David Hutchison, whose name and achievements will be familiar to many members of Architects for Health and other healthcare professionals, has died aged 78.
David was instrumental in establishing HLM’s significant portfolio and design reputation within the UK healthcare sector in particular, and became a charismatic mentor and role model for many of the talented young architects and designers who were employed by the Practice during the period of his leadership, and who have subsequently gone on to become respected healthcare architects in their own right.
David was educated at the Royal Masonic School, Bushy Park and The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL. After graduating in 1960, he joined Powell and Moya and worked on their Pimlico Library project, in addition to the innovative hospital projects undertaken by the practice at Wexham Park and Swindon. In 1964, he founded the practice of Hutchison Locke and Monk (now HLM) based on winning the Paisley Civic Centre competition, with two ex Bartlett colleagues, Graham Locke and Tony Monk. This large project enabled the young practice to develop into a sizeable firm within just a few years, originally established in Richmond and Paisley, and sustained by the civic centre project while other work was gained. Initially this work was generated in the public sector and particularly related to healthcare buildings and research, based on David’s previous experience of hospital design and contacts established during his time with P&M, notable amongst whom were Howard Goodman, Ceri Davies, and Geoff Mayers, who were at that time active within the Department of Health in promoting the emerging Harness and Nucleus healthcare planning concepts as part of the national Hospital Building Programme which reached its peak in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. His characteristic drive and enthusiasm were influential in growing the scope and size of the practice whilst laying strong foundations for the Company that thrives today.
David served as an RIBA councillor, was appointed a Freeman of the City of London (Liveryman 1990) and a member of the Worshipful Company of Constructors (Master 2000), and was awarded his MBE for services to architecture and the community in 1976. He left HLM in 1991 to set up his own practice of DHP in Bath, where he lived for most of the latter part of his life.
He married Helen soon after graduating from the Bartlett, where she had also studied. They have four children Gilly, Mike, Kris and Peter. He is survived by his two former wives, his four children, twelve grandchildren and the recent addition of a great grandson.
In summarising David’s importance in the development of the Practice, HLM Chairman Christopher Liddle has commented:-
“As we move beyond our 50th year in practice, we reflect how his leadership, energy and enthusiasm inspired two generations of Architects and designers, developing their careers with Hutchison Locke and Monk/HLM, and continuing to contribute to the future of the wider Profession.”
