G4C Future Leader Award 2023

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Dave joined Powell Dobson as a Part 2 Architectural Assistant in December 2018 from RSAW where he had been working in an administrative role for 4 years. He is one of the most articulate young architects working within Powell Dobson. His exceptional client skills and personal qualities combined with his exceptional organisational and collaboration skills are pretty unique in someone so young.

Within his short time with Powell Dobson, Dave has successfully completed his architectural registration, passing his Part 3 examinations in 2021, completed his training as a STEM Ambassador and gained promotion to Project Architect having successfully delivered the £3m approx. refurbishment of Oakleigh House. Alongside his day job, Dave immerses himself in the wider industry through his roles as Chair of Design Circle and Council Member of RSAW. He is continually looking to develop his knowledge on all matters that are impacting the industry and contributes widely to many aspects of practice life. His interest in education and mentoring led him to becoming one of their schools/university careers support staff – he jointly leads on their RSAW/Welsh School of Architecture Mentoring Programme where they support a group of students through a practice-led mentoring experience over a number of weeks. The programme that he has helped develop has been a huge success and one that has been used as an exemplar for other practices to follow.

In his Project Architect role combined with his incredible communication and collaboration skills, Dave has the responsibility of mentoring a number of their Part 1 and Part 2 architectural students through their work experience years with Powell Dobson. Despite his young age, he always has a minimum of two students working with him at any one time on a project, supporting them through their combined practice and ongoing education studies.

Having seen how successfully Dave managed the Oakleigh House refurbishment they made the decision to place him as Project Architect on the largest scheme currently running in their practice: the £350m Wildfox Resort, Afan Valley.  Over the initial stages of the project, Dave has built up a level of trust and respect with the client team that would not be expected in one so young on such a complex scheme. His considered, calm nature allows him to navigate complex conversations in design team meetings with relative ease and skill, whilst having developed the confidence to challenge decisions where appropriate.

Dave’s character sits with ease in a team, guiding and mentoring where applicable, while also looking to learn from his mentors in the practice wherever possible. He is a ‘people person’, demonstrated by the strong relationships that he has developed with clients on his projects and by his roles outside of the practice.