2015, with Astronomer Samuel Singer, which was pitched as a project to Max C Chapman Jr.

Galczynski was Design Lead and as Project Manager, drafted all Construction Documents. The project can defined by two distinct roles : Observatory Research and Architectural Composition. Observatory research was with Astronomer Samuel Singer and Paul Gardner – Observatory Systems.

Project Recognition :

2025 Award of Honor – AIA College of Fellows Western Mountain Region

2025 Architizer A+ Award – Architecture and Learning

Project Design : Several key design principles informed the design of Snow King Observatory. The overall building mass emphasizes a strong horizontal plane, intentionally conceived to sit low against the landscape when viewed from a distance. In contrast, the roof form introduces a sense of intimacy through spatial compression. As one approaches the structure, this experience transitions into a vertical expansion, that frames the sky.

Spacial oculus image below was captured within the Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve lava tube cave in Idaho.

Project Initiative : Snow King Observatory started as a dark sky preservation initiative in 2014, by Astronomer Samuel Singer of non-profit Wyoming Stargazing.

In short, preserving the dark sky protects wildlife, supports human health, reduces environmental impact, and reconnects communities with the natural world, making it a vital effort for a more sustainable and inspired future. The night sky in Jackson WY is especially important because it sits near one of the most intact and ecologically sensitive landscapes in the United States. Wyoming Stargazing is currently working to create the largest dark sky reserve, known as the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE).

Design with Purpose : Can architecture leave a positive impact on the environment and its mountain community within 10 years? 100 years? While sustainable design practices strive to preserve existing conditions, regenerative design restores and promotes long-term environmental health. Starting design in 2015, with Wyoming Stargazing, this approach was the seed for Snow King Observatory.

The Snow King Observatory in Jackson, Wyoming was developed in response to an increase in local development density and rising light pollution. Although they now operate independently, Snow King Observatory and the nonprofit Wyoming Stargazing both play a critical role in protecting Jackson Hole’s night skies. Together, they raise awareness of light pollution’s impact on wildlife, ecosystems, and human connection to the night sky, positioning the observatory as a tool for environmental stewardship and community engagement.

Project Model : Physical models are a critical part of the design process to understand space and form more intuitively. Holding a model allows you to see proportions, depth, and relationships between elements from multiple angles. Unlike quick and messy physical models, I use final study models at the end of the design process to fine tune aesthetics, that aren’t obvious in drawings or 3D computer software. Finally, refined models serve as a bridge between concept and construction.

Project Drawings : The Snow King Observatory Building Section drawing illustrates the project’s scale, program, architectural character, and structural design. A programmatic feature of the observatory is the tall planetarium theater space, which was introduced later in the design process (2022) and presented a challenge for both the overall building scale and the telescope’s viewing angles.

To consider the natural landscape of Snow King Mountain and maintain a low visual profile, the observatory was initially designed to sit as close to the site as possible. The concept came from the 2015 observatory situated along Josie’s Ridge trail, where the roofline would serve as a visual gradient between landscape and massing. As mentioned prior, the initial observatory was smaller, but later expanded in 2022 to include more indoor programming to increase use. Precise coordination of the building height, structural systems, and spatial relationships was considered to preserve the initial design intent. Special attention had to be given to the telescope pier, which needed to extend above the planetarium roof to optimize unobstructed views.

This critical Building Section drawing was developed in close collaboration with astronomer Samuel Singer. The result is a thoughtfully integrated observatory and planetarium that reflects quality public stargazing and astronomy education.

Project Construction : The Snow King Observatory project in Jackson Hole began in the summer of 2022 with initial site preparation and foundation work, including construction of the elevated telescope pier designed to support a state-of-the-art PlaneWave telescope. Located on Snow King Mountain, the observatory is a key addition to the mountain region’s growing focus on astronomy, dark sky preservation, and science education.

In summer 2023, construction in Wyoming advanced with the installation of the structural steel frame and exterior shell, allowing interior work to continue efficiently through the winter season, an important consideration for high elevation building in Jackson Hole’s alpine climate.

By 2024, the Snow King Observatory entered its most intensive phase, with the installation of major systems including the rooftop dome, telescope, planetarium, and supporting infrastructure. These milestones led to the successful public opening of Snow King Observatory on June 1, 2024, further establishing Jackson Hole, Wyoming as a destination for stargazing, astronomy tourism, and dark sky experiences.

This ambitious Wyoming astronomy project was made possible through the dedication and expertise of key contributors Jeff Golightly, Ryan Stanley, Chris Lamorena, and Paul Gardner.

Photography :

– Cody Brown Photography

– Kyle Jennings Photography

( 2014 – 2017 )

Soon after graduation, I was disappointed with the real world of architecture practice and entire career path prescribed. I needed to create a personal project to preserve my passion for design and architecture. With nothing to lose, I sacrifice my career for this project and the stars aligned.

The idea of an observatory began as a grassroots initiative, one without project funding, a formal client, or even a defined site. In 2014, astronomer Dr. Samuel Singer began advocating for a public observatory in Jackson Hole. His vision was simple but ambitious : to create a place where the general public could experience astronomy under some of the most spectacular dark night skies in the American West.

At a meeting hosted by Silicon Couloir in Jackson, Wyoming, Samuel Singer met Jakub Galczynski, who was, at the time, a 26-year-old aspiring architect. The two quickly discovered a shared enthusiasm for the idea and began collaborating on ways to turn the concept into reality. Together they developed floor plans, elevations, and perspectives for an observatory, communicating the greater vision to potential supporters and investors. At the same time, Samuel Singer researched observatory and planetarium equipment that would shape the design stages of the project.

The concept gained unexpected traction when Max C. Chapman Jr., CEO of Snow King Mountain Resort, encountered Singer at a farmers market booth at the base of Snow King Mountain. Intrigued by the vision, a dialogue started between the two and resulted in the observatory making its way into the Snow King Mountain – Master Plan.

After Max C. Chapman Jr presented payment for Schematic Design, Jakub Galczynski stepped away from his existing architectural office to dedicate his full effort to advancing the observatory. During these formative years, Ryan Stanley, President of Snow King Mountain, and Chief Advisor Jeff Golightly played key roles in championing the broader Master Plan. Their efforts helped bring the proposal before the City of Jackson and the United States Forest Service, ultimately securing critical approvals that allowed the project to move forward years later.

( 2021 ) As the project continued to develop over the many years, Jakub Galczynski relocated to Ketchum, Idaho to work with Farmer Payne Architects. The move increased physical distance between him and the observatory project in Jackson, Wyoming, but the project continued to gain momentum. To help maintain this progress, Galczynski introduced the project to Principal Jamie Farmer, Farmer Payne Architects, and he would soon joined this extensive effort.

( 2021 – 2024 ) . As the scope of the project expanded, Galczynski transitioned out of the architectural office and moved into an independent role dedicated to advancing Snow King Observatory. In this capacity, he was responsible for producing all construction documents, project managing, and later expanded to the Interior Design.

Throughout the entire process, the entire team at Snow King Mountain Resort remained closely involved, contributing to the project from its earliest development through construction. Max C Chapman Jr, Jeff Golightly, and Ryan Stanley where instrumental in gaining community support, leading to Master Plan approval. After years of collaboration, persistence, and incremental progress, the Snow King Observatory officially opened to the public on June 1, 2024 made possible through the leadership and commitment of Max C. Chapman Jr..

2015 INITINAL DESIGN . Snow King Observatory along Josies Ridge, south side of Snow King Mountain to maximize night sky views. :