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Honouring a legacy: Peter Marshall bids farewell after 40 years of passion, wisdom, and impact
Peter first joined Warren and Mahoney in the Christchurch studio in 1984. A major initial project and formative experience was working directly with Maurice Mahoney as project architect on the Christchurch Park Royal Hotel, adjacent to the Town Hall. When it opened in 1988 this was one of the largest design and construction projects ever undertaken in Christchurch, and the quality and experience of the outcome - including the glass lifts and dramatic atrium – were sensational.
In 1989 Peter moved to Wellington as part of our studio growth there, undertaking workplace design and documentation for the fitting out of Bowen House for Parliamentarians and staff. During the recession of the early 1990’s Peter then took a ‘secondment’ and worked for Fletcher Construction as a project manager in Kuala Lumpur on a private hospital before returning to the practice in Wellington. Peter worked closely with Roy Wilson, Sir Miles, Maurice and many others on the strengthening and refurbishment of New Zealand’s Parliament buildings; again a very significant and complex undertaking. For any architect either of these two projects would have been career highlights, however there was much more to come.
In the early 2000’s Peter, Jane and their two children Lily and Tom moved to Christchurch to bolster our Christchurch studio, a deft move arranged in part by Garry Duncan (our first Managing Director). This move coincided with Andrew Barclay’s move to Auckland, and the creation of the first Principal cohort. Along with many others Peter became a central part of the practice’s growth and success for the following 20 years.
Peter’s experience, professionalism, calmness, and knowledge have been highly valued by many of our clients. He has exemplified and lived our values each day. Peter’s belief in the practice and his care for our people has been unwavering. He has been a truly great leader.
These qualities made him our second Managing Director, a position he held for nine years from 2009. It is impossible to summarise, or to thank Peter enough for his effort, dedication and leadership during the time of the earthquakes and the years that followed. These were at first very emotional and tough times, followed by very exciting times as the practice positioned, worked, and led through the earthquake rebuild.
Peter worked on so many projects, navigated controversies, and was in the thick of it in many dramatic situations. He worked with Bishops, Ministers, Mayors, consultants, and contractors to bring new life to Ōtautahi - Christchurch. While being involved with the Blueprint for Christchurch he was even interviewed by Kim Hill on Saturday Morning; possibly his most challenging assignment, and one where we all learned more about Peter’s taste in music.
We will be forever grateful for Peter’s work in guiding the growth and evolution of Warren and Mahoney and our people. It is perhaps fair to say that history will and should also show that Peter’s greatest achievement is the role he played in not only preserving but also helping to save the Christchurch Town Hall.
Peter has been clear that he is ‘not going anywhere’ and will continue to be involved with Warren and Mahoney and the profession in various ways, including being Chair of the Board of NZACS and Chair of the Isaac Theatre Royal.
Peter - thank you from all of us for all you have done for Warren and Mahoney through so many years, projects, and challenges. You will be missed by us all.
