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.

Reichstag, New German Parliament

1999

California State University Channel Islands

2008

Thames Hub

2011

Budenberg Haus, Urban Splash

2005

250 City Road

2025

OVO Hydro

2013

Cathay Pacific Lounges, Hong Kong International Airport

2013

Jameson House

2011

Cove, Poltrona Frau

2018

Kamakura House

2004

Marine Simulator Centre

1993

Bilbao Metro

1995

Leedon Park House

2006

Palace of Peace and Reconciliation

2006

Yacht Club de Monaco

2014

Center for Clinical Science Research, Stanford University

2000

Capella Resort

2009

PwC, More London

2009

American Air Museum

1997

Petronas University of Technology

2004

Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts

1978

Shanghai Jiushi Corporation

2001

National Bank of Kuwait

2020

Djanogly City Academy

2005

Masdar Institute

2015

Supreme Court Singapore

2005

Lumiere Apartments

2007

Bishops Square

2005

The Corniche

2019

Index Tower

2011