David Seel Appointed Chair of Global Vertical Urbanism Council
Industry leader and long-serving trustee takes the helm of the international forum advancing sustainable, resilient and high-density urban development.
David Seel, Chief Operating Officer, Buildings + Cities, has been appointed Chair of the Council on Vertical Urbanism (CVU) at CVU’s annual board meeting, held alongside the 2026 VU Summit in London. He has served on CVU’s Board of Trustees since 2023 and has been a member of its Executive Committee since 2025.
A structural engineer with more than two decades of experience in the built environment industry, David has contributed to some of the world’s most complex and ambitious urban developments. His portfolio includes landmark projects such as The Shard in London, Europe’s tallest building, as well as the iconic Battersea Power Station and 21 Moorfields, recognised for its innovative integration of commercial development and transport infrastructure. Internationally, he has also worked on the award-winning Riparian Plaza in Brisbane and the sustainable, tech-enabled ICD Brookfield Place mixed-use development in Dubai.
As Chair, David will draw on this experience to help guide CVU’s work in fostering collaboration across disciplines, bringing together architects, engineers, planners, policymakers, investors and city-makers to share knowledge and support better outcomes for high-density urban environments.
David Seel, Chief Operating Officer, Buildings + Cities
“Each city follows its own path, but many face similar challenges: strengthening resilience and productivity, embracing digital technology and creating places future generations can enjoy. CVU plays a pivotal role in bringing planners, policymakers and investors into the conversation, alongside architects and engineers, translating shared knowledge into lasting urban value,” said David.
“As Chair, my priority will be to ensure CVU remains rigorous, relevant and useful by advancing knowledge, encouraging exchange across disciplines and helping new and existing members respond to the practical challenges that cities face,” he added.
David’s appointment marks a first for SJ Group, making him the first representative from the Singapore-headquartered organisation to serve as Chair of the Council on Vertical Urbanism. The appointment underscores SJ’s growing influence in shaping the future of cities and the built environment on the global stage.