Get to know; David Wise

Pragmatic. Problem-solver. A ‘petrol-head’.

Modest and unassuming, David is a self-confessed introvert.

As a youngster, he loved art and drawing and gained an art college diploma, to help him secure his university place on an architecture degree course. During university holidays David would return to the family farm where he grew up, and work hard with the tractor, drying crops, pruning trees… guaranteeing he’d always return to uni with money in his pocket!

David gets a buzz from translating a client’s vision into sketches, then into reality, with clever space planning. He likens the process to solving a jigsaw puzzle - capturing all the ideas in the concept, then making all the details fit together. He thrives on this problem solving and enjoys seeing the positive impact buildings can have on people’s lives.

Much like watching an empty shed on the family farm gradually filling up with thousands of tonnes of wheat, seeing a design being constructed following a lengthy or complex planning and design process, is really rewarding - especially when the finished building prompts an emotional response.”

His passion for buildings shines through away from his drawing board too. When travelling or visiting family away from the North East, he’ll go out of his way to visit an interesting building. He’s especially fond of a detour to take in the odd Stirling Prize or RIBA award nominee!

Besides architecture, David enjoys sporting pursuits including skiing and he recently took up running. He has a huge interest in cars – it’s a subject that really gets him talking.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed is a prominent date in his annual social calendar. As a youngster, with dreams of owning a TVR Tuscan, he joined the TVR car club, keeping up membership for over a decade. Now, as a doting dad, his car priorities have changed somewhat, although he’s been known to walk his four-year-old around a prestige car showroom encouraging her to pick out her favourite among all the Roll Royces, McLarens and Porsches!