Having enjoyed a long and successful career, latterly as a main Board Director within Stride Treglown and previously for 25 years as co-founder and Director of TS Design Group (incorporating Trowbridge Steele & Partners Ltd), David Steele has formally announced his retirement.
With continued good health, he is now looking forward to the next exciting chapter, ‘messing about in boats’, and sharing more time with his wife, family and friends.
In making this announcement, David said:
On joining Stride Treglown in 2013, my objective was to create a successful and sustainable design office on the South Coast, building on the high reputation of TS Design for erudite and collaborative architecture and exemplary professional standards.
Having now reached this position, it is an appropriate time to pass the responsibility to continue this success on to others within my established team in Winchester. I have no doubt that these standards will be maintained, and am grateful for the part I have played in developing this regional office; creating an environment where talent can flourish.
We have established an incredibly cohesive unit of client-focused team players, who all strive for the highest standards of professional advice, fusing practical construction knowledge with design creativity. Now is therefore the right time to be leaving you in their very capable hands.
David is part of the management team that has changed the dynamic at board level. During his time at Stride Treglown, there has been a seismic shift to employee ownership of the company, while also welcoming three new female Directors to a previously all male board.
The board have worked tirelessly to look after our staff, realising that they are always our greatest asset. I am delighted that I joined an organisation in 2013 that was open minded and progressive; where consideration for the wellbeing of others is placed before our own personal gain, and where we have a diverse spread of talent at board level ensuring the company is driven forward on a sound financial basis, while being open to progressive and novel ideas for future opportunities.
I am therefore delighted for the appointment to the board of Rachel Bell and Tristan Rhodes, whose skills and dedication I greatly admire, and whose promotion will undoubtedly add to this talent.
Tony Russell will continue to manage the day to day running of our Winchester office, supported by Matt Tarling at board level. Having been promoted to the role of Regional Director in January, Tony has made himself a central figure in the studio since he joined us four years ago, helping to build a thriving team.
As recorded in a recent interview, David reflected:
Throughout my working life, it is undoubtedly the people and friendships I have made that have brought the greatest joy. I have been fortunate to work among friends; some are new acquaintances which have developed swiftly, and many who go back years and even decades.
I shall undoubtedly miss those daily interactions but wish continued success and fun on all your future projects.
David will officially retire at the end of the year.