About
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David Duncan, AIA

David Duncan, AIA, is a registered architect who began his career in Cambridge, MA and Washington, D.C. where he worked on highly complex commercial and institutional projects for two nationally-renowned architectural firms. His design work in Washington, D.C. earned him several national awards. During this time, he was exposed to some of the most restrictive zoning and historic requirements in the country, having to overcome and work creatively within the confines of these regulatory guidelines.

Since moving back to New England in 1991 when he founded Needham Duncan Architecture LLC, David has completed over 230 new construction and renovation residential, commercial and institutional projects throughout Connecticut, Fishers and Long Islands, New York, Massachusetts and Maine with a focus on coastal and waterfront properties. Many of his projects required creative problem-solving and a knowledge of and sensitivity to highly restrictive zoning requirements and challenging sites.

Commitment to Excellence

David is best known for his commitment to excellence and detail, responsiveness to clients and a pragmatic approach to converting clients’ visions into functional but beautiful spaces that take advantage of each building’s unique setting and siting. Born and raised on a village green in Connecticut and the beaches and coastal marshes of Massachusetts, David Duncan brings to his work an admiration and appreciation for the unique qualities of New England architecture and topography.

From 2016 to 2021, David taught Architectural Design and Drawing at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut which is where he received is his undergraduate degree with honors in art history in 1979. He received his Master’s Degree in Architecture from Harvard University in 1983.

Community Support

In addition to his client work, he has been very involved in his communities, assisting groups such as Habitat for Humanity, regional economic development agencies, local building and planning committees, historic districts, and regional art associations and museums. He received a commendation from Connecticut State Senator Ed Meyer, Vice Chair of the Environment Committee, for working with him on geothermal energy concerns. He currently is teaching architecture to fourth graders in Bath, Woolwich and Phippsburg.

Awards, Recognition & Publications

Commercial

Shellfish Depuration Facility, Noank, CT

  • Small pilot plant, the first in the state, for the cleansing of shellfish
  • Published in New London Day, April 1992, Mystic River Press, November 1992

800 North Capitol Street, Washington, D.C.

  • Published in Architecture, June 1993
  • AIA – Washington, DC Chapter, Award for Excellence in Architecture – 1993
  • Associated Builders & Contractors, Certificate of Merit for Excellence in Construction – 1993
  • Architectural Precast Association, Award for Design Excellence – 1993
  • AIA/Brick Institute of America, Brick in Architecture Award – 1993

Amy on Wall Street, Fine Women’s Clothing, Madison, CT

  • Published in Living on the Shoreline, Fall 2002

Smizer Perry Design, New London, CT

  • Published in New London Day, January 9, 2005

Crocker House, New London, CT

  • “Award of Merit,” Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation, 2006
  • New London Landmarks Architectural Award, 2006
  • Published in the New London Day, May 7, 2004

residential

Ballard House, Sandwich, MA

  • Published in Cape Cod Life, January 1997, The Boston Sunday Globe, Real Estate, January 5, 1997

Smith House, Groton Long Point, CT

  • Published New London Day, June 30, 2000

Private Home, Groton Long Point, CT

  • Published in Dream Kitchens, The Heart of the Home, John and Cassidy Olson, A Schiffer Design Book, 2003

Private Home, Essex, CT

  • Published Kitchen Ideas That Work, Beth Veillette, Taunton Press, 2006

Bolt House, Cos Cob, CT

  • Published in Women’s Day, October 2006

Private Home, Milford, CT

  • Published Hartford Courant, August 4, 2007

Private Home, Monson, MA

  • Exhibits in American Institute of Architects/Connecticut 1995-1996 Traveling Exhibition
  • Published in Living Spaces, The Country Living Issue, Spring 2009

Private Home, Tolland, CT

  • Award – 2009 “Best Custom Home Award” in the 5,000 to 6,000 sf range in the Hartford area

Peck Tavern – Private Home, Old Lyme, CT

  • Published in Connecticut Magazine, February 2020

Ripley Tainter House, Windham, CT

  • Published in Connecticut Magazine, September 2021