John David Robertson Bryant started his career in architecture working for Mark Hussey, first as student in 1947 and as architect from 1952. After a two year spell with architects, Corrigall Crickmay and Partners he joined Burg Lodge Burg, which firm later changed to Burg, Doherty, Bryant and Partners, contributing to its development into one of the major and most respected practices in South Africa, dealing with diverse and often ground-breaking projects. This practice still exists today as BILD Architects cc, Pretoria.

Dave Bryant qualified as an Architect in 1951 and Town Planner in 1963. In 1976 he participated in the Management Programme of the University of South Africa and in 1987 obtained a diploma from the Association of Arbitrators, to which he was elected a Fellow in 1995.

His career as practicing architect spanned a period of more than 50 years covering all aspects of architecture with a special focus on contract administration and the practical facets of the profession. Since retiring from active practice in 1992 he practices as an arbitrator and mediator and continues to act as consultant and tutor.

Leading through example, adhering to sound principles and indisputably good judgement he has been approachable and willing to share his knowledge and expertise. He has contributed to the forming, management and improvement of the professional environment within which we as architects function. He has always participated enthusiastically in Institute and professional matters and amongst others has served two terms as member of the ISAA Town Planning Advisory Committee, the ISAA Fees Committee from 1994 to 1995, set and marked professional practice examination papers for the Council, participated in the drafting and reviewing of documentation for the Joint Building Contracts Committee. He was a co-presenter on the SAIA Continuing Professional Development training team for more than fifteen years where his focus was on the management of building contracts. His enthusiastic presentation of the most mundane to the most complex financial intricacies stemmed from a thorough understanding of architectural practice and contract law, underscored by a no-nonsence approach to life on site.

By serving on the Senior Architects Advisory Panel of the Pretoria Institute for Architecture, he continues to offer advice to the younger - or not so experienced - generation of architects regarding documentation queries, practice guidelines and dispute problems. He regularly attends Institute functions where he is humble and willing to share his knowledge and experience with whoever has the privilege of his company.

The Medal of Distinction of the South African Institute of Architects is made to John David Robertson Bryant not for what he did, but for what he put back into the profession throughout his career.