Specialist Spotlight: Higher Education Architecture | Jay Taggart, Principal
- September 9, 2021
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- Higher Ed Architect, Higher Education Architecture, Utah Architects

Utah Architecture for Universities and Colleges
Curtis Miner Architecture (CMA) strives to create environments in which students can learn and grow. For firm principal Jay Taggart, higher education projects are a passion because he enjoys the architecture that comes from them. “Improved spaces equal improved learning,” explains Jay. “It’s rewarding to know students will benefit.”
Key to creating engaging and flexible spaces are solutions that integrate interiors tailored to the specific goals, brand, and culture of universities, community and technical colleges. Recent remodel projects at Utah Valley University highlight the ability of our team of architects and interior designers to inspire and benefit the academic and personal experiences of students.
The Health Professions Nursing Remodel closely replicates a professional healthcare setting for students and educators. With an assist from Jay to revise the floor layout and open up spaces to provide more natural light, classrooms and training rooms now closely mimic real-life scenarios. The selection of materials and finishes not only reinforce the design objectives, but also the University’s unique educational mission.

The Health Professions Nursing Remodel closely replicates a professional healthcare setting for students and educators
UVU’s women’s volleyball team has a new home in the doTerra Performance Center. Before the remodel, player space and privacy were limited. The room for the team served not only as their locker room, but also as the study room, film room, and lounge. CMA architects and interior designers worked closely with UVU’s graphics department to design murals and signage that not only follow logo and graphic standards, but also inspire and motivate student athletes to succeed on the court and the classroom. The new space includes a team lounge where athletes can study, review film, and be coached off the court. Locker rooms feature high-tech powered lockers and green accents lights; the UVU Wolverine mascot is featured on a cloud that hangs from the ceiling. From a lounge area and trainer room to a dedicated coach’s area, the spaces were carefully curated to address department and student-athlete needs.

The new space includes a team lounge where athletes can study, review film, and be coached off the court
The CMA team knows that a well-designed space can help you do your best work. Is it too much to hope that we may have contributed to the Wolverines’ winning season? Earlier this year UVU claimed its first-ever Western Athletic Conference volleyball championship and played in the NCAA Volleyball Tournament. Here’s to a winning 2021 season!