Dave shared during his acceptance speech, “it’s always great to be honored for something that you love to do.” And, he gave all ZMMers a shout out. “I would like to thank all my coworkers. This job is not easy and it’s a team effort. I couldn’t do this without any of them.” Congratulations on your well-deserved recognition, Dave!

Read the story about the award. The full story about Dave as an awardee is reprinted from WV Executive Magazine below.

David Ferguson – COO, Principal, and Architect, ZMM Architects and Engineers

By Dawn Nolan

From a young age, David Ferguson was interested in art. Though in high school he started focusing more heavily on math and science—thinking he would study medicine—he remained active in his creative pursuits, which ultimately led him to enroll in the architecture and building construction program at West Virginia State University.

Ferguson has worked for ZMM Architects and Engineers for more than 40 years, serving as both an architect and principal of the firm.

“I gather insight from clients and the community to determine what their needs and vision are for their project,” Ferguson says. “I am proud to work with clients to bring their vision to life and create things that will continue to serve communities for many years to come.”

From helping his dad install residential HVAC systems to working at Sleepy Hollow Golf Course during high school and putting himself through college distributing construction tools and equipment, Ferguson doesn’t remember a time in his life when he didn’t have some kind of job. After graduating from college in 1979, his first professional job was in the special projects division at Union Carbide, designing structures all over the world.

“That early experience helped me learn and gain a variety of perspectives from others,” Ferguson says. “I also learned early on the importance of collaboration in completing projects.”

Ferguson started at ZMM in 1984. He joined the firm’s board of directors in 2001 and served as vice president from 2002 until 2023, when he was named COO.

Over the years, Ferguson has had many mentors whom he credits for guiding him in the right direction and instilling the importance of a strong work ethic.

“No matter the job, I always come away with something,” he says. “My work ethic, desire to produce and be the best have driven my growth and success.”

As a mentor himself, Ferguson tries to lead by example.

“I wouldn’t ask anyone to do something I wouldn’t do myself,” Ferguson says. “I provide younger architects opportunities they may not get at other firms. My hope is that this will empower them to take ownership of their projects and want to achieve.”

Ferguson is a member of the West Virginia chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), serving as a board member and president. He is also a member of U.S. Green Building Council and Council of Educational Facility Planners International (CEFPI) as well as a Recognized Educational Facility Professional by CEFPI. Over the course of his career, he has won several honor and merit awards from the AIA for his work on educational facilities, and in 2004 he received the CEFPI Impact on Learning Award, his greatest professional achievement, for work on St. Albans High School.

From coaching youth soccer and supporting coat and school supplies drives to contributing to scholarships and education programs, Ferguson is pleased to give back to his community.

“Making sure students, families and educators have what they need so students can learn and be successful is very important to me,” he says. “I am proud to contribute, personally and through the firm, to organizations or people who serve the community and educators who put forth the extra effort to serve their students.”

In maintaining his and the firm’s love for the arts, Ferguson is also a board member for the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center, and ZMM has sponsored many art outreach programs, including the Marshall Artist Series, West Virginia Symphony Orchestra and Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences.

A lifelong West Virginian, Ferguson can often be found fishing, hiking and exploring. He is truly invested in the place he calls home.

“Our beautiful state has been very good to me and my family,” he says. “I am proud to live here and actively work to recruit and retain talent in the Mountain State.”