Every story has unique challenges and satisfactions. That’s perhaps most so with stories celebrating a life’s work. In this case, New Mexico architect Van Gilbert was awarded a Legacy Award for the Southwest Region by Engineering News Record, the country’s premier construction industry magazine. For more than 40-plus years, Van, now retired, combined his love for the topography, history and culture of New Mexico with dedication to regional architecture and a joy of connecting communities. He says: “An architectural practice can make a broad contribution to society, a contribution that often extends beyond the building to support the complex needs and goals of communities and institutions.”