Design industry stalwart and CoreNet executive director Nigel Rye passed away at home this week with his partner and friends around him. 

Longtime friend Jo Monaghan said “Nigel, as you know, lived for good design. Wearing it, looking at it, sitting on it, sleeping in it, collecting it, and commenting on it. If you have had the pleasure of experiencing a Nigel Rye-curated and created space, you’ll know. He shared his knowledge and his passion with so many people, through his work and in his role at CoreNet. Not only was Nigel an industry inspiration and leader but he was also a friend and mentor to so many – generous with his time and his ideas. We were all lucky to know him and the space he leaves behind will never be filled. I have lost my best mate, my daily phone call buddy, and the only person who always said yes to my most outlandish holiday ideas.” 

AGM Publisher Nathan Inkpen said “Nigel was a great friend to me and many others in the design world. He always had the time, energy, and the natural inclination to help that little bit more than most. He had a passion for design and designing, which he loved almost as much as his epic Architectural Lego collection. Nigel, you will be missed by many. The thoughts of the team at AGM, both past and present, are with your whānau pani at this time.”

If you would like to celebrate Nigel’s memory, in place of flowers, please donate to his Givealittle page in support of Mercy Hospice.