Robert Smith

Biography

Bob’s love of landscape architecture, in concert with his generous spirit and teacher’s heart, compels him to mentor those who follow in his professional footsteps. He believes that every project should be conducted in a collaborative environment, and understands the importance of incorporating natural and cultural aspects into a site. In relentless devotion to the profession, Bob has dedicated hundreds of hours on projects ranging from memorials, to parks, to the restoration and preservation of forests and national parks. Perhaps Bob’s greatest accomplishment is mentoring landscape architects. As president of the Denver, Colorado firm DHM, he inspires a new approach. He continues to generously share his knowledge of greenway planning, park design, sustainability, public process, memorial design, urban design and, most importantly, how to be an outstanding landscape architect.

NOTABLE WORK

Mount Rushmore National Memorial—Keystone, South Dakota
Bob Smith, leading a team of architects and engineers, transformed a belovedly worn memorial accommodating 75,000 visitors per year into a place of new inspiration able to sustain and enhance the experience of 25,000 visitors each day. Over a 10-year span, Bob and his inspired team created a new and greatly expanded experience for Memorial visitors.

South Platte River Greenway—Denver, Colorado
Bob drew upon his creativity and practical recreational design experience to create design standards and safety guidelines for pedestrian trails, pocket parks and bicycle paths along the river. Part of one of the nation’s most celebrated inner city renewals, the greenway supports diverse species of plants and animals, while providing the community with activities and renewal of spirit.

Sequoia National Park, Giant Forest—Three Rivers, California
With only 75 Giant Sequoia tree groves left in the world, Sequoia National Park’s Giant Forest is one of our country’s most precious resources, but, after years of visitor use, it was in grave danger. With Bob’s vision, buildings were carefully relocated in clear areas between fir thickets, trees and rock outcroppings, minimizing further ecological damage.