Leaving a blueprint on the community

The word architect often conjures up images of blueprints, rulers and mechanical pencils, but for Dave Huey (’78), award-winning architect and president of Dewberry Architects Inc., it’s about being connected to the community.

Huey had long set his sights on a career as an architect.

“My older brother, Wayne (’68), was an architect, and ever since I was a kid I worked on models and drew house plans,” Huey said. “Then, when I went to art school at Harding, I took art history classes that, for me, were really all about architecture. All of that continued to pique my interest to go on to architecture school.”

After graduating with a degree in art, Huey went to Oklahoma State University where he received both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in architecture.

Huey has been practicing architecture for 36 years. He joined Dewberry Architects in 1986 working in the firm’s Tulsa, Oklahoma, office where he recently served as senior principal and director. Earlier this year, Huey was named president of the company, overseeing more than 135 design professionals in locations across the country.

Huey is responsible for offices from California to Florida and everywhere in between, so he covers a lot of ground in any given week. With daughters Hayden, Callie (’13) and Piper (’17) grown and married, his wife, Patti, is often able to travel with Huey as he visits the company’s offices.

“It’s rewarding to get to see what our staff is working on, to meet with their clients, be there for ribbon cuttings, and see projects successfully completed.”

In addition to his role as president, Huey also is the director of health care architecture for the company.

“Being involved in health care projects is one of the things that’s been most satisfying for me,” Huey said. “We spend a lot of time talking with patients making sure that the projects we pursue, design and construct are ones that will make a positive impact on the lives of the people that use them. It’s rare that I go into a hospital where I don’t sit down and talk with patients, whether it’s at lunch in their dining facilities or in waiting rooms. I find out what it is they’re dealing with so I can better understand what their facility needs are.”

Huey is widely known for his expertise in the planning and designing of more than 5 million square feet of oncology facilities across the country, resulting in a national portfolio of award-winning projects.

“I get thoroughly excited to work on oncology projects,” Huey said. “It is especially gratifying to be able to make a difference, particularly in the life of a very sick patient. While we see a lot of things we wish we didn’t have to see, we’re able to improve the quality of life for the people that use our facilities.”

As an architect, Huey understands the fundamentals of design, but perhaps more important is his connection to people in the community.

“An important part of my job is being involved in a number of nonprofit organizations so I can better understand what the community is all about and what the people in it need,” Huey said. “Most people, when they think of architects, think of somebody designing and drawing plans, but that has very little to do with what I do day in and day out. It’s not just about bricks and mortar; it’s a lot more than that.”

— Jonathan B. Murphy