[ABOUT]
Experience that sets us apart
Since 1999, our Architecture and Interior Design practice has been built on established client relationships and unique design industry experience.
Architect and founding Principal, David Tobin, leads Charlotte, NC-based TOBIN PLLC with over 40 years of practice in planning, designing and managing a diverse portfolio of projects for cultural, civic, higher education and commercial clients.
A lifelong passion for architecture
A native of Helena, MT, David can't remember a time when he didn't want to become an architect. His father aspired to be an architect, designing and building his family's home. At a young age, David learned to understand and appreciate architectural drawings and models; spending hours engrossed in books featuring the great architecture and architects in history
David graduated from Oklahoma State University with BS Architectural Studies and M.Arch degrees. While in graduate school, David was awarded a Lloyd Warren Traveling Fellowship (Paris Prize) through a national student design competition, which supported travel and study in Mediterranean Europe and North Africa. Also, while in graduate school, David worked during summers as an intern architect for Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, Denver. Shortly after graduation, he and his wife, Justine, relocated to New York City, with David landing a position in the firm of James Stewart Polshek and Partners (Ennead) where he completed his professional internship. On attaining his New York State registration, David joined the firm of I.M. Pei & Partners (Pei Cobb Freed & Partners) where he rose to Associate under partners Henry N. Cobb and James I. Freed. After ten years in New York, both having established their careers, David and Justine relocated to Charlotte NC. After a few short years with a local Charlotte firm, David established his own architectural practice in 1999 as Tobin Design.
Established reputation for one-of-a-kind projects
While most of our major projects are new construction, Tobin has also been involved in significant historic renovations and restorations.
David’s notable assignments before founding his practice include architectural designer on the major renovation and restoration of New York’s Carnegie Hall in the late 1980’s, and Project Architect for the 3.7 million square foot Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center including the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and Presidential Memorial in Washington D.C.
His distinguished work out of Charlotte includes the AIANC Honor Award winning Barbara Bush Center for Science & Technology at Columbia College, architecture for exhibit spaces and auditoria for the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the UNC Charlotte Performing Arts Center and Schools of Theatre, Dance and Music, the City of Charlotte Fire Department Headquarters, various work for historic Theatre Charlotte since 2001, master planning and conceptual design for The Carolinas Aviation Museum and restoration and rehabilitation of the historic James B. Duke Mansion.
Dedication to our clients and their vision
We believe the quality of our work is directly attributed to our clients' high standards and character. We firmly believe that our best, most successful work has been done in collaboration with clients who have been dedicated to creating and making a positive impact on their own environment and the world.
We follow that belief by pursuing clients whom we wish to serve rather than pursuing projects that we simply wish to design. Designing and managing a beautiful and functional project to completion is great, but making long-term friends and partners of inspired and inspiring clients who build is greater.
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