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.

Petronas University of Technology

2004

PwC, More London

2009

Apple Westlake, Hangzhou

2015

ENEL Power Pylons

2000

Apple Park

2018

OVO Hydro

2013

Cathay Pacific Lounges, Hong Kong International Airport

2013

Izanami Motor Yacht

1995

Beijing Capital International Airport

2008

Capella Resort

2009

250 City Road

2025

Free University

2005

Carré d'Art

1992

Palace of Peace and Reconciliation

2006

Deutsche Bank Place

2005

House in Japan

1992

Jameson House

2011

50 United Nations Plaza

2015

Lenbachhaus

2013

Masdar Institute

2015

Center for Clinical Science Research, Stanford University

2000

425 Park Avenue

2022

McLaren Technology Centre

2004

Gerling Ring

2001

Nanshan Technology Finance City

2019

California State University Channel Islands

2008

Maggie’s Manchester

2016

Chesham Place

2008

Yacht Club de Monaco

2014

Duisburg Inner Harbour Masterplan

2003