Behind the B: Dave Parkinson

For this edition of Behind the B, we interviewed Dave Parkinson, an architectural technologist working in our commercial team. Dave has had an unconventional route to architectural technology, working first in the army before pursuing architecture full-time.

What was your first job?

I had a typical paper round when I was younger. Then I worked part-time at a butchers during college.

What was your career path into architecture?

I did my degree in architecture in the early 90s. It really opened my eyes to different buildings and ways of building. My degree had an international aspect, so in my final year, we took a six-week tour of Jordan. We travelled around to Amman, Petra, Jerash, the Dead Sea and Aqaba on the Red Sea. I joined the army after university and ended up in a paratrooper unit where I toured around Afghanistan, Kosovo and Macedonia. I eventually became a draftsman in the army and did several courses to keep me up to date with AutoCAD, and other software which obviously was really helpful later on.

Some of my early projects were in the army. I spent 2002/03 in Belize, Central America, helping to look after the buildings and estates. That included keeping records up-to-date, maintenance, designing and detailing the odd building or house. While I was in Belize, I travelled around the country quite often by a Gazelle (helicopter), flown by RAF pilots, so that was fun. We’d do a lot of proper stunts.

After the army, I worked in a couple of practices across Manchester. My first big project was Exchange Quay Two in Salford. The project architect took the building through planning using pencil and paper, which seems strange now, he retired shortly after.

What current projects are you working on?

I’m currently working in our commercial team, and one of the bigger projects at the moment is Workington Innovation Hub. It’s a new four-storey office space for start-ups and growing businesses in West Cumbria.

It’s due to complete early 2026 so I’m really looking forward to seeing that built.

What advice would you give a young person wanting a career in architectural technology?

Architectural technology can be a really tough profession at times. You need to keep up with communicating with people and building relationships across projects. But when you get it right and you’re sat working things out, it gets to be a really fun challenge. I think my advice would be to absorb as much as you can from those senior to you, or those who have been on the project for longer. They know all the ins and outs of a project and can really help you out.

What's your favourite place?

Paris. I’ve had the chance to travel to a lot of different places, but Paris has such different contemporary architecture. Some of my favourites are the Fondation Louis Vuitton building, the Pompidou Centre and the main entrance of the Louvre Museum.

What do you do in your spare time?

Going to the gym, restaurants and wine tasting. A nice hike and a country pub at the end. I really like travelling too.

What do you enjoy most about working at Buttress?

I think the company has created a really nice culture of encouragement. The people are always willing to help and provide support, and give advice. After so long working in the industry, it’s refreshing to see a new kind of culture, especially with all the extra measures put in as a B Corp business.