David Rock

We offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of David upon learning of his passing.

David Rock RIBA and former RIBA President trained in architecture and planning at King’s College, University of Durham, graduating with first-class honours in 1952. Following National Service and five years working with Sir Basil Spence, he established his own one-man practice. In 1959 he launched the London office of Building Design Partnership (BDP), the international multidisciplinary practice. He became a partner in 1964 and, in 1969, a joint founder of the BDP Rome office.

In 1971, David left BDP to establish Rock Townsend—architects, planners, and designers—together with John Townsend. He also created the Working Community at 5 Dryden Street, a collective of 35 independent firms from diverse disciplines working in shared space to form unique collaborative relationships.

David later became director and co-founder, with John Morton and John Townsend, of the Barley Mow Workspace in Chiswick, a thriving working community comprising 95 companies and workshops.

David was a visionary and a formidable force in reimagining how people and businesses could work. He channelled the power of collaboration to reinvigorate places and buildings, shaping not only the buildings [and places] but also countless careers.

Founding Partners - Bottom left - John Townsend; Bottom right - David Rock; Top right - Alistair Hay; and Top left - Charles Thomson