The RIBA has awarded David Nelson, partner at Foster and Partners, an honorary fellowship for services to architecture and design. Although working in the field of architecture David has never gained formal architectural qualifications.
David studied three-dimensional design at Loughborough College of Art and Hornsey College of Art, specialising in furniture and industrial design, before gaining a Master's degree at the Royal College of Art Environmental Design School. He began working at Foster Associates in 1976, and in 1979 he joined the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank team sharing joint responsibility for the project. He was made a Director of Foster Associates in 1984. He returned to London in 1986 and was the Director responsible for, among other projects, the American Air Museum at Duxford, Century Tower in Tokyo and many other projects in Asia, Europe, Australia and the USA.
Becoming a Partner in 1991, he was worked on many projects in Germany and was the Partner responsible for the New German Parliament in the Reichstag, Berlin. He has also overseen a number of transport projects, including Bilbao Metro in Spain, North Greenwich Transport Interchange and Canary Wharf Underground station in London. Recent projects include the Petronas University of Technology in Malaysia, Stanford University Laboratories in California, Paragon Research and Development Centre for TAG McLaren and the new Supreme Court in Singapore.
The nominations were confirmed this week at RIBA council. President Paul Hyett said: 'This profession's work is heavily dependent on those whose belief and interest in architecture enriches its outcomes. We enjoy their loyalty, courage and commitment and it is a privilege to be able to award honorary fellowships to a wide range of people who've each contributed in a very special way'.
