Sponsored by Andrew Scott.
Following his Master’s studies at Cardiff University, Dave Rossington made a deliberate decision not to progress immediately into architectural practice. Instead, he took on the role of CPD and Education Coordinator at the Royal Society of Architects in Wales (RSAW), where he developed a strong professional interest in education, mentoring, and skills development across the built environment.
In this role, Dave was responsible for commissioning and coordinating CPD programmes for architects across Wales, managing speaker programmes, and supporting professionals navigating increasingly complex and pressured roles. This provided him with first-hand insight into the importance of lifelong learning, structured professional support, and positive workplace cultures.
During his time at RSAW, Dave also helped develop the Cardiff University student mentoring programme, recruiting practices, pairing students with experienced mentors, and producing guidance on mentor expectations. The programme remains active today, with around 20 Welsh practices participating annually. Since returning to practice, Dave has continued his involvement as a Practice Mentor, mentoring over 10 students in the past three years.
After qualifying as an Architect and joining Powell Dobson Architects, Dave brought this experience into practice, supporting education outreach, work experience programmes, and mentoring initiatives. He also acts as a Practice Supervisor for colleagues completing their Part 3, providing guidance, professional record sign-off, and pastoral support informed by his own experience of qualification pressures.
Sponsored by Andrew Scott.
Following his Master’s studies at Cardiff University, Dave Rossington made a deliberate decision not to progress immediately into architectural practice. Instead, he took on the role of CPD and Education Coordinator at the Royal Society of Architects in Wales (RSAW), where he developed a strong professional interest in education, mentoring, and skills development across the built environment.
In this role, Dave was responsible for commissioning and coordinating CPD programmes for architects across Wales, managing speaker programmes, and supporting professionals navigating increasingly complex and pressured roles. This provided him with first-hand insight into the importance of lifelong learning, structured professional support, and positive workplace cultures.
During his time at RSAW, Dave also helped develop the Cardiff University student mentoring programme, recruiting practices, pairing students with experienced mentors, and producing guidance on mentor expectations. The programme remains active today, with around 20 Welsh practices participating annually. Since returning to practice, Dave has continued his involvement as a Practice Mentor, mentoring over 10 students in the past three years.
After qualifying as an Architect and joining Powell Dobson Architects, Dave brought this experience into practice, supporting education outreach, work experience programmes, and mentoring initiatives. He also acts as a Practice Supervisor for colleagues completing their Part 3, providing guidance, professional record sign-off, and pastoral support informed by his own experience of qualification pressures.
Dave has consistently taken proactive steps to improve access to the profession and support early-career development. Within practice, he now coordinates the student mentoring programme, structuring cohorts into smaller groups aligned with architects’ sector specialisms. This has enabled the practice to support larger cohorts of 9–12 students per year, while maintaining meaningful engagement. Dave personally mentors at least three students annually.
He has also enhanced the work experience programme for GCSE and A-level students by introducing a supported, week-long group design project. This initiative provides young people with a realistic, inclusive insight into architectural practice while developing teamwork and design-thinking skills.
At an industry level, Dave has focused on policy engagement and professional reform. As Chair of the Construction Industry Council (CIC) Wales, he has prioritised education, skills development, and professional upskilling, including delivering seminars and consultation responses on the Building Safety Act rollout in Wales.
Dave has engaged extensively with the Architects Registration Board (ARB), contributing to consultations on education reform, practical experience standards, and CPD requirements. He was invited to ARB workshops and panels and subsequently became a CPD Assessor for the ARB, using this role to support improved professional standards and working environments.
Dave has consistently taken proactive steps to improve access to the profession and support early-career development. Within practice, he now coordinates the student mentoring programme, structuring cohorts into smaller groups aligned with architects’ sector specialisms. This has enabled the practice to support larger cohorts of 9–12 students per year, while maintaining meaningful engagement. Dave personally mentors at least three students annually.
He has also enhanced the work experience programme for GCSE and A-level students by introducing a supported, week-long group design project. This initiative provides young people with a realistic, inclusive insight into architectural practice while developing teamwork and design-thinking skills.
At an industry level, Dave has focused on policy engagement and professional reform. As Chair of the Construction Industry Council (CIC) Wales, he has prioritised education, skills development, and professional upskilling, including delivering seminars and consultation responses on the Building Safety Act rollout in Wales.
Dave has engaged extensively with the Architects Registration Board (ARB), contributing to consultations on education reform, practical experience standards, and CPD requirements. He was invited to ARB workshops and panels and subsequently became a CPD Assessor for the ARB, using this role to support improved professional standards and working environments.
Dave’s actions have delivered tangible benefits at both practice and industry level. Within his organisation, mentoring and work experience programmes are now more structured, inclusive, and capable of supporting larger cohorts without compromising quality. Students and young people benefit from clearer guidance, realistic exposure to practice, and access to professional role models.
Across the profession, Dave’s contributions to ARB consultations and his role as a CPD Assessor have helped inform reforms at a pivotal moment for architectural education and regulation. His work has supported greater flexibility, consistency, and clarity in CPD and professional development standards.
As Chair of CIC Wales, Dave has elevated education and skills to a strategic priority, creating platforms for dialogue on the skills crisis and advocating for better learning environments across the construction industry. His engagement at conferences, panels, and seminars has helped raise awareness and promote positive cultural change.
Collectively, these outcomes demonstrate Dave’s sustained commitment to strengthening the profession’s future pipeline and supporting professionals at all career stages.
Dave’s actions have delivered tangible benefits at both practice and industry level. Within his organisation, mentoring and work experience programmes are now more structured, inclusive, and capable of supporting larger cohorts without compromising quality. Students and young people benefit from clearer guidance, realistic exposure to practice, and access to professional role models.
Across the profession, Dave’s contributions to ARB consultations and his role as a CPD Assessor have helped inform reforms at a pivotal moment for architectural education and regulation. His work has supported greater flexibility, consistency, and clarity in CPD and professional development standards.
As Chair of CIC Wales, Dave has elevated education and skills to a strategic priority, creating platforms for dialogue on the skills crisis and advocating for better learning environments across the construction industry. His engagement at conferences, panels, and seminars has helped raise awareness and promote positive cultural change.
Collectively, these outcomes demonstrate Dave’s sustained commitment to strengthening the profession’s future pipeline and supporting professionals at all career stages.
Dave Rossington exemplifies professional leadership through service, advocacy, and mentorship. His career demonstrates a clear commitment to giving back to the profession that supported his own non-linear route to qualification.
What sets Dave apart is his ability to operate effectively at multiple levels simultaneously: mentoring individuals, shaping practice culture, and influencing industry policy. His work spans education outreach, professional development, regulation, and leadership, giving him a rare, holistic understanding of the challenges facing the built environment sector.
Dave’s focus on equality, diversity, and supportive learning environments addresses the root causes of the industry’s skills crisis. By championing mentoring, reform, and positive workplace culture, he is not only guiding the next generation but actively reshaping the conditions in which they will learn and work.
He is a credible, respected advocate for change and a clear role model for future leaders in the profession.
