Richard McGowan
Principal Specialist ChristchurchRichard joined Warren and Mahoney as a Principal in 2003. He grew up in Christchurch and returned there from Auckland in 1998 to assist with the design and construction of the then-new stadium at Lancaster Park.
Richard’s major interest is Canterbury projects, and the local relationships these involve. The earthquake event of 2011 has aligned this interest with the practice’s wider focus. Richard appreciates how the New Zealand business environment allows direct interaction with clients. He believes that the process of building strong one-on-one relationships is key to understanding client needs, alongside site and location fundamentals, all combining to inform what the building will be.
Richard presented the NZi3 Innovation Institute (led by himself and Andrew Barclay) to an international jury at the World Architecture Festival in Barcelona in 2009, and subsequently the reconstructed Isaac Theatre Royal (with Vanessa Carswell) to the international jury in Singapore in 2015. He was an NZIA Supreme Awards Juror in 2008.
Richard is a strong thought leader with a passion for positive change. During 2011, Richard produced Warren and Mahoney’s “10x10 Ten Thoughts for Christchurch” publication in response to the Christchurch earthquakes.
Richard has recently delivered a new Christchurch mixed-use office building, the restoration/repair of the Isaac Theatre Royal, the restoration of the Christchurch Club, and an innovative new terrace housing development for Fletcher Residential in Christchurch’s East Frame. He is a trustee for Sir Miles Warren’s Architects’ Education Trust which supports education of architects in New Zealand.
Contact +64 21 997 545 [email protected]
Specialisms Culture + Community, Heritage + Adaptive Re-use, Residential + Houses
Qualifications B.Arch (Hons) MBA FNZIA Reg Arch
Portfolio The Observatory Hotel and Observatory Tower, The Arts Centre of Christchurch Hepburn's Road House MainPower Stadium, Waimakariri [Waimakariri Indoor Sports Centre] Blenheim Art Gallery + Library - Te Kahu o Waipuna Christ Church Cathedral Desmond Street House Bendemeer Estate No. 8 One Central King Edward Barracks Master Plan PwC Centre Riverlands House 254 Montreal Street Ruataniwha Kaiapoi Civic Centre Christchurch Town Hall Rebuild Isaac Theatre Royal Lincoln Library and Service Centre Crawshaw House The Christchurch Club Arts Centre of Christchurch Engineering Buildings Riverlands House Christchurch Picton Waterfront Redevelopment Arts Centre of Christchurch Observatory Hotel