Our Team
David Cerny Partner, Project Manager BEng | MBA Toronto

Compassionate, inclusive, cutting-edge healthcare projects are David’s calling card. He is a healthcare expert who focuses on project management, strategic planning, operational analysis, process re-engineering, and business case development. 

Before joining us in 2003, David was a project manager for the Brampton Civic Hospital, which is part of the William Osler Health Centre. David’s role on the other side of the desk gives him a unique ability to understand priorities from a client perspective. He is skilled at earning multi-stakeholder buy-in and project approval, while also combining client needs with purpose-driven design.

David is fully versed in the Ontario Ministry of Health’s revised capital planning process, as well as the new Alternative Financing and Procurement (AFP) model (previously known as P3). He loves the complexities and challenges of healthcare projects. He takes a unique hospitality approach to hospital projects, considering how to reduce users’ anxiety, increase their comfort, and make sure hospitals are inclusive.

David’s work marks an evolution in modern healthcare design, thanks to his use of cutting-edge technologies such as text notification software, digital signage, and intuitive wayfinding systems. 

Clear communication, easy navigation and ‘less signs, more art’ are keystones of David’s projects. David hopes that one day, hospitals will be seen as major design opportunities within our industry and become welcoming beacons of connection and community, like libraries or museums. 

What’s your favourite DIALOG project?
It is actually the very first project we ever worked on here in the Toronto studio – Listowel Memorial Hospital. We didn’t even have an office in Toronto when we started here, but we built enough trust and confidence in our capabilities to succeed and they went ahead and worked with us. We all knew that we couldn’t afford to fail. They took that leap of faith and it’s one of the most special moments for me, because we were able to create something incredible. Everyone came out top!

How do you spend your weekends?
I love building things, so on the weekends you can find me doing home renos or building furniture. I’ve even built a few houses!

What’s one hobby you have outside of work?
I’ve always been involved in sports. I used to be a pro volleyball player and was a high-level mogul and big-air skier. I am a huge adrenaline junkie. I’ve even gone skydiving.

I want to help patients be less fearful, less anxious in hospitals and to see them in a new light. They're not just for dealing with health issues. They can be a community hub that can help improve wellbeing, not just fix what's wrong with you.
Education

Master of Business Administration
McMaster University

Bachelor of Engineering
McMaster University

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