David Nelson

Senior Executive Partner, Head of Design

RCA (MA)

David Nelson is a Senior Executive Partner, Head of Design and a member of the Design Board, a position he has held since 2004. Throughout his long career with Foster + Partners, he has played a key role in shaping its creative and operational direction. He has been involved in some of the practice’s most recognisable buildings, from the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank Headquarters to Apple Park in Cupertino, as well as high profile projects in China, Singapore and Korea. As a member of the Design Board, David has an overview of every project. Each one benefits from the collective knowledge and expertise of Foster + Partners’ architects and specialist teams. The Design Board is at the heart of the design process, guiding and supporting teams, questioning, maintaining quality and focusing the practice’s collective experience at all stages. His understanding of the studio’s evolution, his open, collaborative mindset and continued leadership role has made David a key figure in Foster + Partners’ evolution; he also brings a global perspective, gained from living in Hong Kong and travelling extensively to construction sites and projects across the world.

David Nelson

In this studio our Specialist Design Services enhance the well-established role of what an architectural team has to achieve. Combining evermore diverse skills into the development of projects enriches and adds great meaning to everything we do. Continual development of shared experience is crucial.

Beijing Capital International Airport

2008

Jameson House

2011

Deutsche Bank Place

2005

Apple Park

2018

American Air Museum

1997

OVO Hydro

2013

Petronas University of Technology

2004

Marine Simulator Centre

1993

The Troika

2011

PwC, More London

2009

Carré d'Art

1992

Elephant House, Copenhagen Zoo

2008

50 United Nations Plaza

2015

McLaren Production Centre

2011

House in Japan

1992

Shanghai Jiushi Corporation

2001

Lenbachhaus

2013

The Murezzan

2007

Reichstag, New German Parliament

1999

Kamakura House

2004

Bishops Square

2005

Gerling Ring

2001

Steve Jobs Theater

2017

Hotel Silken Puerta América

2005

Hearst Headquarters

2006

Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts

1978

Lumiere Apartments

2007

Dot, Lumina

2016

Free University

2005

Leedon Park House

2006