Born in 1940, Sir Ian Athfield or “Ath” as he was more commonly known as, was a significant New Zealand Architect who pushed the boundaries, challenging the ‘norm’ and sometimes regulation.  His distinctive style set him apart from many others, with strong geometries and unapologetic gestures.

 

Sir Ian set up his architecture practice in the hills of Khandallah with his wife Clare in 1968.  Over the past 50 years he has built and continued to develop his Amritsar property with the home and office sprawling down the hillside. 

 

Athfield Architects continues to operate from the Amritsar offices, winning well over 100 design awards under Sir Ian’s leadership, also featuring in several books, magazines and documentaries.  

 

In 2004 Sir Ian was made the recipient of the New Zealand Institute of Architects highest honor, the Gold Medal.  In 2014 Sir Ian was named a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

 

Sir Ian passed away in 2015.

 

RIP Ath.  A True Legend.