5 minutes with … David Patterson at Able Partners

Why did you choose construction as a career? 

I was always drawing and making things as a child, with a deep fascination for buildings – their stories, who built them, and who lived in them. Growing up near Bristol in the 1970s and 80s, I was acutely aware of the city’s evolving landscape – the contrast between bomb-damaged sites that still remained from the war, areas of dereliction in the city centre, postwar redevelopment and ongoing regeneration.

I became captivated by how buildings reflect history, shape daily life and influence the identity of a place. Studying architecture felt like a natural way to transform that curiosity into something tangible.

What are you most proud of in your career to date?

I am proud to have worked on projects that make a tangible difference, from my time at Renzo Piano Building Workshop, where I contributed to the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, including the rooflight strategy that achieved an exceptional quality of natural light, to winning a RIBA national award for the Monica Partridge Building. When Able visited the building this year, it was incredibly rewarding to see how the materials we selected have improved over time and how people genuinely enjoy using the space.

I am also proud of my role in mentoring young architects and helping to shape the next generation of designers.

What has been the biggest challenge of your career to date?

The built environment is constantly evolving, with new regulations, sustainability requirements and technologies reshaping how we design and deliver projects – particularly in the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster. Keeping up with these changes while ensuring that creativity and design quality remain at the forefront has been both a challenge and a motivator.

If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?

I would love to see greater diversity in the profession, not just in terms of representation, but in perspectives, voices and lived experiences shaping the built environment. Architecture should be for everyone, and that starts with creating more inclusive pathways into the industry, supporting underrepresented talent and ensuring that design reflects the communities it serves.

Progress is happening, but there is still more to do to make the profession truly open and accessible to all.

What is the most helpful advice that you have been given?

A partner at Renzo Piano Building Workshop once told me that I needed to decide whether I wanted to be a designer or a manager. I chose the former. That advice has shaped my career, reinforcing my belief in the value of strong, idea-driven design.

While I have taken on leadership roles, my focus has always been on design excellence, ensuring that creativity and architectural integrity remain at the heart of my work.

Name your favourite building in the world?

Säynätsalo Town Hall by Alvar Aalto. It’s a deeply layered composition that beautifully reflects Finland’s tradition of structural ingenuity and a profound sensitivity to landscape – two qualities that have always resonated with me.

Aalto’s approach to urbanism, treating planning as a mosaic that harmonises with the existing fabric, is particularly evident here. The town hall seems to emerge naturally from its surroundings, with its brick treads guiding movement upwards, culminating in the council chamber – an experience that is as much felt through the body as it is seen.

This project also highlights the invaluable influence of Elissa Aalto. Her sentiment that “the idea is in the site, not in your head” is one I return to time and time again – a reminder that great architecture is born from place as much as from imagination.

Which famous building do you most dislike?

Rather than a single building, I most dislike examples of postwar, car-focused urban development and large-scale residential estates that offer little more than a homogenous, one-size-fits-all housing model. These developments often prioritise efficiency over quality of life, resulting in places that feel disconnected from human needs and local character.

A major flaw in these schemes is their mono-use approach – areas designed solely for housing, retail or offices without the mix of functions that make places vibrant and sustainable. They lack adaptability and often feel lifeless outside of peak hours.

Equally concerning is how many developments still fail to consider biodiversity or the role of the natural world in urban spaces. Cities are not just for people; they should support all species, integrating green infrastructure, wildlife corridors and more ecologically sensitive approaches to placemaking.

The best places are not just about buildings; they are about how people, nature and communities interact over time.

Which famous building do you wish you had worked on?

The Salk Institute by Louis Kahn, a quietly powerful place commissioned by Jonas Salk. It’s calm, purposeful, and filled with light. I am drawn to how it brings people together in the spirit of discovery. That kind of thoughtful, collaborative design is something I always strive for in my work.

What single piece of advice would you give to someone starting out in your profession?

Stay curious and proactive. Don’t wait for opportunities, create them.

Architecture is a profession of continuous learning, and the most rewarding moments often come from stepping outside your comfort zone. Whether it’s developing new skills, seeking out mentors, or identifying gaps in a practice where you can add value, the ability to think independently and take initiative will set you apart.

Who do you most admire in the construction industry?

There are so many people I admire in the construction industry, but one practice that stands out is Benson & Forsyth, who designed the block I am lucky enough to live in. Their work at Mansfield Road is a testament to the ambition and vision of Camden council’s groundbreaking approach to housing in the late 20th century, combining bold architectural language with a deep commitment to quality community and urban living. The result is homes that are not just functional but also uplifting.

Living in a Benson & Forsyth-designed home is a daily reminder of what is possible when architects, planners and local authorities share a commitment to design excellence and the public good. It is an approach that we should be learning from today – one that values long-term quality over short-term cost-cutting and sees housing as a civic project rather than just a commercial endeavour.

What is it like being you (and doing your job)?

It’s a constant balance of creativity, problem-solving and collaboration. My role is about shaping ideas, refining design processes and working with teams to deliver projects that have real impact. No two days are the same. One moment, I’m deep in strategic thinking about how a practice can grow; the next, I’m immersed in the details of a design.

I thrive on the variety and the challenge, whether it’s mentoring younger architects, developing new opportunities, or ensuring that our work is as ambitious as it is practical. Architecture is demanding, but the reward comes from seeing how spaces evolve over time and how people engage with them.

The most satisfying part is knowing that, in some way, I am helping to shape places that not only matter but meaningfully improve the lives of the people who use them.

Do you have a life philosophy?

Treat people the way you expect to be treated. It makes life and work far more enjoyable. Architecture is a team effort, and the best projects happen when collaboration is built on respect, generosity, and a good dose of humour.

I also believe in staying curious. The built environment is always evolving, and there is something exciting about never quite knowing it all. The best ideas often come from unexpected places, so keeping an open mind and embracing new ways of thinking is key – not just in design, but in life too.

What do you think your best quality is?

Collaboration is at the heart of what I do. I thrive on bringing people together, whether that is within a team, across disciplines, or working with clients and communities to create a shared sense of purpose. The best projects come from strong relationships and open dialogue, and I enjoy making that process both productive and enjoyable.

I would also say adaptability. No two projects (or days) are the same, and being able to navigate challenges, spot opportunities and embrace new ideas has been key throughout my career.

Momentum, collaboration and testing ideas in the real world is often more valuable than striving for the perfect answer in isolation

What trait do you most dislike in yourself? And in other people?

In myself, I would say overthinking. Architecture is full of complex decisions and, while careful consideration is important, sometimes it is better to trust instinct and move forward. I have learnt that momentum, collaboration and testing ideas in the real world is often more valuable than striving for the perfect answer in isolation.

In others, a resistance to collaboration, especially when people act in isolation or position themselves to be remote from the wider team. The best architecture happens through shared knowledge, challenge and collective expertise. When someone resists input or avoids engagement, it is not just frustrating, it is a dangerous position to take.

Name three things that you like

Cities with layers of history; places where the old and new coexist, telling a story of change and continuity.

Collaborative design processes; working with others to shape ideas, refine details and create something greater than the sum of its parts.

A well-designed and made piece of furniture that is beautiful, functional and the perfect balance of material, craftsmanship, and comfort.

Tell us about a secret skill that we don’t know you have

I have a bit of a knack for spotting the potential in overlooked spaces, whether it is a forgotten corner of a city, an underused building, or even an idea that just needs the right push. It probably comes from years of working on regeneration projects and thinking about how places evolve over time.

Also, I make a pretty decent playlist, because good music makes everything better!

What is your most prized possession?

My garden. I love planning for the different seasons, seeing how things evolve and embracing the fact that nothing ever quite turns out the way you expect! It’s a place to unwind, reset and start the day with a bit of fresh air and perspective.

There is something incredibly satisfying about seeing things grow and change over time. It’s a constant process of learning, adapting and enjoying the unexpected, much like architecture.

Early bird or night owl?

Both! It depends on what I’m working on. Some ideas need a fresh start and the clarity of early morning, while others come together best in those uninterrupted late hours when everything quietens down.

What is your favourite food?

Anything seasonal and prepared well with care, but if I had to choose… freshly made pasta arrabbiata. There is something satisfying about the simplicity of good ingredients coming together perfectly. Ideally enjoyed with good company and a glass of wine!

What would your superpower be?

The ability to slow down time. There is never enough of it, especially when working on a great project!