Today we’d like to introduce you to David Stone
Hi David, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Growing up in a suburb of Birmingham, Alabama, I had a somewhat normal southern upbringing. I was taught respect and a strong work ethic. I was your typical, scrawny, awkward kid. When I was 9 years old my mother and I were walking around a Home and Garden Show, which we did every year, and passed by a booth for a TaeKwonDo school. They were giving away a free week of lessons and I pleaded with her to sign up for the give-a-way. To her surprise, we won that free week. I took my first class. And, that changed my life trajectory. I ended up training in taekwondo for over 16 years.
Throughout middle school, I was picked on to dangerous levels. Though I had trained in martial arts for over 4 years at that point, I knew to never engage. So, I didn’t fight back. I knew I simply did not fit in at a regular public school. So, when I had the opportunity to apply to a speciality high school, I took it. I applied to join the Math and Science Department at the Alabama School of Fine Arts. Three semesters into being at the school, the jazz instructor for the Dance Department approached me and asked if, given my taekwondo experience, if I might be interested in joining the Dance Department. I took the opportunity to try something different and joined. In 2002, I graduated from the Alabama School of Fine Arts with a high school diploma with a Dance emphasis.
As a high school graduate, now trained in martial arts and classically trained in ballet, I had to decide what I wanted to do with my life. It was an easy decision. I decided to mix my love of physical form, space, and movement with my love for mathematics and science and pursued a degree in Architecture at Auburn University. I graduated from Auburn in 20008 with a degree in Architecture and a Master’s Degree in Community Planning. From there the career path took off.
In 2008, right out of college, I accepted a position at Looney Ricks Kiss Architects in their mixed use studio. Four months later, the economy crashed and I found myself looking for another job. I searched far and wide and landed a position at RLF Architects in Orlando, Florida. I took my architecture and planning education and worked on military healthcare facilities for 5 years. I pursued the direction of medical planner, even being honored as a Herman Miller Scholar the Healthcare Design Conference in 2012. In 2013, I was ready for a change. Medical healthcare was great, but was not my passion. I wanted to be connected more directly to my clients. I was recruited to join a small residential firm called Phil Kean Design Group. It was over the next 5 years that I honed my design skills and found a growing love for management. One year into working with PKDG, I stepped into the role of Director of Architecture. Two years later, I was the Director of Design, overseeing over 15 employees.
In 2018, my life took another turn. I was contacted by a recruiter from Los Angeles that had a job opportunity they thought I might like. I was happy in Orlando, but I figured… why not? So, I hopped on a call with Tim Barber of Tim Barber Architects. After an over 90 minute call, I knew I had found my next challenge. I picked up and moved across the country, with my dog and my boyfriend and became the Director of Operations for Tim Barber, Ltd. That position and friendship with Tim turned into where I will finish my career. Earlier this year, 2024, I signed on as a partner in the firm. I am thrilled to be growing this firm with Tim and look forward to what this chapter of my life will bring.
It is a straightforward story, but it all goes back to simple moves that occurred early on in my life.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There is less opportunity for growth when there are no struggles. As you can read in the story of how I got here… Being picked on led me to attend the Alabama School of Fine Arts. Struggling in the Math/Science Department led me to join the Dance Department. While gaining acceptance into architecture school, I had a professor tell me I would never be a good architect. Upon graduation, I was laid off due to major economic recession. I have lived through several struggles in my life. I choose not to view them in that manner, however. I see every trial or tribulation in my life as a new opportunity for growth and advancement. Something is waiting around the next corner. You simply have to keep pressing forward.
As you know, we’re big fans of Tim Barber Architects . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Tim Barber Architects is a residential architecture studio based in Los Angeles. We design new custom homes, full renovations and restorations across California and beyond that are sympathetic to their surroundings, tailored to unique lifestyles, and inspired by tradition, innovation and the environment.
Our team brings exceptional value and detail to every aspect of our work to better the lives of our homeowners, and our planet, through insightful, empathetic design — for now and for years to come.
At Tim Barber Architects, our purpose is to create enduring delight through our architecture and our relationships. We are stewards of the well-being and resources of our clients, our team and our planet.
What does success mean to you?
The definition of success is dependent on the context. i.e.
* Success of one our projects is based on the quality of life it creates for our homeowners.
* Success in my career is based on the people that I have been able to inspire to join me along the journey. It is also based on what I have been able to give back to my community in response to such successes.
* Success in my personal life is being to surround myself with people that share a mutual care for each other.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://timbarberarchitects.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timbarberarchitects
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timbarberarchitects
- Other: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/tim-barber-architects-pfvwus-pf~1451310652?
Image Credits
Roger Davies: https://www.rogerdaviesphotography.com/
Laura Hull: https://www.laurahullphotography.com/
Karyn Millet: https://www.karynmillet.com/
