David is the Regional Director for our Plymouth studio, where he’s responsible for the day-to-day operations and overseeing a range of projects across a variety of sectors, including education, residential, student living, and healthcare.
Right now, David is leading the team on the Future Hospitals Phase 1 project at Derriford Hospital, a £140m scheme as part of the New Hospital Programme. This project will create a new, state-of-the-art facility to replace the Trust’s current Emergency Department, which is no longer fit for purpose. He’s also overseeing the Dartmoor Building at Derriford, which will provide a new Urgent Treatment Centre, Fracture Clinic, and Outpatient facility, helping to ease pressure on the Emergency Department and supporting the overall vision for the new Future Hospital.
What’s your favourite project you’ve worked on to date?
Recently, I’ve really enjoyed working on our studio refurbishments in Truro and Plymouth. I loved pushing creative boundaries and being as bold and courageous as possible to create a modern-day design studio. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact these spaces have had on our team.
What are the key challenges that affect architects today?
A few years ago, I said that one of the biggest challenges facing architects is keeping up with technology and integrating into the way we work—and that still holds true today, especially now with AI entering the picture. We need to be as efficient as possible with automation, scripting, programming, and the intelligent use of data—not just how we interpret it, but how we communicate it to clients. These are significant challenges, and they will undoubtedly reshape our profession. That said, I don’t believe our role is diminishing. As long as we adapt and embrace these changes, we’re in a strong position. At Stride Treglown, I believe we’re well placed to meet these challenges head-on, but we must stay mindful—things are changing, and they’re changing fast.
If you weren’t in this career, what would you be?
An artist. I actually sell a bit of work already — mostly cheesy Cornish landscape pieces. One day, I’d love to make that my full-time focus.
Interesting fact that nobody knows about you?
I enjoy running, especially along the coast path — it helps me to maintain my mental health and find balance.
Best book you’ve read?
Narrow Dog to Carcassonne by Terry Darlington. I long for the day when I can emulate this journey—traveling slowly through France on a little boat with my wife and a whippet, sitting in cafés, drinking good coffee or wine. But for now, that dream feels like a distant reality. These days, I spend most of my time reading Tabby McTat or anything by Julia Donaldson—occasionally branching out to books about diggers or mermaids. That French trip might still be a long way off!
Favourite podcast?
I enjoy a good podcast, and at the moment I’m listening to The High Performance Podcast quite a lot. I’m keen to gain as much insight as possible for my Regional Director role, and I particularly connect with the episodes about sports teams and how they function under high-pressure environments.
Industry Bodies:
- RIBA
- ARB
Awards:
- Construction News Awards, Regeneration Project of the Year – InterCity Place (Winner, 2024)
- Michelmores Property Awards, Regeneration Project of the Year – InterCity Place (Shortlisted, 2024)
- Michelmores Property Awards, Special Commendation – Lighthouse Laboratory (2021)
- RICS SW Awards, Best Residential Project – The Dunes (Winner, 2019)
- Insider SW Property Awards, Residential Development of the Year – The Dunes (Winner, 2019)
- The Telegraph UK Property Awards, Best Residential Development – One Lusty Glaze (Winner, 2017)
