As David Hunter announces his retirement, we say thank you to a man whose thoughtful, composed leadership has left an indelible mark on the practice.
From joining Stride Treglown in 1987 as a fresh-faced graduate, to becoming a Director in 2005, Chair in 2013, and Director again in 2022, David’s career has been defined by his creativity, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to building a better, more progressive business.
David was instrumental in numerous projects that shaped Stride Treglown throughout the ‘90s and 2000’s, including Gowar and Wedderburn Halls at Royal Holloway University of London and many other projects at RHUL and University of Reading; a veterinary school for horses at Churchill, the Richard Lander school at Truro; the Bournemouth Combined Court Centre for HMCS, and the VIP lounge for Virgin Atlantic at Gatwick Airport.
David’s quiet genius as a designer and artist became evident during this time. His ability to make perspective views and aerial watercolours appear effortless, to the envy of us all, made him the go-to person for making everyone’s drawings “a little bit better”.
As Chair, David’s open door policy spoke volumes. His genuine care for people meant he was always available to offer guidance, share his judgement, and provide unwavering support. When asked about his achievements, in typical David fashion he dismisses his efforts as “not very newsworthy,” downplaying the significant changes he oversaw. David steered Stride Treglown through an era of significant transformation that included employee ownership and flexible working, sectorised structures, opening new offices in Birmingham and Winchester, international forays, strategic alliances, and the small matters of charting our course through Brexit and COVID. Always with intelligence. Always with grace.
Leaders are often remembered for the profound impact they leave on people. As we bid farewell, we extend our gratitude to David for his years of dedication and leadership. The legacy David leaves behind is not just in the buildings that stand as testaments to his architectural talent, but in the foundation that will shape Stride Treglown’s future.
To a servant leader who keeps his head amidst chaos, a man with a brain the size of a planet and a heart to match, cheers to a remarkable career and the next exciting chapter.
Thank you, David.
