The co-founder of shedkm helped redefine urban regeneration while also being a committed educator
Dave King’s legacy spans more than six decades. As an architect, educator and co-founder of shedkm, his influence is visible in all aspects of the profession.
Dave was born and grew up on the Wirral, spending his youth sailing at Hoylake and studying in Chester before attending Manchester University. Following graduation, he worked for LAG Prichard before joining Denys Lasdun’s office in 1965. There, he contributed to significant projects such as the University of East Anglia campus and the National Theatre. In 1970, he moved to Arup Associates before taking up a lectureship at the Liverpool University in 1976. He also practised in the city, eventually setting up in practice from his home– with former student Rod McAllister – as King McAllister.
Together with Gerald Beech, they designed the now iconic studio space at the Liverpool School of Architecture (1986). Integral to the school’s identity, the green carpet, castellated beams, exposed ventilation system and central staircase have been an inspiration and teaching exemplar. The building stands as a testament to Dave’s approach to design and education, combining functionality with lasting aesthetic impact.
A further commission to design the university’s Student Services Centre and Guild reflects the practice’s emerging architectural language, with its distinctive brick forms and aluminium brise soleil.
Dave’s commitment to refining these architectural ideas led to the co-founding of shedkm in 1997, alongside Urban Splash developer Jonathan Falkingham and former student James Weston. Dave’s approach came to be recognisable across a body of projects; carefully crafted, contemporary and playful with a bold use of colour.
At shedkm he helped to redefine urban regeneration, offering a new perspective on how innovative architecture can engage with both history and community, particularly in his beloved Liverpool, where his projects included Matchworks, Collegiate and Southport Pier Pavilion.
As a teacher, Dave was characterised by a hands-on approach, full of energy and insight. He taught at Liverpool University from 1976 to 1986 and again from 2014 to 2024, with an interim role at Liverpool John Moores University.
Dave’s approach to educating was both kind and direct, with an unwavering belief in and support of future generations. He pushed his students to think critically and to relentlessly pursue properly resolved solutions. Unlike many architects who transition from practice to academia, Dave remained deeply engaged in both. After turning 60, he returned to full-time practice while continuing to find the energy to teach.
In 2012 and in support of shedkm’s expansion to London, Dave moved to the Barbican, a location well-suited to his love of modernism. He continued to educate via Liverpool University’s London campus as well as to sail and ski, and was always at the forefront of design and technology, whether it was being one of the first to own an iPhone, embracing the delights of a Brompton bicycle, or in his distinctive eyewear.
Dave inspired generations with his passion for design, his insights and his great love of life and the new. He reminded us that design and life sit side by side, and that they do and should inform one another. He leaves a profound personal and professional legacy.
Hazel Rounding, managing director of shedkm, and Iain Jackson, professor of architecture at Liverpool School of Architecture