This month, we celebrate the retirement of Curtis Tanner, a beloved landscape architect at Think Architecture whose thoughtful, nature-driven designs have shaped parks, campuses, and public spaces across Utah for decades. As Curtis wraps up a remarkable career, we sat down with him to reflect on his journey, his inspirations, and the enduring joy of creating places that bring people together outdoors.
A Love for the Outdoors—and for Drawing It
From a young age, Curtis felt a deep connection to both nature and creativity. “All my life I enjoyed drawing, creating on paper and with different ‘building’ materials, and spending time outside,” he says. A turning point came when his parents hired a landscape architect to design their challenging property. “I was fascinated by the plans and watching them come to life—it was so cool!” That experience planted the seed for what would become a fulfilling, decades-long career.
Designing with Heart: Why Parks Matter
While Curtis has contributed to a wide range of landscape projects over the years, he’s especially passionate about parks. “A park project is like a giant canvas—so much space for creativity,” he says. “Parks give people a chance to enjoy being outside, to relax, to explore something new. That’s meaningful to me.” His designs are about more than just aesthetics—they’re about creating spaces that feel good, function well, and invite connection.
A Mentor Who Made a Mark
Early in his career, Curtis worked for Bob Behling, a respected landscape architect known for designing some of the world’s most iconic resorts. “Bob was incredibly talented, demanding in the best way, and always fun to work with,” Curtis recalls. “He taught me things school couldn’t—how to uphold quality and integrity in design, communicate visually, and aim for excellence.” Bob’s mentorship left a lasting mark on Curtis’ approach and professional values.
Finding Beauty in the Everyday
Ask Curtis where he draws inspiration, and he doesn’t hesitate: nature itself. “The mountains, a canyon, a quiet stream—there’s beauty everywhere,” he says. “Sometimes I’ll be hiking and think, do you know how much someone would pay to have this in their backyard?” That sense of wonder has always guided his work, helping him see the potential in every site and translate it into something special.
A Standout Project—and a Favorite Memory
One project that stands out for Curtis is his early involvement in the design of the “front yard” of Weber State University. The improvements included a large pond with a fountain, plaza space, winding walkways, and landscaped berms that buffer the campus from busy Harrison Boulevard. “It’s been incredible to see how much people enjoy that space,” he says. “Thousands gather there for concerts and celebrations. It’s a place that really connects people.” For Curtis, that’s the ultimate measure of success.
The Heart of a Great Client Partnership
Curtis is quick to point out that great design starts with great listening. “You have to really understand what the client wants, and then create solutions that are both creative and workable,” he says. That client-focused mindset has earned him trust and long-term relationships throughout his career.
Advice for the Next Generation
As he prepares for retirement, Curtis has a few words of wisdom for up-and-coming landscape architects: “Jump in with both feet. Don’t be afraid to try a different solution. Keep pushing until you’re satisfied—and then try again. That’s how you grow.”
Looking Ahead—And Looking Back with Gratitude
After decades of design, Curtis is looking forward to more time with his family, building furniture, and continuing to explore the outdoors with his wife of 46 years. “It’s been a joy to do this work,” he says. “To see something go from idea to reality—and know it’s being used and loved by people—that never gets old.”
Curtis, your creativity, mentorship, and warmth have left a lasting legacy at Think Architecture. Thank you for everything. We’ll miss you deeply—and wish you all the best in this next adventure.