Philip Maxwell Cheshire

Philip Maxwell “Pip” Cheshire, a towering figure in New Zealand architecture, passed away on February 11, 2026, at the age of 75. Renowned for his visionary designs and profound contributions to the built environment, Cheshire leaves behind a legacy that has shaped cities, celebrated heritage, and enriched communities across Aotearoa. Born in Christchurch on July 28, 1950, Cheshire overcame early adversity, having been born without the lower half of his right leg, a testament to the resilience that would define his remarkable career.

Cheshire's architectural journey began after he earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Canterbury in 1974. He later enrolled in architecture at the University of Auckland in 1976, where his talent quickly became evident. While still a student, he designed the acclaimed Auckland restaurant, The Melba, a project that foreshadowed his innovative approach. His early career saw him co-found Bossley Cheshire Architects in 1984, and he played a pivotal role in the formation of Jasmax in 1989, one of New Zealand's largest architectural firms, where he served as a director and later as managing director until 2003.

In 2003, Cheshire established Cheshire Architects, a practice that continued to produce significant and award-winning work. His notable projects include the transformative Britomart precinct in downtown Auckland, the Q Theatre, and the redevelopment of the University of Auckland's Leigh Marine Laboratory. Beyond his work in New Zealand, he also volunteered his expertise to document and conserve early explorers' huts in Antarctica's Ross Sea region, demonstrating his commitment to heritage preservation on a global scale.

Cheshire's influence extended far beyond his design portfolio. He was a dedicated advocate for the architectural profession, serving as Adjunct Professor of Architecture at the University of Auckland from 2003 and being made a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) in 2007. In 2013, he received the NZIA Gold Medal, the highest individual honor an architect can receive in New Zealand, recognizing his outstanding contributions. From 2014 to 2016, he served as President of the NZIA, during which he championed inclusivity by leading the development of Te Kawenata o Rata, a covenant fostering collaboration between the NZIA and Ngā Aho, the society of Māori design professionals.

In recognition of his extensive services to architecture and his unwavering commitment to enhancing New Zealand's built environment, Cheshire was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the 2024 New Year Honours. Pip Cheshire will be remembered not only for his architectural prowess but also for his intellectual rigor, generosity, and his profound impact on generations of architects and the urban fabric of New Zealand.