Breadth of experience in complex, challenging projects is beneficial to Utah Higher Education architect

Jay Taggart, AIA is a Principal at Curtis Miner Architecture.

A designer at heart, Jay joined Curtis Miner Architecture in 2007 and brings a depth of experience in multi-faceted, complex projects, including commercial, healthcare, assisted living, municipal, multi-family, and tenant improvements.

It wasn’t until working at CMA that Jay pursued Higher Education projects. Some might say it was serendipitous – with his strong leadership and organizational skills, Jay is a good choice to take responsibility for this challenging project type.

While pursuing work with the DFCM, owner Curtis Miner reconnected with a past client who ultimately became CMA’s client for the Utah Valley University Melissa Nellesen Center for Autism. As Principal in Charge on the project, Jay was challenged and inspired to oversee the design of a space that has a huge impact on the community, both locally and State-wide. “The best projects come from great team members and great clients and also from a great cause, and UVU Center for Autism had all of these,” asserts Jay. “The design was innovative and exciting; especially in its concept and purpose – educating the community, the people who teach and live with autistic people, and educating the autistic people themselves. It is very impactful on the community, and it won several design awards – a win-win-win.”

Jay’s obvious passion for the UVU project extends across all his work; he is an advocate for CMA’s service-driven culture. He believes in providing the best possible project and the best possible customer service, creating long-term relationships with his clients.

This has been true with UVU, where CMA is currently working on a nursing training center. Jay’s healthcare experience has proven beneficial to the project. Depending on the course of study, education takes place beyond the standard classroom. In the nursing facility, learning encompasses beds and patients. “It’s the nature of higher education architecture,” explains Jay, “you have different subjects being taught and learned and different buildings that have to address those subjects, so having a breadth of different experience comes in handy.”