David Strickland

David joined CDH Partners in 1995 and worked his way up to become a principal in 2001. He has taken on a variety of roles for many different projects, and along the way, he developed his expertise in designing places of worship.

Inspired by the uniqueness of each faith-based facility, David and his team find dynamic solutions to the challenges that come with every project. He spends considerable time learning what each client needs and wants, even observing Sunday mornings at the church to get a sense of its people and culture. This deep understanding is instrumental in the design process.

David’s focus has always been to make sure his clients get everything they desire with superior execution. He explores how they want to function as a church and identifies the issues that may block their potential. David understands that churches want to drive peak attendance, so he and his team consider the building’s requirements as well as the parishioners’ desires. With these in balance, they can identify how to use the space by developing a comprehensive master plan.

Most meaningful to David is when he visits one of his completed designs once it is in use. It is a powerful moment when he sees people in his spaces, the children secure and the vision realized. These moments motivate him to explore new ways for a church to stay relevant in their community.