Renowned New Zealand architect Sir Ian Athfield died on Friday 16 January in Wellington. He was 74.

In a career spanning half a century, Sir Ian had a huge impact on New Zealand architecture and on the profession, his influence felt across the country, and all around the world.

He was founder of Athfield Architects Limited and one of New Zealand’s leading exponent of modernist architecture. His best-known works included the Wellington City Library, built as part of the Civic Square redevelopment in the 1980s, and his own sprawling Khandallah house. He also designed Jade Stadium in Christchurch, which was damaged in the February 2011 earthquake.

Sir Ian was a former president of the New Zealand Institute of Architects and a recipient of the NZIA gold medal for career achievement.

Less than a month ago, his knighthood was announced in the New Year’s Honours.

All of us at the Australian Institute of Architects send our deepest condolences to his family and friends.

A public memorial service to celebrate Sir Ian’s life and work of will be held at 3pm, Sunday 1 February, in Civic Square, Wellington.