I would be very slow to initiate but, ultimately, yes, if I were single.
But it would also have to be one of those things where the connection was very real and strong early on - likely there'd be some lunches and unromantic meetings one has with a friend before hand. Then, if there's a spark, advancing to a serious, committed relationship...
So, in a sense, it wouldn't be conventional dating, but more like advancing a friendship into a serious relationship.