Principal architect leading boutique residential architecture firm

David B. Bradford, AIA, NCARB — designing custom luxury homes

David B. Bradford is the founder of Red Pencil Design, a boutique residential architecture studio creating custom, site-sensitive luxury homes across the Carolinas and beyond. With decades of experience leading high-profile design studios and co-founding successful architecture firms, David specializes in innovative, thoughtfully crafted residences that enhance everyday living.

A licensed architect and member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), David holds LEED AP and NCARB certifications, reflecting his commitment to professional excellence and nationwide licensure. He combines a hands-on design approach with a collaborative process, ensuring each home is tailored to its client, site, and environment.

Career Timeline

Early Life & Education

  • Glenview, Illinois – Raised in the Chicago suburb, fostering an early appreciation for thoughtful design and community.

  • The Ohio State University – Recruited to play men’s varsity soccer and graduated with honors from the School of Architecture, laying the foundation for a decades-long career in commercial architecture.

 Professional Foundations in Ohio

  • Columbus, Ohio – Worked on commercial and institutional architecture projects, quickly becoming a sought-after designer in the region.

  • Developed skills in innovative design solutions, client collaboration, and project management, which became central to his later boutique practice.

 Leadership in North Carolina

  • Lead Designer at Top A/E Firm, Raleigh, NC – Oversaw high-profile projects, expanding expertise in corporate, commercial, and institutional design.

  • Senior Principal and Studio Head – Led corporate, commercial, and institutional design studios at one of the region’s largest architecture firms, managing multidisciplinary teams and complex projects.

Entrepreneurial Leadership

  • Co-Founder, 310 Architecture + Interiors (now Studio 310) – Advanced design services with a focus on client experience, custom design, and innovative solutions.

  • Founder, Red Pencil Design – Established a boutique residential architecture studio, specializing in custom luxury homes, site-sensitive designs, and principal-led service across the Carolinas and beyond.

 Professional Affiliations & Credentials

  • American Institute of Architects (AIA) – Active member demonstrating commitment to professional excellence.

  • LEED AP Certification – Expertise in sustainable design principles.

  • NCARB Certification – Licensed and qualified for architecture practice nationwide.

 Personal & Family Highlights

  • Enjoys DIY projects, renovations, and hands-on design at home.

  • Family includes wife Teresa, grown children Philip and Liz, and granddaughters.

  • Family involvement in science, art, and creativity continues to inspire his architectural vision.

Contact information

email: david@redpencil.design

phone: 1-919-830-9705

As a residential architect, my passion for design and commitment to excellence remain unwavering as it has been in my decades-long career as a corporate, commercial, and institutional architect.

  • Modern office building with large windows against a clear blue sky.

    Project responsibilities: Architect of Record while in the office of Cline. Design.

  • Modern five-story office building with red brick and glass facade against a blue sky.

    Project responsibilities: Architect of Record while in the office of Cline Design.

  • Modern atrium with round tables and orange chairs

    Project responsibilities: Director of Design while in the Raleigh office of Dewberry and Davis.

  • Modern office building with glass and brick facade at sunset

    Project responsibilities: Lead Designer while in the office of Cline Davis Architects.

  • Modern three-story office building with lit windows and an empty parking lot at dusk

    Project responsibilities: Architect of Record while in the office of 310 Architecture + Interiors.

  • Modern office building surrounded by trees and grass in a sunny setting.

    Project responsibilities: Architect of Record while in the office of Cline Design.

  • Modern commercial building with large windows illuminated at night

    Project responsibilities: Lead Designer while in the office of Cline Davis Architects.

  • Modern curved building with large windows and shadows of trees on the facade against a clear blue sky.

    Project responsibilities: Director of Design while in the Raleigh office of Dewberry and Davis.

  • Modern two-story commercial building surrounded by a field at sunset.

    Project Responsibilities: Architect of Record while in the office of 310 Architecture + Interiors.

Opportunity to explore design concepts through hand-drawing and 3-D modelling.

  • Architectural drawing of a house with a mix of gabled and flat roof designs. The facade features large windows, a front porch, and is surrounded by trees and shrubs.
  • Architectural sketch of a modern building with trees and pathways.
  • Exterior sketch of a building with arched windows, surrounded by trees, featuring people gathered on steps and on pathways, with banners hanging from poles.
  • Architectural drawing of an urban mixed-use development with buildings, streets, and green spaces.
  • Architectural sketch of a modern building surrounded by tall trees and greenery.
  • Architectural sketch of a modern building with large windows and a prominent entrance.
  • Illustration of a multi-story commercial building with large windows and a distinctive roof tower. The facade features a mix of green shingle and brick, with a covered entrance and small awnings over some windows. The surrounding area includes trees and landscaping.
  • Architectural sketch of a multi-story hotel building with "Hyatt" sign on the roof, featuring detailed line work and street-level details.