ENR Mountain States is pleased to announce that the winner of this year’s regional Legacy Award is Dave Hammel, an architect and leader at Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture in Denver.

The Legacy Award is given annually by ENR regional editors to an individual who has achieved a lifetime legacy of service in design and construction, and who has offered time and expertise in giving back to the profession and to the community in which he or she lives.

Hammel retired earlier this year after working for 43 years at BRS, as an architect and one of the partners and principals of the firm. BRS is one of Colorado’s best-known designers of community recreation centers, as well as parks, water parks, resorts, libraries, city halls, cultural centers and field houses. The firm started in Denver 45 years ago.

Hammel was key in launching BRS’s reputation for designing state-of-the-art, multigenerational recreation centers. According to colleagues, he has contributed more to the innovation and evolution of rec centers than any other architect in the United States, helping more than 250 communities across the country plan and design their rec centers.

Hammel also has been a steady mentor and teacher, inspiring dozens of designers and students during his four decades of work.

“In business, Dave led by example, prioritizing people first,” a colleague said. “He was unflappable and approached decisions, even when times were tough, with level-headed calmness and a perspective of respect, fairness and kindness.”

A profile story about the Hammel’s accomplishments will appear in the December issue of the magazine.

Congratulations Dave!