I just found out about Curtis' passing and I'm very sad I didn't get to say goodbye. I worked with Curtis for several years when I was in my 20's and he was a really good friend. He taught me a lot about architecture, but much more importantly he left me with life lessons that I'll always appreciate. He taught me, not with words but by example,  that we need to actively choose to seek joy and beauty in our lives. 

I have so many stories of Curtis, but one in particular that exemplifies this lesson was a day that he and I visited a construction site in Flushing. After we finished work, we took a self guided walking history tour of Flushing and it turned into an indescribable but special moment where we just appreciated the beauty of the day, the beauty of the past, the beauty of our city, our country, the shapes of the world. Curtis told me about this mental state, one of focusing on that beauty in the world; I can't remember the word he used to describe the state but whenever I enter that state, I will always remember this day.

That lesson has already helped me to seize so many different opportunities to find joy in my everyday life and for that I'm truly grateful. 

CB and Nancy

My condolences to Alison, Natalie and Daniel.

I just recently learned that Curtis had passed. His knowledge, perspective, and honesty were always something I looked forward to hearing, whenever I had the opportunity. Sending my sincerest condolences and wishing comfort to the Wayne family, he will be missed.

I only learned today of Curtis’ passing.  We were friends for around 15 years and he often spoke about his daughters and how proud he was of them.  I will miss him.  

I wasn’t aware he wasn’t well and hope he didn’t suffer.

Fondly,

Catherine

Curtis and I met in 2005 and  reconnected 10 years later. We spoke often and met for dinner several times each year.   He was very imaginative and forever young in many ways. He helped me design my new apartment. It would be hard to match Curtis’s intelligence and interest in the world. He spoke often of his children and grandchildren. I am  not surprised  that he held on to his beloved NYC until the end. 

Rest in peace, my friend. 

Wow, this such a sad shock. I have  so much respect for Curtis’s knowledge and humor.  We had some great times and discussions of various topics  and fun sailing together. I will miss him greatly. He must be soooo happy he didn’t have to move. I wish his family well, I know he loved them dearly. 

I was quite saddened to learn of Curtis’ passing. He and I were friends who corresponded for more than three decades. We followed each others Architectural adventures and life’s ups and downs. His insights, kindness and grace will be sorely missed.

Curtis was a good friend of mine. We met at a Cooper Phone-a-Thon fundraiser in the basement of the NAB a little more than 10 years ago. After I left NYC and moved to Chicago, we  talked on the phone sometimes about voice acting and art/architecture-related stuff. We shared a healthy skepticism for authority and each tried to help temper the other’s expressions of defiance in our respective work environments. Sometimes these efforts were more successful than others. When I could make it back to NYC we would sometimes grab a meal at a little dive on 18th street. He was irascible- at times overwhelmingly so, but always tried to be himself and tell it like it was. I respected him for that. Wishing his family peace and warmth and healing during this difficult time. 

My condolences to the Wayne family and to those members of the Cooper Union family who have worked with, been interviewed by, and been close to Curtis as a friend and mentor.