John (Timothy John) Giles passed away on 30 June 2024, aged 85. John was born in Brisbane on 23 May 1939 with a twin sister Judith to a single mother suffering with tuberculosis. His mother entrusted care of the twins at two years old to a family friend before passing away when the twins were six years old. The young children entered foster care and then orphanages from age seven. Meanwhile, John and Judy’s absent father remarried, and his new wife formally adopted the children and raised them from age 10. The father was a damaged returned serviceman with unacceptable behaviours such that his new wife departed the marriage with the children, (John, Judy and five of her own) and moved to Bundaberg in 1951.
John largely supported the struggling family by undertaking a cabinetmaking apprenticeship from age 13 in Bundaberg. He finished that apprenticeship at age 18 and decided to chase his long-held ambition to train as an architect, moving to Brisbane to commence part-time studies for his high school senior certificate, whilst working full time as a cabinetmaker. Upon completing senior at age 22, John worked as a manual arts teacher with a placement at St George. An injury to his hand with a power saw prompted commencement of John’s architectural studies at Central Technical College, subsequently Queensland Institute of Technology (and now QUT). He graduated in 1968 at age 29 after a particularly long arduous journey to the achievement of that qualification.
After registration as an architect, John worked for Martin Conrad, whom he credited with establishing John’s professional code of ethics. Then followed a partnership with architects Kerry O’Rourke and Len Kelly, before starting his own practice in 1973. John Giles Architects was active for more than 50 years, with projects ranging from single residences to hospitality fitouts and leisure centres. Projects included stage 1 of Dreamworld Theme Park, catering areas for Boondall Entertainment Centra, Eden Park (NZ) and the Hong Kong rugby stadium, Brisbane Cricket Ground and several hotels across Queensland from Broadbeach to Mt Isa. John was a respected member of the Queensland architectural profession, known particularly for his thorough documentation and exceptional quality assurance (before it was a formalised process).
John lectured for 9 years each at the University of Queensland and at QUT in the architecture degrees, teaching both building construction, specifications and professional practice.
John had three other great passions outside his profession, being scouting in his youth and then Rotary International and the sport of hockey. He provided exceptional service to Rotary through the Ashgrove club for more than 45 years including as President in 1984 and Deputy District Governor (District 9600) in 1996. He served on several District 9600 committees and was responsible for what has become an Ashgrove institution, the annual Carols by Candlelight in Dorrington Park. John attained the highest possible honours in both scouting (Queens Scout) and Rotary International (Paul Harris Fellow).
John also provided exemplary service to the sport of hockey, initially through the Ashgrove Hockey Club and then as Board member of Hockey Australia including as Vice-President. John also served as Equipment Officer for the International Hockey Federation. He was client representative in the delivery of the Sydney Olympics hockey venue on behalf of Hockey Australia and performed the same role on other hockey fields around the world, for the International Hockey Federation, developing world-leading expertise on these facilities.
In 2007, John was awarded an OAM for his services to Hockey and the community through Rotary International and his service in architectural education.
Through all of his passions and pursuits, and especially in his architectural business, John was professionally and ably supported by his wife Nelda, who filled the critical management duties around programming, finances and office administration. John and Nelda were married in 1961, enjoying a happy and productive partnership of 63 years. Nelda’s unwavering commitment to John’s architectural practice certainly enabled his huge contributions to the community over many decades.
John is survived by Nelda, their three sons Deane, David and Daniel, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Our profession and the community are the poorer for the loss of John Giles OAM.
Written by Mark Jones
Informed by Nelda Giles
