AWARD-WINNING architect David Patterson has been appointed by creative architecture practice Able Partners as the firm’s new head of design.
David has over 20 years of leadership experience as head of higher education and research at Make Architects, where he directed a diverse portfolio of projects, including landmark buildings, pioneering research initiatives, urban design strategies, and masterplanning schemes. He also brings several years of expertise as an architect at Renzo Piano Building Workshop to the growing London-based studio.
As the former chair of RIBA London and current technical tutor in architecture at Central Saint Martins, David’s extensive portfolio of work includes leading on a number of RIBA award-winning projects. This includes the Monica Partridge Building at the University of Nottingham, for which David led the team that won the design competition and delivered the project.
As head of design, David will lead design research, enhance design quality and guide strategic growth to cement Able Partners as a leader in socially responsible architecture. David will also strengthen the firm’s design capabilities by overseeing projects across all RIBA work stages, ensuring design excellence and sustainability are embedded throughout.
Looking for a fresh challenge after almost three decades in the industry, David said: “Able Partners is a dynamic architecture practice with a passion for creatively overcoming the challenges of the built environment, and the scale of ambition from the senior team is clear to see. This, along with the agile nature of the business, made the role an exciting proposition at a time when I was looking to start my next chapter in the industry.
“I am passionate about fostering a more empathetic, socially responsible, and purposeful approach to design, driven by the belief that architecture should genuinely meet the needs of the communities it serves. Rooted in collaboration, care, and creativity, my vision is to guide the firm’s design ethos and strategic growth in a way that champions inclusivity, sustainability, and meaningful impact. I am excited about the opportunity to make a tangible difference, working alongside our talented network of industry partners.
“Educating and mentoring the next generation of architects is something I deeply value. Building on Able Partners’ ethos of collaboration and transparency, I am committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where the team can thrive. By encouraging co-creation and prioritising meaningful connections with the local community, I aim to help drive the practice forward and deliver projects that truly reflect the needs of the people they serve.”
The appointment further solidifies the rapid expansion of the Fitzrovia-based Able Partners, which has employed three architectural designers in the last 12 months.
Bill Webb, co-founder at Able Partners said: “We are thrilled to have David join the team. His intellectual rigour, design talent and extensive experience is a huge benefit to our growing practice and will ensure we continue to design and deliver buildings of the highest quality.”
To find out more about Able Partners, visit: https://www.ablepartners.co.