Vance has been a registered Architect in 19 states and is certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).

[2][3][4] Vance was born in Redfield, South Dakota but spent his school years in Minnesota graduating from Eveleth High in 1975.

[5] Vance earned a bachelor of arts degree in 1979 from North Dakota State University, then studied in Western Europe and returned to North Dakota State University where he earned his bachelor of architecture degree in 1981.

In 1987, he was recruited by SH Architects in Las Vegas where he worked as a senior designer for the firm for two years.

[8][9][10][11] He is a former adjunct professor at UNLV’s College of Architecture,[12] and continues to guest lecture and provide sketching clinics for students in the program.