Orem, UT (January 23, 2026) – Layton Construction joined Utah Valley University (UVU) leaders, faculty, students, and community partners last week to celebrate the ribbon cutting of UVU’s new Engineering and Technology Building.
Located at the highest point on campus, the building responds to Utah’s critical shortage of engineers and computer scientists, where approximately 4,000 positions remain unfilled statewide. As the second largest producer of engineering graduates in Utah, UVU had outgrown its previous facilities. The Scott M. Smith College of Engineering and Technology Building now serves more than 6,400 students across nine accredited programs and supports continued enrollment growth.
The building houses 27 teaching and research laboratories, lab support spaces, classrooms, offices, and conference rooms. It includes advanced smart sensor technology that monitors structural loading, heat gain/loss, and internal and external environmental conditions, creating a living laboratory where students learn from the structure around them.
Scott M. Smith Engineering Building, Utah Valley University
“Congratulations to the entire UVU Engineering Building team. Thank you for the countless hours of thoughtful planning and collaboration that resulted in a successful completion and turnover. This accomplishment reflects the collective strength of dedicated professionals working together toward a shared vision—demonstrating what can be achieved when people unite to deliver something truly significant. Through disciplined execution and unwavering commitment, the team ensured the project was completed on time and within budget.” Said Dave Whimpey, Executive Vice President at Layton.
The layout strategically breaks up conference rooms and study areas throughout the building to encourage collaboration across different fields. This design reflects how engineers work in professional environments and helps foster cross-functional teamwork among students from civil, computer, electrical, mechanical, software engineering, and related fields.
Layton partnered closely with VCBO Architecture, Reavely Engineers, Utah’s Division of Facilities Construction and Management, UVU, and the full project team to deliver the new academic facility that supports hands-on and experiential learning to prepare students for immediate impact in Utah’s tech-driven economy.
Layton partnered with UVU, DFCM, VCBO Architecture, and Reaveley Engineers to deliver UVU’s latest campus building.
Top: Dave Layton, Jerome Meikle, Jared Adamson, Dave Whimpey, Clint Bunnell, Derek Payne, Celestia Carson, Jeff Palmer
Middle: Frank Young, Jon Brinkerhoff, Mike Leatham, Kyle Krutsch, Willy the Wolverine, Tyler Murrow
Bottom: Keena Walgren, Jerod Johnson, Nancy McKendrick, Mallory Platt, Mike McCullough
Have questions about Layton in Utah? Or have a higher-ed project coming up? Check out our portfolio and get in touch with our Utah office to discuss.
About Layton Construction
Layton Construction is a privately held national general contractor, delivering predictable outcomes in commercial construction since 1953. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, Layton operates from 16 strategic offices across the United States, employing more than 1,700 construction professionals who serve diverse markets including healthcare, education, commercial office, industrial, hospitality, and multi-unit residential. Founded on the core values of honesty, unity, safety, and quality, Layton has built a reputation for excellence in complex project delivery while maintaining strong partnerships with clients, architects, and trade partners nationwide.
Layton Construction breaks ground on Rambler Tempe, helping to elevate student living at Arizona State University. This new high-rise, mixed-use development is expected to be complete by fall semester 2026.
“As builders in Boise, we take great pride in contributing to the growth of our local healthcare,” said Jeremy Hobbs, Vice President of Layton Construction about this next phase that includes a new north tower and medical office plaza at the St. Luke’s Boise Medical Center.