David Owers is an architect, painter and teacher. Born in 1934, he has lived in Cambridge since completing graduate studies in architecture in the UK and US.
He met and worked with Jim Ede from the outset of fundraising for the development of Kettle’s Yard after the University had accepted responsibility for the future of the house and collection. David is jointly credited with Sir Leslie Martin as architects for the Kettle’s Yard extensions of 1970 and 1971.
In these interviews he refers to the challenge of working for two well informed clients, the University and Jim Ede, suggesting that Jim was an interesting and frequent communicator, doubtless because he wished to envisage the built effect of proposals as drawings were developed.
After some years as partner with Sir Leslie Martin and Partners, the Owers + Lumley practice was established. The consultancy continued as David Owers Associates from 1989, focussing on architecture and urban design. Work included around sixty projects, mainly university, museum and residential schemes, half of which were built. This occurred in parallel with advisory appointments concerned with master plan briefing, design and implementation for five universities and similar institutions on both sides of the Atlantic.
Visiting professorships at several universities followed eight years as visiting lecturer at Cambridge. Published articles that relate to Kettle’s Yard include Cambridge Review, vol. 91, May 1970, and Architectural Review, January 1971.
Interview location – the painting studio in David’s interlinked office and home directly south of the Backs in Cambridge.
