BGE is proud to recognize David Retzsch, PLA, ASLA, as the recipient of the 2026 Pat Brown Leadership Award, one of the firm’s highest honors, celebrating individuals who exemplify exceptional leadership, mentorship, integrity, and service to others.
For more than four decades, David has built a career defined by thoughtful leadership, technical excellence, and an unwavering commitment to creating communities that stand the test of time. As a Senior Landscape Architect at BGE, he has consistently demonstrated the qualities that the Pat Brown Leadership Award was established to recognize: a collaborative spirit, a dedication to developing others, and a steadfast commitment to doing the right thing for clients, colleagues, and communities.
David’s leadership is rooted in intentionality. Throughout his career, he has championed a multidisciplinary approach to project delivery, believing that the strongest solutions emerge when engineers, planners, and landscape architects work together as one team. Colleagues know him as a trusted advisor who brings clarity to complex challenges, fosters meaningful relationships, and creates an environment where collaboration thrives.
His impact can be seen across some of North Texas’ most transformative projects. From the Louisiana Street Reconstruction in McKinney, where he helped balance historic character with modern infrastructure needs, to the 8-year North Central Expressway Urban Design project in Dallas, David has demonstrated remarkable perseverance, technical leadership, and a commitment to excellence through every phase of project delivery. These accomplishments reflect not only his professional expertise but also his ability to unite teams around a common purpose.
David’s influence extends far beyond project work. Throughout his career, he has invested in the growth of emerging professionals, advocated for the landscape architecture and planning professions, and served as a respected voice within the broader design community. His willingness to share knowledge, mentor others, and foster connections reflects a leadership philosophy centered on service rather than recognition.
“I’m thrilled to see David Retzsch recognized as BGE’s recipient of the Pat Brown Leadership Award,” said Chris Kuykendall, North Texas Regional Leader. “David exemplifies the qualities this award was created to honor: a passion for his profession, a commitment to service, and a genuine ability to bring people together. His receipt of the President’s Award of Distinguished Service from the Greater Dallas Planning Council reflects the tremendous respect he has earned throughout the planning and design community. Through his leadership, advocacy, and dedication to others, David has strengthened the profession and made a lasting impact on BGE, our clients, and the communities we serve.”
As the recipient of the 2026 Pat Brown Leadership Award, David joins a distinguished group of leaders whose contributions have helped shape BGE’s culture and future. His example serves as a reminder that great leadership is built through consistency, humility, professional excellence, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed.
Congratulations, David, on this well-deserved recognition. Thank you for your leadership, your mentorship, and the lasting impact you continue to make throughout BGE, our profession, and the communities we serve.
About BGE, Inc.
For 50 years, BGE, Inc. has served public and private clients as a full-service, multidiscipline engineering consulting firm with integrated capabilities. BGE delivers a broad range of advisory services, technical expertise, and innovative, sustainable solutions to support local, regional, and national communities as they shape the future of infrastructure. Backed by five decades of civil engineering leadership and ranked #125 on Engineering News-Record’s 2026 Top 500 Design Firms list, BGE helps client partners solve their most critical infrastructure challenges. For more information, https://www.bgeinc.com
