AWARD-WINNING architect David Patterson has been appointed by creative architecture practice Able Partners as the firm’s new head of design.

David brings 20 years as head of higher education and urban design at Make Architects, as well as several years as an architect at Renzo Piano Building Workshop to the growing London-based studio.

As the former chair of RIBA London and current technical tutor in architecture at Central Saint Martins, David’s extensive portfolio of work includes playing a vital role in RIBA-award winning projects, such as the Monica Partridge Building at the University of Nottingham and the Bushfield Camp Masterplan in Winchester.

As head of design, David will lead design research, enhance design quality and guide strategic growth to cement Able Partners as a leader in socially responsible architecture. David will also enhance the firm’s early-stage design capabilities and lead on RIBA stages 0-3, while embedding sustainability throughout design practices and guiding the firm towards B-Corp accreditation.

Looking for a fresh challenge after almost three decades in the industry, David said: “Able Partners is a dynamic architecture practice with a passion for creatively overcoming the challenges of the built environment, and the scale of ambition from the senior team is clear to see. This, along with the agile nature of the business, made the role an exciting proposition at a time when I was looking to start my next chapter in the industry.

“There has been a real shift in the industry over the past five years towards a more empathetic, socially responsible, purposeful approach, and I look forward to guiding the firm’s design ethos and strategic growth in a direction that prioritises community impact. Collaboration is crucial to this future, and I’m optimistic about the opportunity to make a real difference to the communities we build for alongside our network of talented industry partners.

“Educating and mentoring the next generation of architects is something I’m also incredibly passionate about. To this end, fostering a learning-focused environment within the team and the local community will be a key focus for me and one that I hope will drive the practice forward.”

The appointment further solidifies the rapid expansion of the Fitzrovia-based Able Partners, which has employed three architects in the last 12 months – thereby doubling its headcount.

Bill Webb, co-founder at Able Partners said: “We are thrilled to have David join the team. His intellectual rigour, design talent and extensive experience is a huge benefit to our growing practice and will ensure we continue to design and deliver buildings of the highest quality.”