In 1892 Karl C. Schaub founded the firm that has evolved to become Design West Architects. Three years earlier, in 1889, he traveled from Switzerland to his new home in Cache Valley, UT. Relying upon his formal European training, he began designing buildings. His architectural legacies include the dignified high style Romanesque landmarks at Utah State University, the Eccles & Kearns Mansions, and the east doors of the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. To the company he founded, he left his guiding principles of quality architecture and quality service.

His son Wesley and nephew Eugene also trained as architects and worked in his business. Between them many churches, schools, residences, and campus structures were designed. Truly they have left their mark on northern Utah.

With time, the name of the firm has also evolved. By the 1960’s, the firm was named Schaub & Haycock, then renamed Eugene Haycock & Associates, and in 1971 the firm became Design West Architects. Design West faced a very difficult period in the mid-1980’s when three of the six principals, Michael Henderson, Richard Clyde, and Joe Oyler, were killed in a tragic aircraft accident. It was following this tragedy that new partners joined Design West Architects, helping it to continue growing into the firm it is today.