After a brief period teaching geography at Glasgow University, David moved into the field of urban regeneration. 

He has held various posts in almost 25 years with Glasgow City Council, including establishing and chairing the Gorbals Regeneration Partnership. A Town Planner to trade, he was particularly concerned with joining up the economic, social, cultural and physical aspects of regeneration to realise lasting benefits. 

He moved to Yorkshire, joining Renew Leeds, a not-for-profit company, as Project Director.  Following his return to Glasgow in 2008, David was involved in strategic planning for housing in the Glasgow and Clyde Valley area.  

David joined the Board of Queens Cross Housing Association in 2012, serving also on the Audit Committee, Factoring Board and is also involved in a number of other working groups. He is now also a member of the Workspace Board. 

David is now semi-retired, teaching part time on Urban Planning and Regeneration modules at Glasgow Caledonian University.