Location : Jackson, Wyoming – Teton Mountain Range

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, Samuel Singer – Wyoming Stargazing, Architect Jamie Farmer – Farmer Payne Architects, Structural Engineer – Jeff Hobson, Energy-1

Project Role : Jakub Galczynski designed and pitched Snow King Observatory concept in 2015, with partner Wyoming Stargazing. Later becoming Project Lead through all phases of design, astronomy research to drafting the Construction Documents. Project Manager and Construction Administration.

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 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 within 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).

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 illustrates the project’s full 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 and presented a unique 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 carefully designed to sit as close to the site as possible. This approach required precise coordination of building heights, structural systems, and spatial relationships. Special attention was given to the telescope pier height, which needed to extend above the planetarium roof to optimize unobstructed views of the western night sky.

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.

( 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 at Farmer Payne Architects. The move increased the physical distance between him and the observatory project in Jackson, Wyoming, but the project continued to gain momentum. To help maintain progress, Galczynski introduced the observatory project to Principal Jamie Farmer, of Farmer Payne Architects, and the team soon joined this extensive effort.

( 2021 – 2024 ) . As the scope of the project expanded, Galczynski once again transitioned away from the architectural office and moved into an independent role dedicated to advancing Snow King Observatory. In this capacity, he was responsible for producing the construction document set and project managing, a body of work that later expanded to the observatory’s interior design. Galczynski led the design and drafting effort while coordinating with Farmer Payne Architects.

Throughout the entire process, the team at Snow King Mountain Resort remained closely involved, contributing to the project from its earliest development through construction. 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 DESIGN PROPOSAL . Single-story observatory along Josies Ridge, south Snow King Mtn, maximizing dark sky. :