"Hello! I am the Principal Architect at Black Flag Design, a firm I proudly founded in Los Angeles before relocating to Annapolis, MD with my wife in the fall of 2024."
Jacob H. Browning, AIA
Principal Architect
703-955-0180
2023 - I Founded Black Flag Design in Los Angeles, CA
Hello! I am the Principal Architect of Black Flag Design, a firm I proudly founded in 2023 before relocating to Annapolis, MD with my wife in fall 2024.
At the age of 21, I had the honor of designing my first award-winning project. By 24, I was managing custom residential projects in Los Angeles. At 27 I became a licensed Architect by successfully passing all six ARE exams in just three days.
I have had the pleasure of contributing to a wide range of projects under established firms, including:
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Chris Pardo Design - Elemental Architecture | Palm Springs, CA
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Studio AR&D Architects | Los Angeles, CA
I have a Bachelor's of Architecture from Virginia Tech, hold an active Architecture license in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., and serve as the Director of Emerging Professionals to the AIA's Chesapeake Bay Chapter.
I look forward to working with you!
"Hello! I am the Principal Architect at Black Flag Design, a firm I proudly founded in Los Angeles before relocating to Annapolis, MD with my wife in the fall of 2024."
Ian M. Ross, NCARB
Architectural Designer
2025 - Ian Ross joins the team
Ian started at Black Flag Design as an Architectural Designer in the Summer of 2025. He holds a Master's Degree in Architecture from Morgan State University, and is passionate about the creativity of architecture and its integration with other practices.
For his Master’s thesis, he researched and designed architectural concepts for future structures on Mars. He enjoys the creative process and looks forward to helping our clients bring their building dreams to life!
1953 - My Great Grandfather Co-Founds Sierra Construction Corp.
For 50 years, Sierra was at the forefront of the construction industry, earning a reputation for excellence by building and remodeling over 350 projects.
The company was committed to delivering every project on time—often ahead of schedule—while maintaining profitability. Remarkably, Sierra never relied on advertising. Instead, their reputation for quality and reliability led clients to seek them out, trusting them so much that they were able to negotiate prices directly, often completing projects under budget and returning savings to owners.
1987 - My Grandfathers Build The Mirage Hotel
Las Vegas, NV
Commissioned by Steve Wynn, The Mirage Hotel was the largest hotel ever built in the U.S. at the time and a landmark in modern construction. The logistics were immense: over 20,000 cubic yards of concrete were poured into the foundation using all five major ready-mix suppliers in Las Vegas. To streamline operations, Sierra purchased and assembled an on-site batch plant, enabling efficient concrete pumping directly to the placing booms.
Materials were delivered overnight to avoid traffic, and leftover concrete was creatively used to cast barricade forms—later repurposed as work tables for assembling 3,000+ pre-finished exterior panels.
Construction utilized advanced techniques, including:
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Two full sets of flying forms for the tower
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Gang forms for shear walls
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Collapsible forms in elevator shafts
1980's - Bally's/MGM Grand
Las Vegas, NV
Formerly the MGM Grand, Sierra completed a series of construction and remodeling projects throughout the property, including the front desk, employee cafeteria, main kitchen, casino, restaurants, pool area, and retail spaces.
During the kitchen remodel, Sierra discovered a hidden cavity beneath the floor—approximately 4 to 12 feet wide and 40 feet long—caused by long-term water leakage. After repairing the leaks, the team removed the affected floor, backfilled the area, and rebuilt the kitchen structure to ensure long-term stability and safety.
1964 - The Sands &
Frank Sinatra's Apartment
Paradise, NV
Sierra's work at the Sands Hotel included a suite wing, a new kitchen, a warehouse, and a private apartment for Frank Sinatra. The apartment was uniquely constructed as a building within a building to ensure complete soundproofing.
Shortly after completion, the Rat Pack stayed in the new suite wing while performing at the hotel. During a rainstorm, a roof drain—left unconnected by the plumbing contractor—caused water to pour directly over a guest’s bed, waking several guests. When informed of the situation, Sammy Davis Jr. famously remarked, “What’s the big deal? It’s just water.”
1977-1990 - Flamingo Hilton
Paradise, NV
Sierra constructed two towers, a new entrance and porte cochère, an engineering building, a swimming pool, several restaurants and kitchens, and completed multiple remodels—including the casino and additional dining spaces. Both towers were built using flying forms, allowing for efficient high-rise concrete construction.
During demolition of the old maintenance building, a large bulldozer unexpectedly fell through the floor into a hidden pit below—an unknown void no one had accounted for. For a moment, the crew joked they might have discovered Bugsy Siegel’s vault. In reality, it was an old ice storage pit from the days before mechanical ice makers.
1951 - Binions Horseshoe Club
Las Vegas, NV
Sierra Construction began its work on Binion’s Horseshoe by demolishing the adjacent Nevada Club and expanding the casino to twice its original size. One of the most challenging tasks was excavating a full basement beneath the active casino, originally built over a crawl space. Many floor joists had been damaged in a past fire, requiring structural reinforcement—all completed while the casino remained open.
The project operated 24/7, with each shift overseen by a superintendent reporting directly to W.E. “Bill” Koerwitz, who remained actively involved throughout.
After the basement was completed, Sierra led a full remodel of the casino, kitchen, bar, and cage. During this phase, a live python was found in the ceiling—its origin never determined. Sierra would go on to handle all future construction work for the Horseshoe.
The project became a true multi-generational effort:
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Bill supervised the foundation work
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His son, Jerry Koerwitz, worked on-site
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Decades later, his grandson, Jim Koerwitz, helped demolish the same basement walls during a later remodel
1974-1979 - Las Vegas Hilton Hotel
Las Vegas, NV
Sierra completed two major tower additions and several low-rise expansions at the Las Vegas Hilton, using flying forms for efficient vertical construction. The firm also built a new convention center and carried out multiple remodels.
During one tower addition, a fire—caused by a Hilton employee—led to a citywide overhaul of fire codes following the earlier MGM Grand fire. The updated regulations resulted in advanced fire control rooms being required in the Hilton and all future towers.
1975-1999 - Rivera Hotel
Winchester, NV
Sierra completed several additions to the Riviera Hotel, including a tower that widens above the 12th floor. This was the first hotel tower in Las Vegas to utilize flying forms—a system of large tables used to shape concrete floors and beams. It was also Sierra’s first project to employ a tower crane.
These flying forms were the longest ever used in the country at the time, specially designed to accommodate the cantilevered sections of the upper floors. Once the concrete reached its design strength, each form was lowered onto rollers and pulled outward until it tipped, allowing the top of the form to drag against the bottom of the freshly poured slab—stopping naturally by friction. With approximately two-thirds of the form projecting outside the building, it was then hoisted up to the next floor.
The Nevada Test Site
North Las Vegas, NV
Sierra and RKR (a sister company formed under Sierra's umbrella) constructed roughly half of the test site facilities, including some unique and challenging structures. These included specialized buildings with extremely thick concrete walls and shielded windows designed for highly controlled environments. There were also research areas for studying animals, including facilities for livestock and reptiles under experimental conditions.
One facility required the use of metric measurements for all design and testing, which necessitated specialized training and imported equipment. Construction at remote locations posed logistical challenges, including transporting materials and workers to difficult-to-access sites, sometimes using modified vehicles and creative solutions to reduce costs.
Security at the site was strict and unexpected, with incidents involving inspections and identity verification. Workers were subject to thorough safety protocols, including decontamination procedures after exposure to hazardous materials.
1980 & 1990 - Las Vegas Convention Center
Downtown Las Vegas, NV
Sierra Construction built the South Hall and later the East Hall, which included the Vomitory—an underground service tunnel housing snack bars, restrooms, and storage areas.
The East Hall spans approximately 300,000 square feet and, at the time of its construction, was the only interior space in the country capable of accommodating large mining trucks. This made it the ideal venue for the annual World Congress of Mining. The roll-up doors were the largest in the region.
The interior columns were equipped with compressed air, electrical, telephone, and water hookups, providing exhibitors with essential utilities throughout the space.
1956 - The Fremont Hotel
Las Vegas, NV
The Fremont Hotel marked Sierra’s first high-rise project. During construction, my great-grandfather once famously rode a crane hook down from the rooftop to street level to meet my grandmother Elsie.
The hotel’s showroom and restaurants were constructed atop deep piles due to the high groundwater levels beneath the site, requiring careful foundation planning and engineering.
1957 - Tropicana Hotel & Casino
Las Vegas, NV
The Tropicana tower was constructed using filigree slabs—a system of thin concrete slabs with partially embedded steel trusses. These slabs were hoisted onto structural steel beams, temporarily shored, and then finished with a poured concrete topping to create the completed floor system.
When Sierra later built the valet garage in front of the tower, the original fountain—an iconic symbol of the Tropicana up to that point—had to be removed to make way for the new structure.
1970 - Sahara Hotel
Las Vegas, NV
Sierra constructed two towers and a parking garage for The Sahara. The garage was the only precast structure Sierra ever built—it was cast and cured during construction of the second tower and erected after the driveway beneath the tower was opened.
The tower could not be occupied until the parking structure was complete, in order to meet the city’s planning commission requirements. Both towers were formed using flying forms, allowing for efficient and consistent floor construction throughout the high-rise structures.
1961 - La Concha Highrise
Downtown Las Vegas, NV
The La Concha high-rise was another project for the Downam Brothers. The building featured precast slabs supported by truss construction materials.
With Sierra maintaining near-total control over the design, the building became one of the most cost-effective per-square-foot projects constructed on the Strip.
1960's-1970's - Hacienda Hotel
Las Vegas, NV
Sierra constructed three towers, a convention center, two restaurants, a kitchen, a keno lounge, and a new casino at the Hacienda (now replaced by the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino). The towers were built with precast slabs over load-bearing masonry walls.
The only remaining parts of the original Hacienda were the low-rise room wings; all other structures were demolished and rebuilt.
When the Hacienda was demolished to make way for Mandalay Bay, part of the tower remained standing and had to be taken down with a hemi-ache ball. The demolition contractor remarked it was the strongest masonry building he had ever encountered. An online article later praised the project as “definitely a tribute to those dedicated builders.”
1970's-1990's - The Stardust
Las Vegas, NV
Sierra’s work at the Stardust focused on low-rise construction and extensive remodeling, with the casino renovated in 50' x 50' sections—often from opposite ends simultaneously, requiring precise coordination. Some areas had two roof structures and up to three layered ceilings, making selective demolition complex and raising serious fire safety concerns due to limited access.
During a showroom expansion, Sierra removed a section of the roof to install a new structural girder—just before a rainstorm flooded the main electrical room. Emergency equipment had to be flown in from across the country to restore power.
1980's-1990's - Hyatt Lake Tahoe
Incline Village, NV
Following earlier work at the Four Queens—now owned by Hyatt—Sierra was brought back to remodel the hotel and bring it up to current fire code standards. The renovation focused primarily on guest rooms and corridors and included the installation of fire sprinklers, alarms, and new mechanical ventilation systems.
1960's-1970's - 4 Queens
Downtown Las Vegas, NV
Originally named after Benny Goffstein’s four daughters, the Four Queens was built in multiple phases by Sierra. The company constructed both hotel towers, several restaurants, a kitchen, a Ripley’s Believe It or Not attraction, and completed various remodels across the property. The first tower was constructed using conventional stick framing, while the second tower utilized flying forms for faster and more efficient concrete floor construction.
During a nearby atomic test by the Atomic Energy Commission, the Four Queens approached Sierra with a publicity stunt idea: to suspend a cocktail waitress in a bosun’s chair from a crane over Fremont Street. Sierra declined the request due to safety concerns but eventually agreed to hang a bowling ball instead. When the blast occurred, the ball never moved—demonstrating both the structural stability and Sierra’s sound judgment.
1970's - Santa Fe Hotel & Casino
Las Vegas, NV
The Santa Fe Hotel was a completely new construction, delivered on an extremely tight budget and schedule. The project included a bowling alley and an ice rink, and was built entirely with a steel structural system. In many areas, interior work was underway even as the steel frame was still being erected elsewhere on site.
To accelerate construction, exterior room walls were assembled and plastered on the ground, then hoisted into place. All major decorative elements on the façade were made from Styrofoam, coated in fiberglass, and finished with stucco—an efficient and lightweight solution that maintained visual impact while keeping costs down.
1970's-1990's - Golden Nugget
Downtown Las Vegas, NV
Sierra either built or remodeled the entire Golden Nugget complex, including four towers and two parking garages, along with a new pool area where the old Corson tree once stood. One tower features only 26 rooms and is composed entirely of two-story suites.
When Sierra removed the old facade, historic buffs from across the country came to study the building fronts along Fremont Street—most of which were either 25 or 50 feet wide, reflecting the original architectural rhythm of the area.
The towers showcased a variety of construction methods: one utilized filigree slabs, one was steel-framed, and the remaining two were concrete structures formed with flying forms. Of the two garages, one was constructed with filigree slabs, while the other was poured in place using flying forms.
Laughlin, NV
Sierra also built the entrance, casino, restaurant, buffet, parking garage, and remote parking lot for the Golden Nugget in Laughlin. The entrance was designed to echo the Mirage’s iconic entryway on a smaller scale, featuring a large skylight and indoor gardens with waterfalls.
The parking garage features an innovative three-bay-wide scissor design, rather than the typical two bays. It was constructed using flying forms skinned with firmform plywood—the same material used at the Mirage. The garage was designed with future expansion in mind, anticipating a new hotel tower. Although the tower’s foundation was partially poured, the project was ultimately shelved due to a downturn in business.
1970's-2000 - Showboat Hotel / Castaways
Las Vegas, NV
Sierra built the second tower and completed numerous remodels and additions for the Showboat Hotel—now known as the Castaways. All work, including the tower, was designed to complement the property's original old-time riverboat theme, preserving its distinctive character and charm.
1960's-1970's - The Dunes
Las Vegas, NV
Sierra constructed the south tower, new entrance, porte cochère, and remodeled multiple areas of the hotel. This property was one of the few on the Strip with a full basement, where waterproofing posed a significant challenge.
The hotel was ultimately demolished to make way for the Bellagio. For the implosion, Steve Wynn produced a TV movie culminating with the dramatic demolition of the tower. On the day of the event, bleachers were set up across the street, allowing guests to safely witness the hotel’s implosion.
1980's - The Gold Coast
Las Vegas, NV
Sierra constructed the west tower, two parking garages, the swimming pool, and the porte cochère. Before starting the second garage, Sierra identified a critical design error—the planned head clearance would have been less than five feet. The project was promptly put on hold for redesign.
The tower was built using precast slabs, while the garages utilized Alhambra beams supported by screw jacks for efficient construction.
Today, the Gold Coast has become one of the most popular “locals” casinos in the area.
1960's - The Blue Angel
Downtown Las Vegas, NV
Entrepreneurial at heart, Sierra Construction’s only venture outside of construction was with Blue Associates. Their cocktail lounge, Blue Haven, and drive-in restaurant, Blue Onion, were very successful. However, the motel, Blue Angel, struggled to find an honest manager.
The Blue Onion became the most popular drive-in in town, reminiscent of the classic movie American Graffiti. Kids would cruise through the Blue Onion, head west on Fremont Street to the Union Pacific depot, then circle back east to the Blue Onion — repeating the loop all night.
Eventually, Sierra sold Blue Associates and embraced the motto: “Divide and Be Conquered.”
1965 - Broadway Department Store
Las Vegas, NV
Sierra’s bid for the Broadway project was the lowest by just $2,000, narrowly beating competitor Del Webb. Initially, Broadway considered awarding the contract to Del Webb due to Sierra’s smaller size at the time.
However, Sierra surpassed expectations by completing the project three months ahead of schedule, opening in November 1965—well before the Christmas season. When Bill informed Broadway’s representatives about the early completion, they were initially skeptical and had to expedite ordering inventory, counters, and displays to meet the new opening date.
Following this success, Broadway chose Sierra for the construction of all their future stores.
1973 - Valley Bank
Downtown Las Vegas, NV
The Valley Bank Plaza was the tallest office building in town when originally constructed. All exterior precast concrete panels were cast and sandblasted in Sierra’s yard before being transported to the site. Sierra invested in the largest concrete pump in the state at the time, which allowed concrete to be pumped over 200 feet vertically to pour the floors. Valley Bank occupied the bottom three floors, while Sierra’s attorney occupied the top floor.
The Valley Bank garage was the first in the area to use post-tensioned construction. Post-tensioning tendons were embedded within the slabs and beams, stretched and anchored after the concrete had been poured and cured. The tendons dip low in the center of the spans and rise over the columns and walls. After tensioning, the center portions of the slabs and beams are lifted and supported by the stressed tendons.
Be Part of Our History
Now Hiring Designers & Draftsmen
We invite qualified candidates to submit their resume along with a work sample for consideration. Please send your materials to the email address below. We look forward to reviewing your application and exploring the opportunity to work together.
Hotels & Casinos: Bally’s, Castaways, Dunes, El Morocco, Flamingo Hilton, Four Queens, Fremont, Gold Coast, Golden Nugget (Las Vegas), Golden Nugget (Laughlin), Golden Nugget Garages (Las Vegas & Laughlin), Hacienda, Horseshoe, Hyatt Lake Tahoe, La Concha, Las Vegas Hilton, Mirage, Riviera, Sahara, Sands, Santa Fe, Showboat, Stardust, Tropicana.
Schools: O.K. Adcock Elementary, Basic High School, W.E. Ferron Elementary, Mall Kelly Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, Madison Elementary, Manch Manor Elementary, Nellis Elementary, Page Arizona School, Lewis E. Rowe Elementary, Variety School, Gene Ward Elementary, UNLV Humanities Building, UNLV Science Building.
Banks: Bank of Nevada Henderson Branch; First National Bank Convention Center; First National Bank Las Vegas Blvd Branch; First National Bank 15th & Charleston; Home Savings 4th St Branch; Home Savings Maryland Pkwy Branch; Valley Bank Boulder City Branch; Valley Bank Casino Branch; Valley Bank Charleston Heights Branch; Valley Bank Convention Center; Valley Bank Decatur Branch; Valley Bank East Charleston; Valley Bank Fashion Show Branch; Valley Bank Green Valley Branch; Valley Bank Henderson Branch; Valley Bank Industrial Branch; Valley Bank Laughlin Branch; Valley Bank Mesquite Branch; Valley Bank Mission Branch; Valley Bank North Las Vegas Branch; Valley Bank Operation Center; Valley Bank Overton Branch; Valley Bank Pahrump Branch; Valley Bank Paradise Branch; Valley Bank Plaza Main Branch; Valley Bank Sahara Branch; Valley Bank Sandhill Branch; Valley Bank Spring Valley Branch; Valley Bank Sunrise Branch; Valley Bank Tonopah Branch; Valley Bank University Branch.
Commercial & Office: Alden Industries Office & Warehouse, Bell Telephone Facility, De Vos Office Building, Earl Office Building, Golden Nugget/Atlanta Design Building, Hanes Office Building, Horsey Insurance Building, James Down Towers, John A. Martin Associates Offices, Leavitt Office Building, Sierra Office Buildings 112 & 113, Silver State Office Building, Summa Office Building, Three Seas Office Building
Hospitality & Retail: Blue Angel Motel, Blue Haven Lounge, Blue Onion Restaurant, Broadway Department Store, Community Chevrolet, Fanny’s on the Strip, New York Meats, Peppermill Restaurant
Religious & Community: Easter Seal Treatment Center, Elk’s Lodge, First Presbyterian Church, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Mountain View Lutheran Church, Reformation Lutheran Church, West Charleston Presbyterian Church
Government & Civic: Henderson City Hall, Indian Springs Fire Station, Las Vegas Convention Center, Nevada Department of Transportation Main Building (Ely), Southern Nevada Mental Health Building, U.S. National Guard Armory
Military & Defense: Nellis Airman’s Dining Hall, Base Operations, Cold Storage Building, BOQ’s, Communication Building, Parachute Building, Runways, Truck Fuel Stands, Nevada Test Site (40+ buildings)
Infrastructure & Healthcare: Flamingo Pumping Station, Friendly Ford (and Auto Body), UMC Diagnostic Outpatient Center