After 40 years with SGPA Architecture and Planning, President Dave Reinker is retiring. Over the years, Dave has been a tremendous asset to SGPA and its clients, leading by example with integrity, passion and foresight. SGPA’s profound growth can be attributed to Dave’s enormous skill set, knowledge of the industry, professionalism, and experience, all of which paved the way for the firm’s success. Dave served SGPA as Director of the San Francisco office (1981-1988), Project Principal (1988-1997), and most recently as President for the past eighteen years (1997-2015).

During Dave’s tenure he has managed complex architectural projects across the firm’s portfolio, including education, senior living, retail, mixed-use, office, and civic clients. A Registered Architect in California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah, Dave has been a speaker and panel member on retail and mixed-use projects for the International Council of Shopping Centers and is a past member of its program committee. Dave is also a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), and is known for his expertise in the realm of entitlements and governmental processing procedures.

Prompted by an early interest in sketching, building, and the mechanical aspects of design, Dave pursued and received a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Shortly after graduation, he and his wife, Karen, moved to California. In 1975, Dave joined SGPA Architecture and Planning’s San Diego office, the only office at the time. Under Dave’s leadership, the San Francisco office opened in the 1980s. Dave returned to Southern California as a Project Principal in 1988, and from 1997 to 2015, Dave served as SGPA’s President.

A look back at some of Dave’s projects over the last 40 years includes the following:

San Diego International Airport appointed SGPA to lead the design team for new construction of Terminal 2 as part of its 1998 Airport Upgrade Project. Incorporating highly technical design elements in a creative design, Dave acted as Principal In Charge on Terminal 2, the largest single component of this mega-project. The 320,000 square foot expansion included eight new gates, a new ticketing concourse, revised baggage system, retail concessions and an award-winning energy management system. Dave and his team were an integral part of this large, successful and challenging project.

Dave led the renovation of the Flower Hill Promenade, located near California’s famous Del Mar racetrack. This mixed-use project entailed a full renovation of common spaces, new construction, and landscaping. Flower Hill is a leading example of a successful “retail destination” – under Dave’s influence, SGPA integrated hospitality elements in common areas and blended retail with active uses.

The Bay Area’s Alameda Marina Village is a project Dave recalls fondly as one of the first challenging and motivating projects early in his career.  It left a large impression on Dave and helped to guide work for the firm on future projects.

“For decades, Dave has been a steadfast leader for the firm and his presence will be sorely missed,” said Keith Pittsford, Vice President of SGPA. “He bestowed his vision, lessons, and legacy to our staff of 40 dedicated professionals inspired to carry on his standards of excellence.” 

Up next? He and his wife, Karen, look forward to traveling to Europe, remodeling their home and spending time with family. While Dave will not be involved with day-to-day operations at SGPA, he will continue to sit as a Chairman on the SGPA Board of Directors.

Dave, your SGPA family would like to sincerely thank you for your devotion and service these past 40 years.

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