The Australian Institute of Architects extends its condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Robin Christopher Moulds FRAIA, who passed away on 19 September 2025, aged 93.

Born on 17 June 1932 on an apple orchard at Norton Summit, Robin attended Adelaide Technical High School, where his natural talent for drawing first emerged. His early love of music led to a brief stint with E.M.I. in Rundle Street, where he handled and distributed new records, fostering a lifelong passion for classical music—particularly Wagner. Although he once dreamed of joining the ABC, his quiet nature guided him toward architecture, a field where his artistic eye and thoughtful disposition flourished.

Robin began his career as an architectural draftsman with the South Australian Government, including the Woods and Forests Department, Department of Mines, and the Public Buildings Department. He studied architecture at the South Australian Institute of Technology, graduating in 1967 and receiving the Architects Board of SA Travelling Prize in 1966. That same year he became an Associate of the South Australian Institute of Architects, later advancing to Fellowship in 1981, marking more than five decades of continuous membership with the Institute.

His professional journey included roles with Hassell and McConnell Architects, the SA Housing Trust, and later as a partner in Snowden, Brougham and Moulds, where he contributed to notable projects including the Tea Tree Gully Library and a range of commercial, residential, and government buildings. He established his own practice in 1978 before joining Hodgkison Matthews Architects, working in both Adelaide and Melbourne.

 

Interior view of living and dining areas of Mr Moulds home at Leabrook Drive, Rostrevor. Source: State Library of South Australia

 

A committed advocate for design integrity, Robin served as Secretary of the Civic Trust of South Australia and wrote architectural commentary for The Advertiser, sharing his considered reflections on the built environment. His professional and student works are preserved through the Moulds Collection at the Architecture Museum, University of South Australia, documenting a career that spanned more than 40 years

Robin’s life was enriched by enduring friendships with fellow architects, including Peter Page, with whom he shared long walks in the Adelaide Hills, and the so-called “Novemberists”—a close circle of peers who met annually to reminisce and celebrate their shared love of design and good company. In later years, Robin supported his partner of 43 years, Christine Courtney, in her businesses Sea-Witch Antiques and Sea-Witch Images at Port Adelaide, continuing his creative engagement with history and aesthetics.

He retired from architectural practice in 1994. In his final years, despite declining health, his passion for classical music never waned. On the day of his cremation, Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman played—a fitting farewell for a man whose life was shaped by beauty, intellect, and enduring curiosity.

The Institute honours Robin Moulds FRAIA for his lifelong commitment to architecture, his contribution to South Australia’s built environment, and his place within our professional community.