The Future Awaits

D/P/S is also working on a slew of upcoming major projects, including the $100-million University of New Mexico Hospital project, which will include a 96-bed hospital and a medical office building. The six-floor, 195,000-sq-ft hospital will include six surgical suites, a diagnostic and treatment block and various support spaces. The adjoining two-story, 65,000-sq-ft medical office building will house eye and cardiovascular clinics, among other services.

Another health care project designed by D/P/S is the 182,000-sq-ft Kayenta Health Center on the Navajo Nation in northeastern Arizona. Currently under construction for the Indian Health Service, the $60-million facility features a variety of one- and two-story spaces, a clinic with emergency room areas as well as an administrative support space. The design for the building also incorporates the cultural signature of Navajo, or Diné, culture, and includes outstanding views of nearby Monument Valley.

Also currently under construction is the first phase of Albuquerque Convention Center's $20-million renovation. Phase 1 includes remodeling the West Building upper level ballrooms, restrooms and lower-level kitchen; installing a new service corridor and service elevator for the ballrooms; and adding a new facade. New features will include massive windows with panoramic views and the addition of a lower-level food court. Phase 2 is expected to be bid this summer.

D/P/S also remains active in the multifamily market, having designed the Casitas de Colores in downtown Albuquerque. The 71-unit, $16-million development broke ground in early March and features four behavioral health units for homeless families.

The project was designed to achieve LEED-Platinum status, continuing the firm's deep commitment to sustainable design: 23 projects have been LEED certified, including 10 Gold and one Platinum, and another 17 projects are registered and under way.

Eyes on the Prize

With a 38% revenue increase during 2012, D/P/S continues to grow regionally and may one day become an internationally recognized firm.

"I look at firms I respect, and they grew—HKS is a great example," Sabatini says. "They started years ago just like us. They were rather small, but over the years they have grown into a worldwide practice, and they are highly respected and really good people. We strive to be like that. I am not content. I see that this can continue."

While overseas offices might be in the long-term future for D/P/S, making a strong push into Arizona and Colorado may be achieved sooner rather than later.

"We will always be an Albuquerque-headquartered firm, but in order to continue to grow and provide opportunities for current and future employees, we have to get the work that allows people to come into work every day and feel excited about what it is," Dekker says. "To grow, we have to look at Phoenix, Denver and some other markets and building types. I do think we have quite a bit to offer as far as our ability to respond to our client needs and provide great work. You have to go out and prove it every day on every project.

"You do that, you attract talented people," he adds. "That is really our biggest asset: our people and the talents they have."