Carbondale Library, Carbondale, Colo.

DHM worked with the Garfield County Library District, Willis Pember Architects and Humphries Poli Architects to design the site for the new library in the town of Carbondale. Located three blocks from Main Street en route to the newly completed Third Street Center, the library will serve as a connection between these two cultural hubs. The proposed site plan is also designed to reinvigorate an underutilized public green space that will be bordered by the new library and historic Carbondale High School, which now operates as an alternative high school. An outdoor sculpture garden, living walls and a reading porch that opens to views of Mt. Sopris will help to activate the Third Street corridor and extend the activities of library users beyond its walls. Further program elements include stormwater management and the repurposing of site materials. DHM assisted the Garfield County Library District in a robust community process and in obtaining town approvals for the project.

Mather Point Visitor Center, Grand Canyon National Park, Ariz.

Mather Point is the first glimpse of the Grand Canyon for many thousands of visitors from all over the world. The Grand Canyon Visitor Center and Mather Point planning and design efforts included restoration and enhancement of native and historically significant landscapes along the south rim. Access to the Mather Point east overlook incorporated Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standards, and employed sustainable strategies and protection of the natural resources. The first design phase established the shuttle bus transit center, and parking for 800 cars and 40 tour buses. The second phase removed parking and drives adjacent to Mather Point and reestablished a safe and clear pedestrian connection between the center and the canyon rim.

Francis Melrose Inspirational Garden, Denver

The Frances Melrose Garden is a prototype for public/private partnerships, integrating funding and maintenance between the parks department and a foundation to create and sustain perennial gardens for a public park. DHM Design developed SketchUp details of the custom amenities, working closely with the construction manager/general contractor and their subcontractors to refine the details, allow accurate pricing and meet the design intent. DHM Design was also involved in the construction phase, which allowed for timely field adjustments and ensured the utmost quality in craftsmanship.

Mercy Labyrinth Healing Garden, Durango, Colo.

DHM Design worked closely with the Mercy Foundation to design the landscape for the Mercy Labyrinth Garden adjacent to the hospital at Three Springs. The goal was to create a contemplative, peaceful setting to connect patients and their families to nature, and support healing. The garden features a central labyrinth, a fountain, sculptures, shade structure, stone benches, rose and herb gardens and flowerbeds.

Ralston Central Park, Arvada, Colo.

DHM Design provided park planning for the renovation of this 22-acre park along Ralston Creek. DHM Design worked closely with a team of civil engineers, transportation planners and city officials to develop a park master plan with public input and city council adoption. Design challenges included removal of existing facilities, extensive grading to improve floodplain limits for adjacent neighborhoods, preservation of trees and neighborhood integration. The city celebrated the park's completion in June 2014.