Raised in Kent, Ohio, but professionally nurtured in Los Angeles, David combines Midwestern ideals with a coastal aesthetic. David fell in love with Furniture Design while studying Industrial Design at the University of Cincinnati. He graduated in 1984, then spent two years designing toys with a small firm in Venice, California. In the meantime, David devoted any free hours to designing and building furniture. In 1986, David joined John Caldwell Design in Pasadena, California where he worked on many contract furniture projects. In 1992, he launched Dahl Furniture, creating custom residential and office pieces, as well as designing for the contract market. His hands-on approach has made him a sought-after partner, building his own scale models and prototypes to ensure seating comfort.