Growing up in Lake Oswego, Curtis spent most of his free time outside and making things with his hands. From constructing forts in his backyard and birdhouses in his dad’s shop to earning woodworking merit badges in Boy Scout Troop #127, building has always come naturally for him. Combining his appreciation of nature and building, Curtis started working in construction while earning a BS at Portland State University, majoring in Environmental Science. During that time, he developed a keen interest in sustainable building, renewable energy, and rainwater harvesting that he took into practice as a lead carpenter and project manager.