Architect Spotlight: David Duff

As part of a continuing feature on this blog, we'll meet each of the firm's associates and get their take on LPA, architecture, and of course, sustainable design.

DAVID DUFF, AIA, LEED AP

Q. How long have you worked at LPA?

A. Coming up on 14 years, and loving every minute of it!

Q. What do you love most about your job?

A. No other profession that I know of produces such tangible results - buildings, and site environments that people live, work, and play in. It's so satisfying to see our completed projects and hear how much the clients enjoy them. 

Q. What does a day in the life of David Duff look like?

A. I'm up at 6:30 a.m., to get the kids ready for school. Usually I'll start the day with a cup of coffee, and then to a whirlwind of e-mails, meetings, phone calls, and job-site visits. Scarf a lunch down. I try to work in as much of the fun parts as possible (i.e. working on the drawings with the many talented people here at LPA). I never seem to do what I plan to do first thing in the morning, but it all gets done in the end. Back home, I forget about work for a while, and spend time with the wife and kids.

Q. What project are you working on this minute? What does it entail?

A. Lately, it's been construction related work at Fashion Island, Newport Beach, which involves a lot of meetings and clarifications - getting the details to work. I've also had the opportunity to work with the team designing the Garden Grove Public Safety project. This will be one of my favorites when done, a new fire station headquarters and re-model/expansion of the existing police headquarters.

Q. What do you love most about sustainable design?

A. I love the fact that it helps the future environment, saves energy, and makes people more comfortable in the places and spaces our next generation will inherit.

David Duff is Associate architect at California-based LPA Inc. He has worked on more than 70 projects during his 22-year career. He is a LEED Accredited Professional and active member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).