David J. Pacheco, AIA, NCARB, is not just your average architect; he’s a veritable titan in the realm of emergency response design—a modern-day Da Vinci but with a fire hose instead of a paintbrush. As the Director of Operations and Senior VP at H2M architects + engineers in Albany, New York, David has made it his life’s mission to ensure that no emergency facility goes without aesthetic charm or functional brilliance. With over 200 projects under his belt—each one more impressive than the last—he has earned accolades for designs that could make even the most mundane fire station feel like an architectural wonderland.

A proud Cum Laude graduate from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), David"s flair for design was nourished by an enlightening study stint in Rome—because who wouldn’t want to be inspired by centuries of beauty while preparing to save lives? He graces 14 states with his architectural licenses and serves as both a professor at RPI and Fire Commissioner for Niskayuna Fire District No.1.

Beyond his impressive portfolio lies his commitment to cultivating future talent; he funds scholarships for architecture students dreaming of studying abroad in Rome—proving that he truly believes beauty should be shared. In addition to being honored as one of The Business Review"s "40 Under Forty," David continues to inspire through teaching, writing national standards, and serving on various boards—all while maintaining an enviable sense of humor about it all. Who knew saving lives could look this good?