Obituary: University pays tribute to Pip Cheshire

Waipapa Taumata Rau mourns the passing of Pip Cheshire following a brief illness. Pip’s remarkable built work, which established him as one of New Zealand’s most distinguished architects, and his service to the profession, was recognised with a University of Auckland Distinguished Alumni Award in 2003.

Following architectural studies at the University of Auckland, Pip founded an award-winning architectural firm which later joined forces with two others practices to form Jasmax. There, he was a key player in the team that designed Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington, one of the most complex architectural projects ever undertaken in New Zealand. As managing director at Jasmax, he oversaw the firm’s expansion to become the largest architectural practice in the country.

Through Jasmax and later his own firm Cheshire Architects, Pip’s prolific output included the decades-long revitalisation of the Britomart, one of Auckland most ambitious urban renewal projects, demonstrating his ability to combined innovation with a deep commitment to our shared heritage. He designed the University’s award-winning Leigh Marine Reserve campus at Goat Island, a project that celebrated and enabled the University’s and the nation’s commitment to preserving the natural environment. He was recognised in 2013 with the Gold Medal of the New Zealand Institute of Architects, the highest honour for an individual architect in New Zealand, acknowledging a lifetime of energy and achievement “propelled by a confluence of admirable personal and professional qualities: courage, adventurousness, curiosity, enthusiasm and persistence.”
 

In addition to buildings, Pip played key roles in the architectural profession, honoured as a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Architects in 2007 and culminating in his appointment as President of the Institute from 2014 to 2016. Perhaps the most significant achievement of his time in office was the development of Te Kawanata o Rata, a covenant that represented the most significant step the Institute had taken towards honouring Treaty obligations.

Pip was among New Zealand architecture’s most prolific and articulate communicators. Through his insight, breadth of experience, and a writing style that was both informed and engaging, he had the ability to ‘talk the walk’ about the role and responsibilities of architects in New Zealand society, a rare skill that further cemented his leadership role in the community. In 2024, Pip was made Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to architecture and contributions to the betterment of New Zealand’s built environment.

Pip will be remembered by staff and students at the University’s School of Architecture and Planning for his unstinting generosity and support. (See his special lecture in 2024 above.) He served formally as an adjunct professor at the School from 2003 to 2008, a role created to allow students exposure to the profession’s most influential architects. He contributed, however, across nearly five decades as a teacher, mentor and colleague, admired for his ability to marry intellectual rigour with cultural sensitivity and a desire to create delightful architectural spaces. He was also a mentor on the Kupe Leadership scholarship programme at the University, providing guidance to a number of up-and-coming architects. 

The School’s Head, Associate Professor Mike Davis, described Pip as a wonderful person to be around. "He was innovative, insightful, articulate, energetic and generous. His contribution to the University, to the architectural profession, and to communities across Aotearoa will serve as an enduring testament.”

The School of Architecture and Planning, the Faculty of Engineering and Design and the wider University offer their heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.