Name: David Thompson

Company: Assembledge+

Position within company: Principal and Founder

Website: https://assembledge.com/

Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)

Growing up in an architecture family, design has been in my DNA since early in my formative years.  I pursued an architectural career at Tulane University, where I received a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Architecture. Prior to establishing Assembledge+ I was a key member at a number of Los Angeles architectural firms including Syndesis (David Hertz) in Santa Monica and Lorcan O’Herlihy Architects in Culver City.

How would you describe your personal design style?

Warm Modernism

Where does your design inspiration come from?

I find inspiration from many different places.  First off, I am inspired by people.  As Architects we are people solving problems for other people and we are given the unique opportunity to create profound and unexpected connections between people and places.  So, these inspirations can come from all the people involved in the project including our clients, our staff, our consultants as well as the general population for whom we create.  I feel strongly that our success is linked greatly to our greater depth of emotional intelligence which allows to make strong connections with the people involved the process of architecture which results in more meaningful buildings and a more meaningful process.  I am also inspired by the notion that in the process of creating spaces we make something out of nothing.  We take raw materials and put them together in an artful manner to create special places that are meaningful and have a profound impact on our lives. 

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?

I believe that design is moving towards greater authenticity.  I’d like to think that the style of our design is appealing because it is more about a lifestyle than a stylistic style.  The hallmarks of California Modernism are about indoor/outdoor living, open floor plans and an extensive use of glass.  This lifestyle promotes a connection with the exterior a takes full advantage of the Southern California temperate climate.  Assembledge+ we use this philosophy to create a guideline for our approach to each project.  We generally look to the perimeter of the property boundary to extend the living experience into the landscape.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2020 and beyond.

• Process
• Efficiency
• Timelessness
• Technology
• Sustainability

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?

One piece of advice that I would offer is to listen to your clients.  The process of design in architecture is a collaborative process and require us as architects to be able to listen to the needs of our clients and our projects.  This openness is an important piece in the information gathering phases of design that ultimately informs the final solution.

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?

We feel that design awards in general are a very important component of our marketing focus.  The exposure that comes from having our work recognized through the various award programs is key in continuing to let the world know about Assembledge.  The International Design & Architecture Awards is especially important to us as it assists us on be recognized on a broader more global stage.

What projects are you currently working on?

We are currently working on a number of residential projects as well as a number of commercial and hospitality projects.  In Addition, we recently got the distinct pleasure of being commissioned to design a renovation and addition to the Curtis Residence by Raphael Soriano. It is an incredibly exciting project for us, as it has few interesting stories within the project’s narrative.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?

First and foremost is to continue to maintain a healthy and vibrant business amid the madness that is going on in our country and abroad.  We have a continued focus on obtaining commissions that continue to allow our team to explore the modernist sensibilities that Assembledge is based upon.  We are also actively looking to broaden our work portfolio into additional building types such as multi-family, mixed use and projects within the public realm.

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:

Your most treasured possession?

• My family.

Your favourite holiday destination?

• We love going to Snowmass, Colorado to ski as a family over the winter break.

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?

• My favourite hotel is the Amangiri in Canyon Point, Utah.
• My favourite restaurant is Capo in Santa Monica, CA.
• My favourite bar is the Campbell Apartment in Grand Central Station in NYC.

Your favourite book, film & song?

• My favourite book is “A Confederacy of Dunces” by John Kennedy Toole
• My favourite film is Sling Blade.
• My favourite song is “Can You Do Without?”, by The Meters

Your favourite food and drink?

• My favourite food is Sushi.
• My favourite drink is a Manhattan.

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?

• Hanging out by the pool with my family.

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?

• A rock star

Assembledge+ have been shortlisted for Residential Property Value (£1-2.5 Million) Award in The International Design & Architecture Awards 2020. 

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