Colleagues honor 30-year Legat veteran for her approachability, positivity, and behind-the-scenes impact
When Cindy Hopkins started working at Legat Architects in the mid 1990s, her initial interactions with then-president Wayne Machnich (1943 – 2020) were limited to polite greetings in the hallway: a quick “good morning,” a quiet “good evening.” One day, he called her into the conference room that doubled as his office.
Hopkins walked in intimidated. Why would the firm’s president want to see her? She had just started helping with construction administration.
Plans and paperwork covered the long table. Machnich asked her to sit down. He wanted her help reviewing pay requests for a major client project.
“At first, I didn’t understand everything he was asking,” said Hopkins. “But he sat with me for a good hour and explained every detail … every subcontractor, every waiver, every step. The president of the company took all that time to teach me. It changed how I saw him. He wasn’t scary — he was a great man I respected dearly.”
Cindy Hopkins, recipient of Legat Architects’ 2025 Wayne F. Machnich Commitment Award
Nearly three decades later, that moment still guides the way Hopkins supports her colleagues. And it’s one of the many reasons she has received the 2025 Wayne F. Machnich Commitment Award, an honor selected by peers and given to those who demonstrate the highest level of commitment to Legat Architects and its values.
Since the award was introduced in 2020, Hopkins is the first recipient who is neither an architect nor an interior designer.
A Steady Force Behind the Numbers
Hopkins joined Legat in 1995. Today she oversees accounts receivable, contracts, pay applications, and other processes that keep the firm running smoothly. Her work touches every studio and every project.
Her colleagues say her positivity and depth of knowledge have shaped the culture of Legat as much as any building the firm has designed.
“She works tirelessly behind the scenes in the accounting department but is critical to the operations of Legat Architects,” said Rob Wroble, principal. “She is always professional, whether it’s with staff or clients, and she’s a great mentor who takes the time to help others succeed. Wayne’s best attributes definitely influenced Cindy during their years together.”
Chief Operating Officer Zach Wiese added, “Cindy always has a positive attitude and is willing to help to answer questions. She strives to make this a better place to work and helps make my job as an architect better.”
Cindy’s compassion is evident in how she mentors and supports colleagues. Her work ethic and attention to detail make her a true reflection of Wayne’s legacy.
Recipients of the Wayne F. Machnich Commitment Award embody qualities Wayne brought to Legat every day. Hopkins has demonstrated each of them:
Tireless support and effort toward the success of Legat Architects
Trust in people and a belief in their best attributes
A strong moral compass and calm, steady demeanor
Compassion for others, especially those facing difficulties
Creating space for people to make mistakes, learn, and lead
A detail-oriented approach to problem-solving
Building long-term, trusting relationships
Colleagues say these traits shine through in both her daily work and in the way she treats others.
“She consistently demonstrated the values Wayne embodied — humility, integrity, and relentless dedication,” said Legat Chief Financial Officer Kathleen Conneely. “She approaches every challenge with a calm, thoughtful mindset. Her compassion is evident in how she mentors and supports colleagues. Her work ethic and attention to detail make her a true reflection of Wayne’s legacy.”
Quad Cities Studio Coordinator Tavia Weis added, “Even though she’s on the back end, she holds this place together with positivity and hard work. She embodies the award every day.”
We All Have to Stand on Four Strong Legs
During her acceptance speech at the firm’s monthly ONELegat meeting, Hopkins said the award reflects the strength of the entire Legat team.
“When I view the company, it has to have four strong legs: accounting, marketing, architecture, and IT,” she said. “I share this award with my team because without them, we all fall. I don’t look good unless the rest of my team makes me look good.”
Her words echoed the lesson Wayne taught her decades earlier in that conference room: that taking time to teach and support others is one of the most powerful ways to lead.
Continuing a Tradition of Commitment
Since 2020, Legat’s Wayne F. Machnich Commitment Award has recognized individuals whose dedication and integrity elevate the entire firm.
