David Davenport graduated in Furniture and Interior Design at High Wycombe Institute of Art & Technology, UK 1954. He came to Australia in 1955 and worked with furniture makers, including Fler & Co. before joining Don Johnson Pty Ltd as a designer in1961.

In 1964 he began interior design practice as David Davenport & Associates and had an association with KG Wragg and Michael Knight in Melbourne from 1968 to 1972. His sole practice continued until he joined Richard Campbell to found Davenport Campbell & Partners in 1977, which grew to be one of the largest multi disciplinary practices in Australia and Asia, providing architectural services, facility planning, urban and master planning and interior design through offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Hong Kong and Singapore.

David was a major influence in establishing design as a profession in Australia and played a large role in creating the Sydney College of the Arts, where he lectured for many years on Professional Practice.

He was admitted as a member to the Industrial Design Institute of Australia in 1960. He served as a NSW State Chapter Treasurer and President in 1965 and in 1969 he was made a Fellow. From 1970-1972 he served as Federal President of the Institute.

He was responsible for numerous interior design projects, some of which include The Australian Club, The Hilton Hotel Melbourne, The Australian National Press Club and the Menzies at Rialto, Melbourne. One of his major contributions he has brought to the profession has been his training of young designers and the integrity and standing he has brought to the profession.

Accepting on David’s behalf was his long time friend and partner Richard Campbell.