From the time he founded Armbrust & Brown, L.L.P. 18 years ago, David Armbrust (left) has vigorously represented developers. For the past few years, he has also worked very hard to help preserve land that he believes should never be developed.

Armbrust pinpoints his interest in preservation to what he calls the "truce of 1999." He was then president of the Austin Real Estate Council. Developers and environmentalists had been feuding for more than a decade over Austin's growth. The state legislature was threatening to pass HB 1704, which neither side liked. Out of desperation, the two sides banded together and lobbied against the bill, which eventually passed.

In working together, the developers and environmentalists reached some common ground. This lead to the formation of the Hill Country Conservancy, an organization which purchases land and creates conservation easements. "David is the very rare lawyer who can find a win-win solution when the issues are development, the environment, and growth," says Robin Rather, who was president of Save Our Springs at the time. "It took a lot of guts for a 'development lawyer' to help forge a better understanding of the respective points of view."

Since Armbrust received his degree from St. Mary's University School of Law in 1974 and an L.L.M. from the University of Texas in 1975, he has carved a niche in the Austin community as a real estate lawyer. He has done legal work for many projects, including One American Center, the Austin Convention Center, and the Austin American-Statesman complex.

But in the last few years, he has also represented the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, mostly on a pro bono basis.

"He has incredible integrity," says Robert Breunig, director of the Wildflower Center. "He is a very mature leader of our community — by that I mean, experienced, savvy, wise, and with a lot of perspective." Breunig, Armbrust, and Rather are all on the board of directors of the Hill Country Conservancy.

"David is able to explain to his clients the economic benefits of leaving part of their development as green space," says George Cofer, executive director of the conservancy.

Additionally, Armbrust serves as director of the Texas Water Foundation and the Colorado River Foundation, among other organizations. The list of awards, honors, papers he has authored, presentations he has made, and projects to which he has contributed runs three pages. He has been listed in "The Best Lawyers in America (real estate)" every year since 1983.

In 1984, Armbrust, Frank Brown and four other attorneys formed Armbrust & Brown, and since then the partnership has grown to a full-service firm of 21 attorneys.

"I have spent the last two-and-a-half decades helping people build their dreams," Armbrust sums up his career. "Austin is where the environment and the economy meet. The environment is good for business and business can be good for the environment through preservation."

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