As founder of Place Foundry, David brings a question that has driven him since his early days exploring architecture: Why are places built the way they are, and how can we make them better? That curiosity led him from architecture into urban planning, where he discovered his true calling—helping communities articulate their vision and transform it into reality.

Since beginning his practice in 2006, David has mastered the art of translating community aspirations into actionable strategies. His work in Loves Park, Cherry Valley, and Danville, Illinois, along with the recent completion of the Roscoe Main Street District Plan and I-90/Rockton Road Corridor Plan, demonstrates his commitment to plans that lead to groundbreaking ceremonies. Each project reflects his founding vision for Place Foundry: to transform how communities approach planning, economic development, and real estate development by integrating all three into a cohesive strategy.

With dual degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign—a Bachelor's in Urban & Regional Planning (2005) and a Master's in Urban Planning (2006)—David built Place Foundry on a simple but powerful principle: great places emerge when communities can clearly see the path from vision to implementation. What energizes him most isn't just creating plans, but that pivotal moment when a community's vision clicks into focus and the strategy to achieve it becomes clear. He thrives on the collaborative process of helping people articulate what they want their community to become, then working alongside them to make it happen.

David's passion for the intersection of architecture and placemaking shapes Place Foundry's distinctive approach—ensuring every project balances ambition with achievability while preserving what makes each community unique. Outside the office, David stays connected to his Fighting Illini roots as a devoted basketball and football fan. He finds balance through tennis, hiking, kayaking, and bike rides, and gives back through volunteering in the Kids ministry at his church.