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.

PwC, More London

2009

California State University Channel Islands

2008

Osuu, Walter Knoll

2024

EVA, Lumina

2016

Apple Park

2017

Capsule, Carpyen

2022

Tono, Porcelanosa

2016

Reichstag, New German Parliament

1999

Hoy, Artemide

2018

FIO, Ichendorf Milano

2025

20-06 Emeco

2006

1292, FSB

2024

Flo, Lumina

2012

Apple Westlake, Hangzhou

2015

National Bank of Kuwait

2020

Table Y, UniFor

2023

Izanami Motor Yacht

1995

Maggie’s Manchester

2016

Masdar Institute

2015

DATUM Tableware, FÜRSTENBERG

2022

Gerling Ring

2001

Chesham Place

2008

Dot, Lumina

2016

ME London

2013

Bilbao Metro

1995

Carré d'Art

1992

Palace of Peace and Reconciliation

2006

Foster 525, Walter Knoll

2016

Teso, Molteni&C

2013

Leedon Park House

2006