Roy has had a significant impact on the success of the practice, founding the Wellington Studio in 1979. Roy started his architectural career in the early 1970’s when he approached Sir Miles Warren for a holiday job while studying at the Auckland School of Architecture.

After graduating in 1976, followed by a stint abroad and a period with his own practice, Miles approached Roy to re-join Warren and Mahoney in 1978 as a Partner. Roy accepted and shortly after commencing work in Christchurch, opened the Wellington studio, overseeing the development of the highly acclaimed Michael Fowler Centre, a 3,000-seat auditorium and conference centre, acknowledged to have superior acoustic qualities by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.

From a proud heritage that began in Christchurch, Roy and his wife Sandra moved to Wellington from Christchurch with Warren and Mahoney. The momentum of this initial move beyond Christchurch helped shape and grow the practice today into a Trans-Tasman company with six studios and projects throughout New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Rim. 

With over 50 years industry experience, Roy has contributed to Warren and Mahoney board and chair, roles, and the progression of the practice, he has led many notable and high-profile projects of local, regional, and national significance. Two highlights of his career include delivering the strengthening and refurbishment of Parliamentary Buildings (completed in 1996) and the Westpac Trust Stadium (completed in 2000) – Roy contributed many years to the conservation of parliament buildings and the government precinct, parliamentary library, and the executive wing (Beehive). These two projects have made fundamental architectural contributions to the Wellington landscape.

Roy’s extensive portfolio also includes notable projects such as the construction of Bowen House in 1990 which served as the temporary home for Parliament during the strengthening of refurbishment of Parliamentary buildings; Fletcher Challenge House (89 The Terrace), a 14 storey commercial office tower; the refurbishment of The Executive Wing (The Beehive) in 2006; the 17 storey, sculptural waterfront commercial development, Miramar Golf Club in 1995, Salvation Army Citadel and head office, Maritime Tower in 2006; the restoration, strengthening of the Old High Court and award-winning addition Supreme Court of New Zealand in 2010 – a feat of ingenuity and workmanship; and the sensitive redevelopment of the National Library of New Zealand in 2013. Roy led the architectural proposal for the Auckland Waterfront National Stadium, working closely with government and ministries advising on often large and complex infrastructure initiatives.

Roy has established a reputation for outstanding performance and consistent excellence in his field, a passion for heritage architecture, and his contribution to the built fabric of Wellington will be a lasting legacy. Roy perpetuated strong core values with the practice, collaborators, and contractors, having shown leadership and dedication throughout all facets of his professional career.

Roy is survived by his loving wife Sandra, daughters Amy and Gemma, and his beloved grandchildren. He will be sadly missed by the staff and partners of Warren and Mahoney.

A celebration of Roy’s life will be held at 2pm on the 15th September, at the Old Public Trust building in Wellington.