MySpace - -david- - 30 - Male - London, UK - myspace.com/david

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http://www.facebook.com/people/David-Weatherhead/564831586?

a bit about--david-

the more limes you see the more complicated things get.......

Born Newcastle, England 24th April 1979

King School Tynemouth 1989-1996

Sheffield University 1997-2000….BA(hons)

Newcastle University 2001-2003….BArch class 1

Newcastle University 2005-2006….DipPPM

Registered Architect ARB RIBA 2006

currently live & work in London

Chilling ontop of Half Dome, at 9000ft over a 4500ft shear vertical drop...

I’m still David from Newcastle in England, but now I kind of live in London except for living in San Francisco. Confused? yip me too. After studying for almost 9 years at uni, I’m now an architect, which means I design buildings. I love designing in general tbh, and love making things, whether its paintings, models or even the odd piece of furniture. I’m always doing something so my sofa is one of the most unloved. After spending most of my childhood and teens playing cricket and managing to play minor counties, English universities, England schools etc I decided to pack it in at the ripe old age of 20 to concentrate on other things. Good job too, one of the guys I used to captain (Steve Harmison) only went on to play for England. However there is something about standing in a field with a bunch of men for hours on end which is plain wrong!. So after finishing my first degree at Sheffield University I felt like I hadn’t fully done the uni experience. (i did manage to go out every night) but felt that i didn’t want to be telling the kids (future) when I’m older that I ‘did’ uni and it was a great experience. So I did another degree....and another one. Now i do have some stories to tell!! i was also pretty damn lucky since I started my mammoth course in 1997, which meant the full 9 years fees were, well, free! Since uni finished I have been working for one of the top research and healthcare architectural practices. Although the hours are long (underestimate) the rewards are huge. I get to design buildings. That means I get paid to ‘colour in’ and stuff, as my friends like to call it. Life changing experience happened in 2002 when I was researching hospice design and cancer care in general. I met some amazing people who have helped me to put life into perspective. So what do I like? Well ill tell you what I don’t like. I don’t like rude, selfish people. I always think if you don’t like someone for whatever reasons don’t let them into your life. Also treat people like you would like to be treated yourself. I love to be amazed and surprised and thought of. I love funny people and anyone who can make the dimples come out. I love the sun on my face, clear blue skies, sunsets, rainbows and most things natural. I hate fake stuff and fake people. Love dance music, clubbing and generally going out. Love talking (often get blamed for talking too much!). Love minimalism and clean edges, but hate tidying up and frilly bits (things that would fall off in an earthquake. Love animals and hate swimming in the sea (sharks!!!), love lying on the sand. Best night of my life? Well without being rude, Heat at Camden Palace last year. It had the lot! Oh and just in case your wondering, despite the tight t shirts etc I’m straight. ;-)

a bit about--david-work

some people think that all that architects do is draw limes..

I became interested in healthcare architecture after working in a hospital during 2 summers while I was studying for my first degree.

The thesis opportunity during my second degree gave me the opportunity to investigate and develop this interest. My thesis evolved into an ongoing study into the architecture of healthcare, and in particular cancer care facilities.

I became interested, and later very frustrated, at how the UK (and the world for that matter) research, educate and care for cancer and the patients which it effects.

CancerCare Design

Integrated Cancer Centre, London.Thesis Design.

My thesis theoretically aimed to re-assess the ridiculous structure in place in this country, which is so common in many others. Investigating the cancer patients ‘process’, why certain decisions are made and why patients are not given a full picture and resulting in patients not being able to make their own choices as to the type of care they want and deserve. What has this got to do with architecture? Well I design buildings. However it’s very hard to design a building when you understand that something is principally wrong with the process that underlies the buildings existence.

I designed a building which was to bring together research education and care into an integrated facility, which would hopefully result into some new thinking and discussion by individuals who would otherwise not have the opportunity. These spark discussions could be the catalyst for new ways to think about researching cancer and caring for its sufferers.

My thesis was completed as part of my second degree in 2003. I got a first.(yey!)

Hospice Care Design

In researching cancer care facilities i have done some in depth research into hospice care and hospice architecture.

I compiled a dissertation on the architecture of hospice facilities in 2003. The design of hospice facilities has evolved quite dramatically over the past 20 years, especially lately with the publicity of Maggie Centres. Hospice is a way of life and i believe should not be seen as a shut door for patients who accept death. I believe the philosophy should be offered to all cancer patients. Many hospice patients have no family to look after them in the late stages of the disease and the architecture of this 'last' home is something that should be extreemly sensitive. During this period of research i met some pretty amazing people. I will say that this experience has changed me and my outlook on life.

MY Buildings

CancerCare Design

Freeman Hospital NCCT & Renal Unit.Entrance.

Immediately after finishing my second degree I was approached by architectural firm Anshen + Allen, who came and saw my degree show. They offered me a job in London to work on a most amazing building project. I have since spent 3 years designing the Northern Centre for Cancer Treatment and Renal Unit at the Freeman hospital in my home town, Newcastle.

A dream job for me as it was the perfect opportunity to build something so close to the passion I have for healthcare architecture and the thesis I wrote on architecture and cancer.

Freeman Hospital NCCT & Renal Unit.Courtyards.

The building is being built as an extension to the freeman hospital which my mother worked at for many years and 2 friends of mine still work there. On the same site I also designed and delivered a pretty cool multi storey car park.

Freeman Hospital MSCP.

Cancer Research Design

CRUK Research Facility, Cambridge.

During 2006 i also worked as site architect to a research facility in Cambridge. The Cancer Research UK building is a state of the art facility for research into cancer, and was opened by the Queen in Feb 2007.

My design for phase 2...

Just in case i wasn’t busy enough, i have just finished a design for a stem cell research building, opposite the research building i worked on in Cambridge. The design was my first opportunity to put into use the ideas i had for new ways research can be carried out, by providing inspiring spaces that can give chance encounters and maybe provide the backdrop to spark discussions that would otherwise not happen. Bringing great minds together to tackle problems. Yes im very happy with the results, and yes, im very tired now too. :-)

street perspective...

Education Design

Westminster City School, Westminster, London.

I have spent the majority of my time over the last 2 years designing the new addition to Westminster City School. This is going to be my first building that has been designed just by myself, from concept to reality. It has already started on site and is due to finish late next year. Although the planners have been very restrictive due to its Victorian setting I believe it is going to be a fantastic addition to the school and Westminster.

Palace Street Elevation

Courtyard and Interior Views

Grey Coats Hospital School, Westminster, London.

My second school in Westminster. This project has only been going for 1 year but its going to be my second building in the Capital, and opposite the channel 4 building designed by Richard Rogers!.

San Francisco

I was lucky enough to spend 3 amazing months in 2007 in my works San Francisco Office. I had an amazing time, designed a $400m hospital on my own and met some fantastic new friends. The trip finished with a group of five of us climbing half dome, which is in Yosemite National Park. By far the best thing i have done...an amazing place. I am returning in August 2008 to climb Mt Whitney with the same friends. This is the tallest mountain in America!

Friends Design

Although i am very busy during the week i have also found time to design some friends places. What i find nice is how the result very much depends on the personality and drive of the owner. One of my best friends sure has this....

a bit about--david-play

a few limes before you go out makes the world of difference....

Favourite djs are (in no particular order) Andy Farley, Justin Bourne, Ben Stevens, Paul Glazby, Nick Seintence, Nicky S, Cally Gage, Rob Tissera, If you see me out give me a shout.

untitled 03.mp3

Thankyou to Stefan Ro for the track.