David J. Lee, AIA
“I’m really proud of what we created and extremely happy to be leaving the firm in such good shape and in such capable hands – that was always the plan”
Quorum Architects announces the retirement of one of the firm’s original partners and co-founder, David J. Lee, AIA. Lee, along with fellow architects, Douglas Moon, Scott Wilson, Bill Blankenship, and Woody Jekel formed the design firm 31 years ago in Fort Worth, Texas.
L to R: Quorum’s Founders, Douglas Moon, Bill Blankenship, Woody Jekel, David Lee, and Scott Wilson
After growing the company into a thriving 30-person architectural and interior design firm, David decided it’s time to bow out and let the next generation of leaders take the helm. Current Quorum partners, David Duman, Karin Taylor and Kim Dowdy-Hickman and Scott Wilson continue to lead the firm.
L to R: Quorum’s Principals (2022), Karin Taylor, David Lee, Douglas Moon, Scott Wilson,
Kim Dowdy-Hickman, and David Duman
“I’m really proud of what we created and extremely happy to be leaving the firm in such good shape and in such capable hands – that was always the plan,” exclaims Lee.
The firm experienced some lean times early on, and the friends sacrificed time with family to travel the country seeking new business.
The HPU Newbury Welcome Center design team - Gayland Leddy, David Lee, Karin Taylor at the Grand Opening Celebration
One of Lee’s earliest clients was Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas. Lee completed his first design project for the Christian liberal arts school in 1992. The client was so pleased that the projects just kept coming including the new University Center, Old Main Tower and Plaza, the redesign of the university-owned apartment complex and several iterations of the campus Master Plan. Appropriately, one of Lee’s last projects to complete was the University’s Newbury Family Welcome Center. It may be the one project of which David is most proud.
Lee says, “I enjoy the creative process, but building life-long relationships with clients is extremely meaningful. It’s a partnership. I’m very invested and want to help realize their vision.”
“David was an early supporter of our mission, and a big contributor to our redevelopment vision.”
Lee’s commitment to the practice of architecture and clients landed him multiple accolades over the years. Earlier in his career he received the Young Professional Award and the Young Architect Award from AIA Fort Worth. Later, he was awarded the James R. Wooten award also by the local AIA chapter as well as the Kline-Watts Award for Outstanding Leadership by Near Southside, Inc. Most recently, David was voted one of Fort Worth’s 400 Most Influential People by the editors of Fort Worth Inc. business magazine.
David Lee and other members of Quorum Architects accepting their Best Companies to Work for in Fort Worth Award in 2021.
Mike Brennan, Near Southside, Inc. President says of Lee, “David was an early supporter of our mission, and a big contributor to the Near Southside’s redevelopment vision. David's dedication over many years and his service on our board and committees helped shape NSI into the organization we are today, with a membership of over 350 businesses and community leaders.”
David and Jodeen are excited about devoting more time to the things they enjoy including traveling, golfing, hiking, volunteering, and country living – the couple purchased a house in the scenic Texas Hill Country near Burnet in 2021 and it’s now their primary residence.
“It will take some getting used to, not having Dave here. But I’ll forever value the time we spent crafting this company, the many conversations, and impassioned debates, as well as the infinite laughs,” says co-founder and friend, Scott Wilson. “Plus, now we have someplace to stay when we visit the Hill Country!”