On December 18, 2019, Senior Advocate David Lancaster, Hon. AIA, will walk through the doors of the Texas Society of Architects as an employee for the last time. After 31 years of service to the Society, David is retiring.

A native West Texan, David was born in Seminole and educated in Kermit. He received a bachelor of journalism degree from The University of Texas at Austin, working his way through school as a waiter, bartender, bookmobile driver, and pizza maker.

His first “real job” after college was as a sports reporter for the Belo Corporation in the Dallas area, where his coverage ran the gamut from Bowie Jr. High to Nimitz High School up to the Dallas Cowboys.

As a political campaign operative, David worked on the 1974 U.S. congressional campaign of Jake Pickle and the 1976 presidential and senate re-election campaigns of Lloyd Bentsen.

David began his storied association career at the Texas Automobile Dealers Association in 1976. From 1983-1988 he served as the executive director of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association. In January of 1989, he started his tenure with the Texas Society of Architects.

In 1999, David received the AIA National Service Award for his contributions to advocacy and ArchiPAC. In 2001, AIA bestowed upon him the highest recognition available to non-architects, the “Honorary AIA” membership. He was named the 2003 president of the Council of Architectural Component Executives (CACE) and served on the 2003 AIA Board of Directors and the 2004 AIA Executive Committee. 

David is married to Julie Kniseley and is a father of two sons (Joe and Dan) and a daughter (Xiaoman).

TxA is forever grateful to David’s many contributions to the Society and to world of architecture. Although he will be missed around the office and at the Capitol, the TxA family wishes David a very happy, well-deserved retirement.  

5 Comments

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Great job, David, and thank you for all your efforts over the years. I think it has paid off for all of us and it was always a pleasure to see you. By the way, I did send in my TAC money after you busted me at the convention.

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David, I wish you peace and more happiness in your retirement. After my 20 years of retirement, I tell newcomers to get busy again at something you enjoy doing, ’cause there are many years ahead.

Louis

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Retiring!!! You’re too young to retire. We will miss you and definitely all you have done for the Architects in Texas. Don’t be a stranger.

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David Lancaster was one of the best, if not the best, at advocating for Architects in the great state of Texas at our Capitol Building and beyond. In this day and age of either being Red or Blue, David wore a different color, you’re probably thinking I am going to say Purple, that is not what I am thinking, I am saying his color was Gold, bringing out the best in Red and Blue. Thank you David for 31 years of dedicated service to our profession. I am proud of you and your efforts and wish you only the best in retirement, but don’t be a stranger, we would love to see you again and again at various events. With much admiration and appreciation, John S. Moman, AIA.

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David – you are a true original! I have enjoyed our 31 years of association, and wish you the absolute best in your retirement endeavors. I ever in the piney woods, come see us! Brice

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