In 1980, Australia sponsored an international design competition for its new Parliament House. Located on an 80-acre site in the heart of the city, the project encompassed both legislative and executive branches, and a working staff of 3,500. The winning design team, led by Mitchell / Giurgola & Thorp, Architects with Peter Rolland & Associates, Landscape Architects, was selected from 329 entries representing 29 countries.

Drawing upon the historic concept of the city plan using natural topography as a major design influence, the project made little distinction between architecture and landscape. It merges built form with landform in a way that is at once natural and monumental, seeking a balance with the existing landscape and morphology of the city. A variety of settings were created, both formal and informal, including public and ceremonial areas befitting the country's premier home. A series of elegant courtyards weave together the exterior spaces surrounding the two houses of Parliament. These spaces are linked through the use of stone, water, plant material and sculpture. With major portions of the building located underground, the landscape development required careful and significant technical engineering and architectural coordination.

As Associate-in-Charge at Peter Roland & Associates, David's design balanced the experience of the individual within the context of institutional needs.

Design Team: Mitchell / Giurgola & Thorp, Architects with Peter Rolland & Associates, Landscape Architects