Born and raised in Sacramento, California where he was one of nine children (seven sisters), David’s early interest in art and sculpture led him to pursue an architecture degree at the University of California, Berkeley. Following graduation, David worked at Anshen & Allen Architects in San Francisco, where he met Chiu Lin Tse-Chan, who shared his strong belief in the value of hard work. Later, after David had moved on to a position at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), he received a call from Chiu Lin with an interesting proposition.
After reluctantly agreeing to interview with Chiu Lin for the design of San Francisco International Airport’s South Terminal (SFIA), David was astonished to discover that they had been selected for the sizable project, a daunting task for any architectural firm, let alone a firm comprised of only two individuals. The landmark project, which involved the master plan, programming, planning and design of approximately one million square feet, served as the catalyst for the founding of Fong & Chan Architects (FCA) in 1982.
After the successful completion of the project at SFIA, David and Chiu Lin expanded their team and opened their first office in Burlingame, taking on numerous complex and heavy infrastructure projects. Fong & Chan Architects became known for unique and functional design, as well as superior documentation, producing top-level construction documents for medical institutions, laboratories, universities, and more. Chiu Lin focused on financial management and office administration, while David concentrated on planning, design, and marketing. Both partners were key in the development of strong construction documentation.
Guided by a unique aesthetic vision, as Design Principal, David’s approach to architecture is both a problem-solving endeavor and an expressive work of art. Drawing inspiration from Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe, he seeks to satisfy both the rational and emotional needs of a building’s occupants.
In 1991, the Firm moved to its current location in San Francisco. Originally a medical office with MRI suites, David and Chiu Lin completely reimagined the space as a purpose-built design studio. A thick concrete slab between floors – originally for radiation shielding – was reinterpreted as a central design feature by boring a large circular opening in the middle to form a double-height atrium. Four skylights above flood the office with natural light. During the renovation, David spent his daytime hours working on projects in the office, and toiled nights and weekends to design and construct all of the bespoke office furniture. Using a miter box, David built dozens of custom workstations, bookshelves, drawing storage units, and more.
Throughout his career, David has been dedicated to supporting and mentoring young architects. He has frequently lectured to architecture students and has fostered opportunities for emerging designers through the firm’s longstanding summer internship program. Within the practice, David worked closely with junior staff, sharing his experience and guiding them through all aspects of architectural practice. He and Chiu Lin established numerous scholarships and endowments at UC Berkeley’s College of Environmental Design and the California College of the Arts.
In 2006, David was honored as Fellow of the Society of American Registered Architects [FARA] and in 2009, as a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects [FAIA]. David has received over 80 Statewide, National and International design awards. Together with Chiu Lin, FCA was awarded the California 2002 Architectural Firm of the Year, and subsequently the National 2005 Architectural Firm of the Year by the Society of American Registered Architects. Architecture MasterPrize named FCA among the Top San Francisco Architects in Healthcare Design in 2023. The same year, the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum and the Society of Architectural Historians in Washington D.C. recognized David and Chiu Lin for their career achievements as Asian American architects.
In 2024, on the 42nd anniversary of the establishment of the firm, David retired from practice in an official capacity. However, he continues to provide consultation services to the Firm, and in retirement, David completed the majority of the construction design details for the Ramgopalour Cancer Hospital in Nepal. He also completed a book chronicling 42 years of projects at Fong & Chan Architects.
Today, the Firm’s staff and leadership strive to carry on David’s ethos of meticulous work, thoughtful design, and excellent client service.
