Vale: David Mitchell

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Lopdell House, Titirangi, Auckland by Mitchell and Stout Architects. Image: Sam Hartnett

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Gibbs House (1985) by Mitchell and Stout Architects. Image: Supplied

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David's firm, Mitchell and Stout Architects, designed the Te Uru Contemporary Gallery in West Auckland. — David’s firm, Mitchell and Stout Architects, designed the Te Uru Contemporary Gallery in West Auckland. Image: Sam Hartnett

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The exterior of the Te Uru Contemporary Gallery in West Auckland — designed by Mitchell and Stout Architects. Image: Sam Hartnett

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Leo's house [exterior], Nimoa, Louisiade Archipelago, Papua New Guinea. Sketch drawn by David Mitchell. — Leo’s house [exterior], Nimoa, Louisiade Archipelago, Papua New Guinea. Sketch drawn by David Mitchell.

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Leo's house [interior], Nimoa, Louisiade Archipelago, Papua New Guinea. Sketch drawn by David Mitchell. — Leo’s house [interior], Nimoa, Louisiade Archipelago, Papua New Guinea. Sketch drawn by David Mitchell.

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David Mitchell served as the creative director for New Zealand's first ever appearance at the Venice Biennale of Architecture in 2014.The pavilion, <em>Last Loneliest Loveliest</em>, is pictured here. — David Mitchell served as the creative director for New Zealand’s first ever appearance at the Venice Biennale of Architecture in 2014.The pavilion, *Last Loneliest Loveliest*, is pictured here.

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It was announced today that David Mitchell, one of New Zealand’s foremost architects, has sadly passed away. David has been shaping the face of architecture in the country for over fifty years. He was named a Distinguished Alumni by the University of Auckland in 2016 and received the New Zealand Institute of Architects Gold Medal in 2005.

He served as the creative director of New Zealand’s first ever exhibition in the Venice Biennale of Architecture in 2014. Recent notable works of David’s firm, Mitchell and Stout Architects, include the Lopdell House redevelopment and the Te Uru Contemporary Gallery in Titirangi.

His 1984 publication, The Elegant Shed: New Zealand Architecture since 1945, was a significant contribution to the analysis and direction-setting of New Zealand architecture. He is also known beyond the architecture world as a writer and presenter of a six-part television series of the same name.

Aside from being a talented designer, David was also highly-regarded as an educator, author, commentator, and adventurer. There is no doubt that he has touched the lives of many budding and established architects at home and abroad. His legacy will live on.

Tributes to David Mitchell are soon to follow. In the meantime, we remember his article ‘Crouching Kiwi, Roaring Dragon’, published in Architecture New Zealand in 2013, which addresses high-density living and his time spent in China with his partner in both life and work, Julie Stout.