Charles Thomas (architect)

Charles Ramon Thomas was born in Christchurch on 23 July 1928, the son of Maud Victoria and Johnston Vivian Thomas. He grew up in the suburb of Sydenham. He was educated at Christchurch Boys' High School, where one of his teachers saw his potential and encouraged him to pursue architecture. Following World War II, Thomas attended Auckland University College. After graduating, he returned to Christchurch where he worked for Griffiths Architects, and later, Hall & Mackenzie Architects. He started his own practice, Charles Thomas & Associates, in 1962. Thomas believed in designing buildings that respected the surrounding environment, with form following function. He was inspired by Le Corbusier, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Thomas died aged 93 at Anthony Wilding Retirement Village in Aidanfield, Christchurch, on 26 April 2022. A private family service was held at Thomas' request. ==Career==

Thomas' architectural career spanned over six decades. He worked for Griffiths Architects and Hall & Mackenzie before starting his own practice in 1962. His work included buildings, landscaping and interior design projects. Examples of this in his work include Boyd House (1970) in Spreydon, and the University of Canterbury; Thomas designed both the School of Music (1974) which won the 2018 Enduring Architecture award from the New Zealand Institute of Architects, and worked on the Rochester and Rutherford halls of residence. In 1985, he designed Arthur Young House for the Methodist Church in Christchurch. In the 1960s, Thomas designed the Our Lady of Victories Church in Sockburn, which won several awards from the New Zealand Institute of Architects. ==Personal life==

Thomas spent most of his life in Christchurch. Two of Thomas' children, Simon and Nicholas, took over his architectural practice; it is now known as Thomas & Associates. ==References==