Curtis Miner Architecture Talks the Future of Architecture at the UU Breakfast Club

Community involvement is an important value at Curtis Miner Architecture (CMA), and so is building the future of architecture. Recently, two of our Principals and University of Utah graduates, Curtis Miner and Jay Taggart, presented at the Architecture + Planning School’s Breakfast Club, discussing what it’s like to be an architect day-to-day.

From Humble Beginnings

CMA Principal and Founder Curtis Miner, NCARB, AIA, remembers the excitement of starting CMA in his unfinished basement in 1998 – just two short years after getting his Master’s. According to Utah Construction & Design 2017, CMA is now the 15^th largest architecture firm in Utah. With 9 licensed architects and 27 employees located in their Pleasant Grove offices, it is the largest firm in Utah County. CMA was founded on the ideals of Excellent Design and Outstanding Service and remains true to those principles twenty years later.

Curtis encouraged students to nurture their passion for design. He also reminded attendees that they are responsible for their own education. “Don’t limit your future by failing to check all the boxes now,” he stated. “It will make much easier later to follow your dreams.”

Design

Principal Jay Taggart, AIA, received his Master’s from the U in 2000. He is a designer through and through; he is passionate about the details in all his buildings. Jay urged students to learn the tools of architecture and to be proficient in the programs that architects use day to day, such as Revit, Lumion, and SketchUp, among others. “CMA uses renderings and animations to help clients experience their project before construction begins,” he stated. “These tools are invaluable in moving a project forward.” He also suggested that travel is important for designers. “Design locally but be informed globally. Also, build something. Understand how pieces go together.”

Notable and Favorite Projects

Curtis and Jay showed attendees some of the key projects CMA has had the honor to work on. These include the Ken Garff Porsche Audi Dealership in Lehi, the American Heritage School in American Fork, and the Parkway Lofts Apartments in Orem. Parkway Lofts is also a favorite project around the office, along with the award-winning UVU Center for Autism and the award-winning historic Star Mill renovation.

Current Projects

CMA’s current projects “on the boards” include the Alpine Main Street Village in Alpine, the American Heritage School’s Athletic Facilities, Rockpoint Apartments, and The Hub Food Truck Park.