About

I’m David Fano — a technologist, entrepreneur, and architect.

I grew up in Miami, the son of Cuban immigrants. My grandparents left Cuba in the early 1960s and built a life in South Florida. My dad became a real estate developer, my mom helped him build a family of seven kids. They taught us to work hard and love what we do.

I started working at twelve — a burger shack, then a comic shop, a grocery store, and eventually for my dad. In August 2003, I bought a one-way ticket from Miami to New York City to study architecture at Columbia University’s GSAPP.

Career

Columbia GSAPP — I studied architecture and later returned as an Adjunct Professor, teaching computational design.

SHoP Architects (2004–2010) — Director of Technology Research, exploring how computation and technology could transform architectural practice.

Design Reform (~2008–2012) — I started a blog and tutorial site exploring parametric modeling, BIM, and design technology. It grew to over 180 posts and a passionate community of designers and architects.

Designed By Many (~2010–2012) — A challenge-based design technology community where designers shared source files and solved problems together.

CASE (~2010–2015) — I founded CASE, a BIM consultancy that helped the building industry transition from document-centric to data-centric approaches. We grew into a talented team over 7 years, working with architects, contractors, and owners across the country.

WeWork (2015–2019) — CASE was acquired by WeWork in 2015 (their first acquisition). I became Chief Product & Experience Officer. When we started, WeWork had a few hundred thousand square feet. In four years, we were opening 2 million square feet and selling 3 million square feet per month.

Teal (2019–present) — I founded Teal to help people build meaningful careers. We provide tools and community support for job seekers and career builders. I moved Teal’s HQ to Miami in 2021.

Personal

I live in Miami with my wife Ashley and our two daughters, Orla and Oona. I love to build things, help people, and drink coladas from Versailles.