CMA’s K-12 Studio are Experts in School Architecture in Utah and Beyond

Our K-12 team tackles some of our most complex, nuanced, and delicate projects, exploring and exacting the design solutions necessary for ideal learning and teaching environments. Their enthusiasm and passion for each project, along with their impeccable teamwork and work ethic, make them an excellent reflection of how much we care when it comes to the education of our next generations. It is with appreciation that we spotlight our K-12 education team and their work.

Curtis Livingston, AIA, NCARB | Principal

How did you become part of the K-12 team?

I joined the team in 2016 after leaving a previous company where I also worked on K-12 Projects.

What do you enjoy most about working on the K-12 team?

I love creating educational spaces, I enjoy the variety of the different spaces that each of the schools has. One day I can be working on typical educational classrooms, another day working on a complete commercial kitchen, another day will be athletic facilities, and another will be performing arts spaces. This variety makes the projects very interesting.

Why are K-12 projects a passion for you and the team?

It is what we have worked on for over 20 years. I feel that the knowledge we have gained over the years makes us experts in the industry and allows us to create successful projects for our clients and their stakeholders.

What is your role in these projects?

Principal Architect

Of what K-12 project that you’ve worked on are you most proud? Why?

Corner Canyon High School, Pinedale Elementary School, Greenwood Elementary School re-build, and the new Provo Middle School. All these projects provided a response to specific client needs and once built are serving the end user well.

Is there any type of K-12 project that you are known for or would like to be known for?

We feel very capable to handle any project within the K-12 sector. We have been successful at both new and remodel/re-build projects. We excel at complex projects.

What are the major client benefits of the K-12 team’s work?

Innovative successful projects designed well that meet each client’s budget and schedule.

Kyle Mendoza, Associate AIA | Project Manager

How did you become part of the K-12 team?

I have been doing K-12 work for the past 16 years and was hired to bring in my specialty.

What do you enjoy most about working on the K-12 team?

As a team, we very good at communicating. We listen to each other’s ideas, and we all work together to make sure the job is done well.

Why are K-12 projects a passion for you and the team?

I love the variety it brings, from school to school and client to client.

What is your role in these projects?

Project Manager

Of what K-12 project that you’ve worked on are you most proud? Why?

Tough question. Corner Canyon High School was a great challenge and is one that I am very proud of.

Is there any type of K-12 project that you are known for or would like to be known for?

I’d rather be known for doing good work on all my jobs, and not be known for just one job.

What are the major client benefits of the K-12 team’s work?

We are great at listening and communicating. We are thorough, responsive, creative. Our individual personalities make the job fun.

Dan Vowles, LEED AP | Project Manager, Specifications & Quality Control

How did you become part of the K-12 team?

Curtis Livingston asked me to join the team at CMA after previously working together at another firm.  

What do you enjoy most about working on the K-12 team?

We are hard-working, yet fun, individuals to collaborate with to achieving what we are hoping is a perfect design.  

Why are K-12 projects a passion for you and the team?

The early years of schooling and the environment of learning is such a critical piece in an individuals’ education. Exposing children to an enjoyable environment for learning along with the curriculum to foster learning allow children from all economic backgrounds equal opportunity to grow and develop as individuals.   

What is your role in these projects?

I have over thirty-five years of experience on a diverse range of architectural project types with an emphasis on K-12 education. I provide quality management reviews and technical advice in design development through construction document phases. I assist the project team with research, evaluation, and selection of building products/systems, material applications and methods of construction, and providing the written component of the construction documents for the project.

As a LEED Accredited Professional, I am involved in bringing sustainable design, technologies and building materials into projects, making a positive impact for the natural environment and to the people that inhabit it.

Of what K-12 project that you’ve worked on are you most proud? Why?

Both Skyridge High School and Lingle Elementary in Lingle, Wyoming.

What are the major client benefits of the K-12 team’s work?

Knowledge and experience combined with sensible design.

Brenton Wiberg, LEED AP | Project Manager

How did you become part of the K-12 team?

I started as an intern during college and the rest is history.

What do you enjoy most about working on the K-12 team?

The level of organization and professionalism the team has.

Why are K-12 projects a passion for you and the team?

I love designing learning environments! To think we have an impact on the education of the next generation is a rewarding feeling.

What is your role in these projects?

Project Manager

Of what K-12 project that you’ve worked on are you most proud? Why?

I really loved working on Corner Canyons HS! It is such a beautiful building! Also, the new Provo Middle School – the design the team has come up with is amazing!

What are the major client benefits of the K-12 team’s work?

I think we go above and beyond not only on the design and construction documents, but we really kill it at programming the building. The process of listening to the client and designing a building that will last and function well for them for 50 years into the future is where we really excel.

Matt Anderson | Senior BIM Technician

How did you become part of the K-12 team?

During CMA’s recent restructure, my initial team was disbanded within the firm, which gave me the opportunity to join the K-12 team.

What do you enjoy most about working on the K-12 team?

Even though we have a focus on schools there still is quite a bit of variety in what we do. I enjoy getting to work on new and exciting projects.

Why are K-12 projects a passion for you and the team?

I personally enjoy the design opportunities that schools bring. Whether that is an auditorium, a sports field, or a library, each school brings new opportunities for design.

What is your role in these projects?

I’m a drafter and I help to create the construction documents for each of the projects.

Of what K-12 project that you’ve worked on are you most proud? Why?

I haven’t been a part of the K-12 team for very long but of the projects I have worked on I enjoyed the American Heritage project in Salt Lake City. It’s a historic church just off temple square that became the new school. It’s kind of a unique and interesting project.

What are the major client benefits of the K-12 team’s work?

Our team seeks for excellence in everything we do. Whether that is finding better ways to use our tools, or in the methods we design. We always seek to do the job well. Many have commented on the quality of our designs and the depth of our drawings.

Blake Gneiting, CDT | Senior BIM Technician

How did you become part of the K-12 team?

When I first interviewed at CMA I interviewed for a position on the K-12 team and have been a member of the team the entire time I have been a part of CMA.

What do you enjoy most about working on the K-12 team?

I enjoy the projects and the team. We have a great team where we all get along well and are provided with lots of opportunity for growth, learning, and trying new things which make being a part of this team very enjoyable.

I also enjoy the projects we work on. K-12 projects are fun and engaging with a lot of variety in them, this makes work enjoyable and stimulating.

Why are K-12 projects a passion for you and the team?

I feel we all enjoy the K-12 projects because of the opportunities that come with them. K-12 projects are engaging and enjoyable projects. Each school is a bit different and comes with new opportunities to do many things. In one project you might have the opportunity to design classrooms, a performance hall, a gymnasium, a welding shop, and an auto shop. Schools provide many opportunities to their students which in turn provides us opportunities to design many different buildings and space usages. This keeps me engaged and is one of the many reasons I love what I do and want to keep doing it.

What is your role in these projects?

I assist with the design work and help coordinate with our consultants. I help prepare construction documents as well as manage BIM models and carry out modeling and drafting tasks needed to complete construction documents.

Of what K-12 project that you’ve worked on are you most proud? Why?

I really enjoyed American Heritage Phase 1C &2A. I feel like it came together well, and it was the first project I worked on at CMA. It came together well and is a beautiful building.

I liked the façade upgrades we did for Maple Mountain and Salem Hills high schools because they are close to home. I am from Payson and my dad works for Nebo School District. I just really enjoyed getting to do a project where I grew up and have so many ties. It will be fun to drive by those with family and be able to tell them that I helped design that.

Is there any type of K-12 project that you are known for or would like to be known for?

Not really a certain type of K-12 Project. I would like to be known for always delivering top quality work and products to my clients no matter what the project is.  

What are the major client benefits of the K-12 team’s work?

We are an effective team and deliver high-quality products which help make the client’s life easier.

Jake Wendt | BIM Technician

How did you become part of the K-12 team?

A couple years ago Blake Gneiting and I worked together at an engineer firm. Due to different job opportunities we both left that company. A year or two later I received a phone call from Blake that there was a position open in the K-12 team and wondered if I was interested in applying. I did and after a couple weeks of applying and interviews I was hired on and have been on the k-12 team ever since.

What do you enjoy most about working on the K-12 team?

I love the team that I am a part of. They are fun, supportive, and efficient. This has created an atmosphere that I have been able to learn and experience a variety of things that has helped me grow. When designing schools, you get to design a variety of genres that are included in the program of schools such as sports auditoriums, stages, cafeterias, office spaces, and mechanical shops. There is so much to learn from all these areas.

Why are K-12 projects a passion for you and the team?

Schools are a major part of communities and this country. Many have at least spent the first 18 years of our life in a school, or/and have children attending school right now. Schools not only impact the children’s education but also develop their talents whether that be art, sports, music, and so on.

I am grateful for the opportunity of being able to be part of helping making an impact to the community, helping design buildings that not only bring the best environment to generations of children to grow and learn but also house memories and moments of touchdowns and school plays that are talked about around the dinner table for ages.

What is your role in these projects?

My role to work alongside my team in helping produce high quality plans to help and assist contractors in building the dream. I do this by making sure that we have a high-quality model and construction sheets to help production from consultants and builders. I help bring ideas and assist in designing building and layout of the floor plans.

Of what K-12 project that you’ve worked on are you most proud? Why?

I am currently most proud of American Heritage Salt Lake Campus. This project pushed me the most and I was able to learn so much that has helped me on projects afterwards.

Is there any type of K-12 project that you are known for or would like to be known for?

I would prefer to be known for being part of a team that produces high quality projects no matter what project it is.

What are the major client benefits of the K-12 team’s work?

We strive daily to produce the best quality design and buildings that are guaranteed to be worth the investment and time. We thoroughly examine every square inch of a project to make sure it is not only efficient and functionable meeting all the needs of our clients, but also breathtaking.