ENR Southwest is honored to name Albuquerque architect Van H. Gilbert as its 2020 Legacy Award winner.

Gilbert recently retired from the firm he founded in 1976, VHGArchitects PC, after a more than 50-year career spent working with both public and private clients throughout New Mexico. He has led the design of a wide range of projects, from animal exhibits to K-12 schools, to complex laboratory facilities on multiple university campuses across New Mexico, to corporate headquarters and auto dealership showrooms.

He has been a lifelong champion of collaboration, and throughout the planning and design process on each one of his projects, Gilbert leveraged his unique knowledge of New Mexico’s rich cultural heritage and unique environment.

In his role as founder of the Dean’s Council at the University New Mexico School of Architecture, Gilbert focused on the celebration of community responsive design, and in recognition of his significant contributions to the architectural profession, he was inducted into the American Institute of Architects College of Fellows in 2012. Gilbert also served as chairperson of the $2.2-million capital campaign for a new building to house UNM’s School of Architecture and Planning.

Look for an in-depth profile highlighting Gilbert's career and achievements in the January 11, 2021, issue of ENR Southwest.