Description of Individual or organization
During his 25 years of architectural design experience, David Hensley, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, has had the opportunity to work on transit-oriented design, urban infill housing, mixed-use communities and university campuses across the country. As LEED AP, David is focused on integrating sustainable design and green building into all the firm's projects. David has been recognized with more than a dozen design awards from organizations, including the National Association of Home Builders and the American Institute of Architects.
David received his undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University and a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Texas at Arlington. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the North Texas Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council.
Leadership (Nominee demonstrates leadership through example, knowledge, attitude)
David leads the HLR firm by influencing and encouraging environmental responsibility and sustainability both in planning and in practice. He chairs an internal Green Building/Green Office committee, which consists of staff who share in his commitment to setting standards for our projects and our offices to become more “green.” David encourages professional certification, membership and involvement for all of the firm’s staff at all levels, and allows time off to attend related events and training.
Environmental Impact (Nominee demonstrates a positive impact on the local environment via policy change, product offering, significant volunteer contribution or other achievement)
Through his involvement with Dallas Green Build, Green Built Texas,and the U.S. Green Building Council, David demonstrates his commitment to impacting the local environment. David has been a third-party provider for the City of Dallas Green Building Program for years and has also served as a member of the Green Task Force Committee to implement Green Building Standards within the City of Dallas. HLR’s experience with sustainable design programs includes Green Built Texas, Dallas Green, Austin Green, LEED for Homes and the National Green Building Standard, among others. The firm recently volunteered for the Trinity River Conservation Corps’ second annual Corporate Day of Service, a day focused on cleaning up the Trinity River
Community Impact (Nominee demonstrates commitment to DFW green community through involvement with causes, business ventures or organizations)
As a board member of the U.S. Green Building Council, David has spent a significant amount of time over the last two years volunteering on a committee to develop a state-wide directory, the Texas Green Building Marketplace, which consists of green businesses, builders, products, and vendors. The first of its kind, the directory is a wonderful resource of like-minded providers of products and services. The committee collaborated to determine regions of focus, how the Marketplace would be used by businesses, how to promote it, and how it is tied to membership as a benefit.
David is also involved in the planning and organizing committee for the annual Sustainable Showcase – a topic-focused event to serve a broad variety of civic leaders, architects, responders, builders, manufacturing representatives, designers, engineers, commissioning agents, etc. The event addresses what leaders are seeing in the community that can be addressed from the various perspectives of those involved. The focus for the event this year was Resilience – not only from natural and economic disasters, but everything from social behavior, thought processes, flexibility, and future growth.
David has been LEED AP for 10 years and has led his firm as a member firm since 2007. He is the Director of Sustainability for the firm and works to integrate sustainability through everyday practices of design.
Other reasons for your nomination
David is passionate about his work in design and raises that passion to another level when it comes to sustainability. His favorite project type is urban infill – in part because of the tangible result of seeing an unused, dilapidated building replaced with a sustainable, responsibly-built project that will provide a place for people to live, work, play and thrive for many years to come. David W. Hensley is a stellar candidate for the Sustainable Leadership Award.
