Prior to leaving to found PLP Architecture, David Leventhal was partner-in-charge of design at KPF’s London office, which he co-founded in 1989. David worked with KPF for a total of 30 years. He is renowned for being at the forefront of innovative architectural design, whilst being a leading voice in the debate about the direction of modern architecture in the city today.

A key theme in David’s work is the place of contemporary architecture in historical cities. This interest stems from his undergraduate studies in architectural history at Harvard, during which time he studied the challenges faced by late nineteenth century American designers in finding novel yet relevant architectural expression.

In line with this interest, David, while at KPF, was the partner-in charge of design of a series of academic buildings set in the heart of the great English universities, including projects at Oxford University, the London School of Economics and Imperial College. As with many of the other schemes, the building for the Rothermere American Institute (RAI) at Oxford won many awards which cited the lively dialogue the building establishes with its neighbours.

Again while at KPF, David was partner-in-charge of design of the new Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) headquarters, a landmark which has become a symbol to the world of this fast developing city.

He received both his Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Architecture degree from Harvard University.