Jeremy Salmond, Beloved historic Architect, Passes Away at Age 79

Jeremy Salmond was a conservation architect from New Zealand. In 2018, he was awarded the NZIA Gold Medal, the highest honor in New Zealand architecture.

Jeremy Salmond, a well-known historic architect, died at the age of 79.

An architect well known for restoring historic buildings in New Zealand, Jeremy Salmond QSO FNZIA, has passed away. The day after his 79th birthday, on January 3, Salmond died away quietly in Auckland.

NZIA President Pays Tribute to Jeremy Salmond’s Influential Career

“Jeremy was one of New Zealand’s most influential architects. His work to preserve New Zealand’s heritage buildings leaves a legacy for generations to come. “ We were proud to recognize Jeremy’s extraordinary contribution to architecture by awarding him the Te Kāhui Whaihanga Gold Medal in 2018.“His influence has been immeasurable, through his professional work, research, publications, and his environmental legacy in the Waikereru Ecosanctuary.”

This week, current NZIA president Judith Taylor also paid respect to the architect, saying:

Salmond served as a senior architect with Gillespie, Newman, West, and Pearce from 1979 to 1983. There, he worked on projects such Te Kauwhata’s retirement facility and Mount Albert Library.  

Collaborations and Accomplishments of Jeremy Salmond

He spent some time living and working in England with his family since the completion of his master’s thesis fell in line with his wife’s stay in that nation on sabbatical. He worked as a single practitioner specializing in historic architecture after returning to New Zealand from 1983 to 1986.

His book, Old New Zealand Houses 1800-1940, which was based on his master’s thesis, was published in 1986. The book was in its eighth version as of 2023. Salmond worked on the restoration of several of New Zealand’s most significant historic structures during his career as a conservation architect.

His first significant undertaking was the renovation of the Auckland synagogue, now known as University House, for which he was recognized nationally by the New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA).

From 1990 to 2020, he worked as a heritage architect at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, culminating in the renovation of the museum’s south atrium, which won the Inside: Public Buildings Award at the 2022 World Architecture Festival.

This work was done in collaboration with Jasmax, fjmt, and Design Tribe Architects. Salmond has contributed to several notable projects that won NZIA national prizes, such as the 1995 restoration of Pompallier House, the 2000 restoration of the Civic Theatre in Auckland, and the 1995 restoration of the Eichardt’s Hotel in Queenstown (with Michael Wyatt Architects, 2002).

Personal Relationships and Family Life of Jeremy Salmond

Jeremy Salmond was a respected and influential figure in the world of architecture, known for his work in preserving and restoring historic buildings in New Zealand. But beyond his professional accomplishments, Salmond also had a rich personal life and meaningful relationships.

Salmond was born in Dunedin, New Zealand on January 2, 1944, and was raised in Gore. He was the son of George McCrea Salmond and Dorothy Salmond, and belonged to the white ethnic group.

In February 1971, Salmond married anthropologist Anne Thorpe at Holy Trinity Church in Gisborne. Together, the couple had three children, including anthropologist Amiria Salmond.

Jeremy Salmond Wife

Salmond and his family spent some time living and working in England while his wife was on sabbatical. Throughout his life, Salmond maintained close relationships with his family and was known to be a devoted husband and father.

In addition to his family, Salmond also had a wide network of professional and personal connections. He worked with a number of notable architects and firms throughout his career, collaborating on important restoration projects and contributing to the success of several award-winning endeavors.

Salmond was also active in his community and made significant contributions to the field of architecture through his research, publications, and environmental work at the Waikereru Ecosanctuary

Jeremy Salmond Education and Professional Development

After graduating from high school, he went on to complete his intermediate year of architecture at the University of Otago and work experience at the Ministry of Works before finishing his bachelor’s degree in architecture at the University of Auckland.

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Later, he went back to the University of Auckland, graduating in 1983 with a Master of Architecture. The New Zealand home, 1800–1910 was the title of his master’s thesis.