It was just a twist of fate that David M. Schwarz became an architect. Having started his own practice (in his own words, “too early”), with little success, he realized that his dream of becoming an architect was over and he had almost given up hope. However, a chance meeting with a friend gave her a ‘last minute’ second chance, when her friends’ boyfriend offered her a project. His career is now considered remarkable, and his architectural practice was established after receiving awards from a wide range of organizations, including the American Institute of Architects and the Art Deco Society of Washington.

Prior to this success, Mr. Schwarz received his bachelor’s degree from St. John’s College in Annapolis, MD, and a master’s degree in architecture from Yale University. He also earned a Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of California at Berkeley and a Bachelor of Science from Humboldt State University. As the founder and CEO of David M Schwarz Architectural Services, Inc., Washington, DC and Fort Worth, TX, he now has over thirteen years of success in landscape design, planning, and construction.

“… It really is being picky about principles and sticking to them, even when it’s difficult, that makes real success possible,” explains David.

His environmental science background is key in the development of site-specific landscapes that involve soil and slope stabilization, habitat restoration, and new vegetation management. Its strength lies in its ability to focus on developing spaces that are artistic, suited to client needs, and responsive to the surrounding environment. Perhaps his most iconic project, the Nashville Schermerhorn Symphony Center is the epitome of Schwarz’s signature style, being wonderfully classic with a modern twist.

Describing his design philosophy, Schwarz explains: “Our architecture is what would have happened if modernism hadn’t happened. But modernism did.”

“We set out to create what we call neoclassicism appropriate for 21st century Nashville,” says Schwarz. “The building and all its details are much less serious, much lighter, much friendlier, much less imposing than simple.” neoclassicism of, say, the 19th or early 20th century. ”

One of the most interesting features of the 197,000-square-foot, 1,872-seat concert hall is the massive amount of indirect natural light. After touring concert halls around the world, in particular the Vienna Musikverein, Schwarz decided that natural light was an important element to include in the interior. Innovative features include a convertible seating system designed to give the room unique versatility.

Schwarz describes Schermerhorn as “the most classically inspired building we have ever made.”

Another classic design with incredible reach and space utilization is the Dr Pepper Ballpark. Following its construction in 2003, Dr Pepper Ballpark received the 2003 Texas Construction Award for Best Architectural Design and the surrounding sports complex received the Best Sports and Entertainment award.

Schwarz had the stated goal of creating a “park within a (ball) park” at the stadium. Nine interconnected pavilions, where the concessions, bathrooms and luxury suites are located, are built separately from the main seating area. The concourse area, between the pavilions and the seating area, fully envelops the ballpark with 360-degree views.

Its Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex features “Picturesque Florida” architecture, with tall towers and seemingly endless arches at the field house and ballpark.

Other projects include the Tarrant County Family Law Center, which is historically evocative in design, and the Bass Hall, critically acclaimed as “the last great hall built in this century,” and voted by Travel and Leisure magazine as one of the 10 best opera houses in the world.

Within his firm, Schwarz’s primary responsibility is that of design director. In this capacity, he directs, orchestrates and reviews the design process of all the firm’s projects. . You are frequently asked to create unique and custom modern furniture to complement company interiors. Fine details, rich materials and a high level of craftsmanship identify Schwarz’s contemporary furniture projects, ranging from the simple, such as a highly detailed inlaid buffet of art and craft inspiration with an imaginative and protective floating glass cover; for the technically savvy, like an Art Deco-inspired oval loggia table. The table can be folded in half lengthwise to fit against the wall and contains custom-made hinges and a device that automatically centers the top half on the base, allowing the table top to become between oval and semi-oval without sacrificing the center of gravity. . He has also explored elements in modern furniture design, such as a custom freestanding medicine cabinet and a stainless steel and glass stool. The variety and variety in style, inspiration and material account for his vision, regardless of scope or scale.

Schwarz is committed to teaching and engaging at the college level and lecturing to the public. He currently serves as Chairman of the Dean’s Council for the Yale School of Architecture and is a member of the Board of Supervisors of the Corcoran Gallery of Art, located in Washington, DC.