John passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, 17th May. His family will be celebrating his life privately, and the Chapter extends its sincere condolences to his daughters, Kirsti, Marin and Justine, his 9 grandchildren and to all who knew, worked with and learned from him.
John was a valued member of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects for 53 years, having first joined in 1973. In 2000, he was made a Life Fellow of the Institute, recognising his distinguished contribution to architecture and to the profession over many decades.
John’s architectural career was both international and deeply embedded in Queensland. After studying architecture at the Glasgow School of Architecture, he went on to complete a Master of Architecture at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. His early career included significant work with John Andrews Architect in Toronto, where he became a founding partner, before later becoming founding director of John Andrews International.
Through this work, John contributed to major projects across Australia and internationally, including in Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Washington DC and Saudi Arabia. His work with John Andrews Architects included contributions to Gund Hall at Harvard University and Scarborough College at the University of Toronto, both recognised as significant works of modern architecture.
In Queensland, John’s influence can be seen across important civic, educational and institutional projects. His association with The University of Queensland was particularly significant. He acted as Project Architect for the Chemical Engineering Building, and as Architect for the Hawken Engineering Building and the Colin Clark Building at the St Lucia campus. His contribution to the University extended beyond buildings, through his participation in the University’s Building and Grounds Committee and his role as Adjunct Professor of Architecture.
John was also a generous mentor to students and emerging architects. In 1985, he inaugurated the John Simpson Prize in Architecture, supporting excellence in architectural education and encouraging future generations of designers.
From 1983 to 1995, John practised in Brisbane through John Simpson Associates, with clients including the Endeavour Foundation, Brisbane City Council, Queensland Rail and The University of Queensland. His contribution to the civic life of Brisbane continued through his appointment in 1996 as Master Architect for South Bank Corporation, a role that helped shape one of the city’s most important public precincts. His work at South Bank was recognised by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects Queensland Chapter with a Regional Award in 2000.
John’s work was marked by an interest in buildings that responded thoughtfully to their setting, purpose and community. The Australian Environmental Studies Building at Griffith University’s Nathan campus, completed in 1977 and designed while he was Brisbane-based director of John Andrews International, remains an example of this approach. Conceived within its bushland campus setting, the building reflected ideas of openness, connection and interdisciplinary learning that were forward-looking for their time.
In 2008, The University of Queensland awarded John an honorary Doctor of the University in recognition of his distinguished career and his contribution to the University. It was a fitting acknowledgement of an architect whose work moved between practice, education, mentorship and civic service.
John will be remembered not only for the buildings and places he helped shape, but also for his contribution to architectural culture in Queensland. His influence lives on through the many students, colleagues and peers who benefited from his intellect, experience and generosity.
The Royal Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges John Simpson’s significant contribution to the profession, including his 53 years of membership and his recognition as a Life Fellow of the Institute. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, colleagues and former students.
A formal obituary, prepared by Antony Moulis in consultation with John’s family, will be published by Architecture Media in due course.
John passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, 17th May. His family will be celebrating his life privately, and the Chapter extends its sincere condolences to his daughters, Kirsti, Marin and Justine, and to all who knew, worked with and learned from him.
John was a valued member of the Australian Institute of Architects for 53 years, having first joined in 1973. In 2000, he was made a Life Fellow of the Institute, recognising his distinguished contribution to architecture and to the profession over many decades.
John’s architectural career was both international and deeply embedded in Queensland. After studying architecture at the Glasgow School of Architecture, he went on to complete a Master of Architecture at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. His early career included significant work with John Andrews Architect in Toronto, where he became a founding partner, before later becoming founding director of John Andrews International.
Through this work, John contributed to major projects across Australia and internationally, including in Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Washington DC and Saudi Arabia. His work with John Andrews Architects included contributions to Gund Hall at Harvard University and Scarborough College at the University of Toronto, both recognised as significant works of modern architecture.
In Queensland, John’s influence can be seen across important civic, educational and institutional projects. His association with The University of Queensland was particularly significant. He acted as Project Architect for the Chemical Engineering Building, and as Architect for the Hawken Engineering Building and the Colin Clark Building at the St Lucia campus. His contribution to the University extended beyond buildings, through his participation in the University’s Building and Grounds Committee and his role as Adjunct Professor of Architecture.
John was also a generous mentor to students and emerging architects. In 1985, he inaugurated the John Simpson Prize in Architecture, supporting excellence in architectural education and encouraging future generations of designers.
From 1983 to 1995, John practised in Brisbane through John Simpson Associates, with clients including the Endeavour Foundation, Brisbane City Council, Queensland Rail and The University of Queensland. His contribution to the civic life of Brisbane continued through his appointment in 1996 as Master Architect for South Bank Corporation, a role that helped shape one of the city’s most important public precincts. His work at South Bank was recognised by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects Queensland Chapter with a Regional Award in 2000.
John’s work was marked by an interest in buildings that responded thoughtfully to their setting, purpose and community. The Australian Environmental Studies Building at Griffith University’s Nathan campus, completed in 1977 and designed while he was Brisbane-based director of John Andrews International, remains an example of this approach. Conceived within its bushland campus setting, the building reflected ideas of openness, connection and interdisciplinary learning that were forward-looking for their time.
In 2008, The University of Queensland awarded John an honorary Doctor of the University in recognition of his distinguished career and his contribution to the University. It was a fitting acknowledgement of an architect whose work moved between practice, education, mentorship and civic service.
John will be remembered not only for the buildings and places he helped shape, but also for his contribution to architectural culture in Queensland. His influence lives on through the many students, colleagues and peers who benefited from his intellect, experience and generosity.
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges John Simpson’s significant contribution to the profession, including his 53 years of membership and his recognition as a Life Fellow of the Institute. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, colleagues and former students.
A formal obituary, prepared by Antony Moulis in consultation with John’s family, will be published by Architecture Media in due course.