Jimmy Carter Middle School
Jimmy Carter Middle School is located in an industrial and residential neighborhood on Albuquerque’s west side. With panoramic views of the Sandia and Manzano Mountains to the east, the school is designed to capitalize on these.
The school campus is divided into five separate buildings organized along a central Commons that serves as the main circulation and gathering space. Progressively widening from the main entry onward, the Commons can be used for an informal classroom space, sports event half-time break-out space, or reception area for a school performance. Situated on a sloping site, the Commons helps integrate the buildings with the site by incorporating a variety of level changes.
The design of the school was influenced by the materials and colors of traditional New Mexico architecture but blended with industrial forms and materials of a more contemporary time. Stone-like masonry walls are used to identify key elements such as the entry tower. They are also used to create a visual and sound buffer from the existing industrial areas to the south. Deep-set openings in these south facing facades allow for passive solar control.
The Design
Due to the west side location with its prevailing westerly winds and a need for student gathering areas, a large commons space was created to address inclement weather conditions and improved student interaction and monitoring by staff. The large commons space is normally the circulation corridor. It was programmatically enlarged to address the need for the gathering space as well as egress requirements.
- 107,000 sf
- Master Plan
- Architecture
- Administration & Support
- Media Center
- Cafetorium
- Computer Labs
- Band/Chorus Rooms
- Industrial Shop
- Home Economics
- Science Labs
- Separate 6, 7 & 8 Grade Classroom Wings
- Vocational Education Building
- 2001, AIA Merit Award
News
Farmington Preschool Academy: Designing Spaces Where Young Learners Thrive
After working alongside Farmington Municipal Schools (FMS) and Jaynes Corporation, FBT Architects is excited to celebrate the recent opening of Farmington Preschool Academy. At FBT designing for young learners requires a thorough understanding of how children learn, play and develop during their earliest years. Reflecting on the design process, our team shared key insights into […]
People on the Move: Jimmy Craig
FBT Architects is pleased to announce the promotion of Architect Jimmy Craig to Associate, recognizing his leadership, design excellence and seven years dedicated service to the firm. Since returning to FBT, Jimmy has taken a leading role in the firm’s Dallas office, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to quality design, client service and project leadership. […]
People on the Move: Justin Milburn
FBT Architects is pleased to announce the promotion of Justin Milburn to Associate, recognizing his outstanding contributions and nine years of dedicated service to the firm. As a Senior Project Architect of FBT’s higher education team, Justin has played an integral role in the success of numerous projects. He leads multidisciplinary teams of designers […]
San Juan College: The Harvest Food Hub
FBT Architects was excited to attend the grand opening of The Harvest Food Hub and Kitchen, a local community business supported by San Juan College. The Harvest Food Hub and Kitchen promotes local farmers and artisans in the Four Corners region, encouraging the purchase, sales and distribution of local foods. The project was completed in […]
A Celebration of Heritage at Navajo Preparatory School
Navajo Preparatory School in Farmington, NM is a transformative two-story 37,000 SF Center for Design & Creative Arts. It celebrates the school’s heritage while empowering the next generation of student creators. Rooted in the school’s mission and the cultural history of the campus, the building is envisioned as a place where tradition and innovation meet. […]
A New Era for Healthcare in New Mexico: The Opening of the UNM Hospital Critical Care Tower
October 5, 2025, marked a transformative day for healthcare in New Mexico with the grand opening of the new UNM Hospital Critical Care Tower (CCT). Nearly a decade in the making, this monumental project withstood the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and stands today as a testament to progress, collaboration and resilience. The new CCT […]
Design Moves Us: Our New Headquarters at 500 Marquette
Earlier this year, FBT Architects relocated its headquarters to the 15th floor of 500 Marquette in downtown Albuquerque. Previously based in Uptown, the firm made the move for several reasons: firm-wide growth requiring more space, a desire to host community events and, perhaps, a bit of perfect timing. When our previous lease ended, the space […]
New Faces. Bold Spaces. Meet FBT’s Hospitality and Design Leadership
For more than 50 years, FBT Architects has shaped the Southwest’s built environment with design that inspires, connects and endures. Recognized as one of New Mexico’s most respected architecture and design firms—with thriving studios in Dallas and Colorado Springs—we bring vision, craft and collaboration to every project. Today, we’re entering an exciting new era of […]
Socorro Middle School Grand Opening
This week, the Socorro community came together to celebrate the grand opening of the new Socorro Middle School—an inspiring milestone for Socorro Consolidated Schools and a project proudly designed by FBT Architects. On Monday, July 21, district leaders, students and community members gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony that included guided tours and enthusiastic reflections on […]
An Anchor for Community Well-being: Twelfth Step Ministry
Nestled in a quiet, tree-lined neighborhood in North Dallas sits a new home for hope and healing. Designed by FBT Architects, the Phillips Family Center for Spiritual Development provides a space that furthers Twelfth Step Ministry’s mission: to provide hope, help and support in a safe, inclusive environment. Equipped with meeting rooms, places for private […]