Born in Cleveland, Ohio David Arneson earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1991. Undergraduate studies included a term in Copenhagen, extensive travel in Europe, and work internships in London, New Canaan, and Santa Fe.  He earned a Graduate Design diploma from the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London in 1996.  He moved to North Carolina later that year and worked with Lyn McClay and Werner Hausler at DesignSpec for seven years. 

In 2004 he partnered with Scott Harmon and created Center Studio Architecture in downtown Durham, where he continues to practice today.  Center Studio’s work includes numerous houses, as well as significant loft, restaurant, office and mixed-use projects in downtown Durham.

2000 – The Ben and Jane Ferdon Residence, 6109 Lost Valley Road, Raleigh.  Designed while Arneson was with Designspec in Chapel Hill.  A house on a wooded site with a north facing downhill view to a stream.  Built by Greg Paul Builders. As of 2012 still owned by the Ferdons.

2002 – The Fran Ferrell and Kathy Waddle Residence, 848 Shady Lawn Road, Chapel Hill.  The project consisted of extensive additions and renovations to a modest mid-century modern home.  An “away room” on stilts was added onto one end, and a new glass bridge connects the other end to a new owner’s suite built above a massage therapy office.  Corner glass doors open this area to a sunken courtyard garden.  Designed while Arneson was employed at DesignSpec in Chapel Hill.  Built by Chuck Lewis and David Tyson. As of 2012 owned by Kathy Waddle and Francine Harler.

2005 – The Cheri Ross and Tim Lenoir Residence, 719 Still Meadow Lane, Fox Hill Farm, Hillsborough.  5100 sf.  Designed with both passive and active solar features, rooms are spread out around a long stone wall that extends through house and out into the landscape.  Designed as a joint venture with Lyn McClay of DesignSpec in Chapel Hill.  Built by Kenny Pope Builders. Photos by Chloë Seymore and Harrison Haynes.  Interior design by Cindy Spuria.  Landscape design by Todd Whaley. As of 2012 still owned by Cheri Ross and Tim Lenoir.

2010 - The Stewart Aycock and Ron Butters Residence, 1612 Bivins, Durham.  Designed while in partnership with Scott Harmon. Constructed on an infill lot in the Long Meadow neighborhood, this 1700 sf home is organized around a private courtyard with lap swimming pool.  Sustainable features include passive solar design with concrete mass floor, advanced insulation techniques, photovoltaic solar generation, and a geothermal ground source heat pump mechanical system.  Built by Spyglass Building Company.

2012 - The John and Kara Hart Residence, 717 Old Mill Road, Chapel Hill.  Under construction.