John had an extraordinarily wide-ranging and accomplished architectural career. Over the course of more than 60 years in the profession, he contributed his leadership, knowledge and expertise to architectural and engineering practices, industry groups and government agencies, academic institutions and his own professional body, Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA).

As a director of JASMaD for 25 years and then as a senior member of Jasmax, John was closely involved in the evolution of New Zealand’s largest architectural firm. Through his career-long research and publishing endeavours, which have permeated the wider industry, he has significantly advanced the understanding of material specification and building performance.

Alongside his commitment to practice and industry, John pursued a strong interest in teaching, first at the University of Auckland and then as the founding Head of the Unitec School of Architecture. In his academic positions, as in his professional roles, John was instrumental in forging beneficial connections with international peer organisations. John played a very active role in the NZIA, serving as chair of the Auckland Branch, as a Councillor for 18 years and as Institute President (1983–85). He made an enormous contribution to his profession and to New Zealand architecture.

John was a regular contributor to both Architecture NZ and ArchitectureNow and we are very grateful for his interest and support over the years. Read more about his long and multi-faceted career here.

John is survived by his three children Amanda, Julian and Belinda, their partners Peter, Ruth and John, and his grandchildren Briar, Eva, Isabella and Tabitha. His funeral will be held on Tuesday 5 July at 2pm at All Saints, Purewa, 100 St Johns Road, Meadowbank, Auckland.

Former Jasmax colleague, Richard Harris, pays tribute to John here.