What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy getting outside and spending time away from computers and phones. On the doorstep the garden and allotment are very enjoyable. Trimming the trees and weeding is all part of the preparation for fruits later in the year. The real enjoyment is in the eating, usually around a fire and cold beverage.
For the past two years I have been supporting DJ’s from my hometown of Burton-upon-Trent pretending to be a lighting designer and engineer. The Towery Brewery is the usual venue where I can be found lifting the mirror ball on to the gantry crane, hanging lasers and lights before the big night. “DMX Dave” springs into action at sunset controlling the lights, lasers and smoke machine all from his iPhone using the AirStream app. It is beyond enjoyment when the music, lights and 250 like minded people come together as one. I studied ambient architecture during my final year at Manchester School of architecture so it has come full circle.
What was your dream job when you were a child?
I didn’t really have a dream job as a child. I stumbled into architecture. The Head of the Art Department at de Ferrers High School recommended I explored the course rather than an arts foundation course. As a child I really enjoyed making things. But the fun started trying to sell them. From an early age I made and sold 3d decoupage greeting cards and pictures. I also sold a few sculptures after exhibitions. I dreamed of being Del-boy the character in Only Fools and Horses I guess. The excitement, belief and journey. The true grit of never giving up with a bit of bling!
What has been your greatest career achievement?
Starting maber’s newest office in Birmingham has been a great achievement. The growing team has the feeling and energy of a startup with over thirty five years of past projects and experience only a click away.
Architecture is more of a marathon than a sprint. The best years are in front of me. I am constantly learning. I believe projects can be great with the right ingredients and teamwork. True architecture isn’t a career. It takes hold and grabs you. You breath it and get woken up with design ideas at daft o’clock in the morning.
Outside work, what are you most proud of?
Holding our new born babies and seeing them grow and develop has been the greatest feeling. Seeing my daughter play Mary in the school nativity with all her confidence and bounce was a proud moment. The confidence children have learning something new and experimenting is something we should all practice.
It’s a few years ago but in February 1998 I was awarded first prize in a National Art Competition. Her Majesty the Queen presented the prize at the National Geographic centre in London. It doesn’t really get any better than that. Take a brief, research it, design it, and make a sculpture that beats the competition. I’ll keep trying to design buildings in the same manner. So if you have a building or site that needs some attention please give me a call. Just imagine… “this time next year!”
Find out more about David
at our team page.
