Don L. Higginbotham
1929-2020
We are sad to announce that HB&A founder Donald Lee Higginbotham passed away Wednesday, July 29, 2020, in Bentonville, Arkansas at the age of 90. In 1971, Don started the architecture and planning firm Higginbotham and Associates, the precursor to HB&A.
Under Don’s leadership, Higginbotham and Associates worked on major architectural projects and urban planning and geospatial technology ventures around the world. Don was a cautious risk-taker and never backed down from competition. He would often go after jobs with his 30-person firm that only companies with thousands of employees could accomplish; crafting coalitions of specialty firms that complemented his design skills to bring in the work. That strategy served him well over the years resulting in a worldwide reputation for quality, on-time, and below-budget projects.
In 1991, Ron Briggs joined Don as a partner and changed the company name to Higginbotham, Briggs & Associates. Don retired from an active role in the firm ten years later, leaving a legacy of strength and dedication to his clients. After retiring, he set up shop at home to serve his friends and neighbors with architectural services on a part-time basis.
Don was charming, generous, and friendly, but he was also a tough negotiator. He knew the value of hard work and expected his employees to follow his example of long hours and achieving desired goals. Though he has been gone from HB&A for many years, his influence continues to drive our commitment to service, quality, and innovation.
We will miss him.
