Lighthouse engineer. Son of another lighthouse engineer David Stevenson (1815 - 1886), elder brother of Charles (1855 - 1950) and a member of the great Lighthouse Stevenson dynasty. David A. Stevenson was born in Edinburgh and was educated at Edinburgh Academy before proceeding to the University of Edinburgh to read engineering.
David A. worked with his Uncle Thomas Stevenson (1818 - 1887) on the lighthouses at Fidra (1885), Oxcar (1886) and Ailsa Craig (1886). David also worked with his brother Charles on at least a further ninety lighthouses including: Skaddan and Skroo (Fair Isle) (1892), Helliar Holm (1893), Sule Skerry (1895), Rattray Head (1895), Stroma (1896), Tod Head (1897), Noup Head (1898), Flannan Isles (1899), Tiumpan Head (1900), Killantringan (1900), Barns Ness (1901), Hoxa Head (1901), Bass Rock (1903), Sgeir Bhuidhe (1903), Hyskeir (1904), Holy Island (1905), Eigg (1906), Trodday (1908), Neist Point (1909), Rubh Re (1912), Milaid Point (1912), Maughold Head (1914), Copinsay (1915), Clyth Ness (1916), Duncansby Head (1924), Ardtornish (1927), Esha Ness (1929) and Tor Ness (1937). He retired at the remarkable age of 83, having had a professional career of over fifty years. He died only a fortnight later at his home in the Kingsknowe district of Edinburgh and lies buried alongside other members of the family in Dean Cemetery.