David Spence, AIA, LEED AP             

Principal David Spence's leadership, passion and perseverance towards creating good architecture has not only earned him several American Institute of Architecture awards, but more importantly, the respect amongst his clients for creating a new portal to their lives and work that had not existed before.

Mr. Spence is very good at helping clients clearly define their spatial needs and escorting them on an exploration of ideas and designs that not only solve the issues but also enriches livelihood and value. He designs and sketches by hand and works closely with the other team members in developing the necessary documentation for presenting and constructing the work. He enjoys getting involved with the construction of a project, working directly with contractors in making a building come to life.

Mr. Spence’s interest in architecture and construction started as a child, building bridges, dams, and club houses out of piano crates deep in the woods of Connecticut. He also built hundreds of structures with Legos and created imaginary towns for his model railroads. These activities helped to form his keen ability to imagine places where none existed, to envision how people occupy and move through space, and to appreciate the importance of our connections with nature.  It was only natural that David decided to develop his interests through architectural training.

Within only months after completing his Architecture degree at Roger Williams University in Rhode Island, he and a few of his fellow classmates won a major design commission for a middle school in Connecticut against some very large prestigious firms. Through trial-by-fire, Mr. Spence immediately became immersed in all aspects of the architectural profession and quickly learned what it takes to see one’s design get realized by hundreds of people.

Enamored by the variety of project types at Windigo Design Works – from buildings, to sailing yachts, to electric motorcycles – Mr. Spence joined the firm in 1998. For seven years he managed several of Windigo’s projects in New York, NY, Palm Beach, FL, and Newport, RI as a project architect and helped create a diverse portfolio of work on all scales including schools, country and coastal estates, adaptive re-use projects, and unique commercial spaces throughout the northeast. He then acquired full ownership of the firm in 2005 upon the retirement of the principals, and has since continued its reputation as being innovative and unique while providing the highest quality work and service. Mr. Spence has been a licensed architect since 1995 and holds licenses in NJ, NY, CT, MA, RI & FL. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects, an NCARB certified Architect, and a LEED AP. 

Mr. Spence continues to hone his architectural philosophy and design aesthetics that first developed at architecture school with every project he works on. During his internship, Mr. Spence mentored with direct disciples of Frank Lloyd Wright and Lou Kahn, and gained a deep appreciation for instilling meaning in his designs and creating well-crafted and intricately detailed buildings. His work confidently crosses or even blurs the line between modern and traditional styles, depending on the context of place. Mr. Spence enjoys working within the rigors of craftsmanship in historic styles but also enjoys the freedom that modern designs can offer.

An avid outdoorsman, Mr. Spence owns a 35’ sloop (J105) that he races regularly in Long Island Sound, New York Harbor and Raritan Bay. He has participated in multiple Newport-Bermuda races and won many awards including the New England Lighthouse, Segola, and Past Commodores Trophies. He is also the Commodore of Liberty Yacht Club and creator of the Liberty Cup Regatta - an inshore sailing event in NY Harbor. On land, Mr. Spence collects and restores vintage racing bikes and rides regularly, logging around 2,500 miles a year, and participates in a Gran Fondo or two. When not designing, playing or running a business, David relaxes at home in Maplewood, NJ with his wife Mary or building forts, railroads, and Legos with his son Tucker.