Casper Native Designs Tiny House for “Call of the WY”

WOT 6-1-17

The Wyoming Office of Tourism (WOT) is thrilled to announce that Casper native Shawn Rivett is the interior design for the tiny house that will be traveling through Wyoming this summer as part of their experiential “Call of the WY” promotion.

“It was incredibly important for this promotion that the house exemplified the spirit of Wyoming,” said Kristin Phipps, brand integration senior manager at Wyoming Office of Tourism. “For us, that meant working with Shawn on this project. He’s one of Wyoming’s most talented designers and we’re delighted to work with him.”

Rivett, a native of Casper, self-taught photographer and interior designer has already started the design for the 265-square-foot tiny house in his studio in downtown Casper.

“With a tiny house, it’s a challenge,” said Rivett. “You have to think about what you’re doing with the design and be thoughtful about the choices you’re making as a designer. For me, this project gave me the opportunity to put my stamp–which is very much inspired by Wyoming’s landscapes–and Wyoming’s stamp on this house.”

Elements of the interior design for the house will include a custom-built couch–constructed from upcycled Wyoming snow fence–two custom antler chandeliers, Wyoming photography and stylized touches selected by Rivett, with all pieces sourced from Casper and Wyoming.

Shawn’s distinct one-of-a-kind pieces have been making a name for him across the country. He got his start at an early age when he worked in his family’s business, Wyoming Steel and Recycling, where he was inspired by salvaged materials. While he has been working in photography and design for the past 15 years, Rivett is continually inspired by the place he calls home.

“There’s a beauty to be found in the Wyoming lifestyle, from brandings and backcountry roads to old farm equipment and recycled materials,” said Rivett. “One of the things I love about Wyoming is that life is simple here, in the best way possible.”

The tiny house–owned by Good and Tiny in Wisconsin–arrived in Casper last week and Rivett will be working on it for the next few weeks before the house and the selected adventurer set out to explore Wyoming’s epic landscapes and communities.

Part of the larger “That’s WY” campaign for WOT, the “Call of the WY” promotion will have a selected adventurer traveling throughout Wyoming from July 2 – August 13 as they experience what it’s like to live in Wyoming in a tiny house. In addition, the selected adventurer will be sharing his or her first-person experiences at HGTV.com/CallOfTheWY and on their own social media channels.

Meanwhile, for local Wyoming residents who want a peek at the house prior to July 2, it will be on display at Shawn Rivett Designs during the Casper Art Walk on Thursday, June 1 from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Attendees at the art walk will be able to vote on a piece of art that will be part of the interior design of the house.

For a behind-the-scenes peek at Rivett’s design process, as well as for a preview of what pieces will be going in the tiny house, be sure to follow him on Instagram at @ShawnRivett.

“The work that Shawn creates is distinctly him and distinctly Wyoming,” added Phipps. “His work is Wyoming and we can’t wait to showcase its beauty through the “Call of the WY” promotion.”