Brian AITKEN Obituary

I was privileged to start my architectural career at Peddle Thorp & Aitken, with Brian in 1983, where he happily mentored me through my registration as an architect in 1985. I am grateful for his shared wisdom and I still have my 'pearls of wisdom' book with quotes and thoughts from Brian whilst I was working with him and throughout my career. Thank you Brain

I was lucky enough to work with Brian on a few occasions - he had the enthusiasm for detail that an expert draughtsman has, an encyclopedic knowledge of what went wrong elsewhere and how we could learn from that - and the energy of a team of men half his age. A truly lovely man who deserved the respect and admiration of the industry he worked in and shaped. My favorite times were bumping into him on the street where he would be striding off to a meeting to solve an issue no one else could get to grips with - on lots of occasions he had just enough time to catch up with me and do a little reminiscing. Our latest interactions were around the World Press Photography exhibit held at 131 Queen Street over August somehow this concluded with a commitment to join Rotary that neither Andrew or I saw coming. Brian was generous with his time, energy and ideas. It would not have mattered how long Brian kept working it would have never been long enough for those who had the pleasure and good fortune to work with him. My thoughts are with Brian’s family.

Brian & I have been members of the Buildings and faculties committee together for more than 21 years I believe. He has made a huge contribution as we advise the Auckland Bishop on property matters. We meet monthly. I and the others on the committee will mis Brians cheerful smile, sound counsel, and friendship. Condolences to his family, working colleagues and friends.

Brian was not just a very capable and skilled architect, but a notably reasoned and indeed reasonable person when confronting a technical issue. That always made him a delight as a colleague, and many truly great solutions arose. We will miss that valuable attribute...

Dearest Friend and Mentor Brian,
May your soul rest in eternal peace.
I will be missing our valued coffee catch-ups talking about life, family, values, ethics and career- a cafe behind the golf course in North Shore. You touched my life and Monica positively immensely.
Our deepest sympathies to Jenny, children , Richard and rest of friends.

Joey&Monica

Fine Architect, expert and all round decent man. At NZIA in 2017 when he was honoured.

Sorry to hear of Brian´s passing. Another architect in heaven

Richard, Jenny and all the Aitken Clan, I am struggling to find words to express my condolences at the passing of one of the kindest and nicest people I have known. Unfortunately we are in Far North Queensland and we will be unable to show our respect to Brian on Thursday. There is a saying that says that as long as there is someone to remember a person then they stay alive in those memories. Brian, we will especially remember you at the WAHA on the 14th of November. With sincerest condolences, Rob & Margaret Buckett

Brian was my landlord, and I wish I had talked to him more about architecture, not just about my rental. He was a kind and generous person, and he did a fantastic job renovating a historic building to create affordable apartments in the CBD where I lived. I am so grateful for the opportunity to live in that building, and that Brian has created that special place for people to live in.

Sansom Construction Systems have worked with Brian on many projects for many years and hold the highest admiration for him. Please accept our condolences from the Sansom team.

I will always be grateful to Brian for taking employing me to work at Peddle Thorp and Horman in 1979, and for not being at all phased by me being a woman with an architecture degree. Brian was a very fair and decent man. Once working there I found that commercial architecture was not my thing, so I went to work at another firm, but I have happy memories of the time I was there and especially of Brian's lack of prejudice, and indeed his encouragement of me. Thank you Brian.

Such sad news.Brian was such a genuinely good person, someone to look up to and aspire to be more like. He constantly displayed an accurate knowledge and understanding of matters much broader than just architecture. He also understood his audience and loved to help people. I enjoyed his wit and mischief as we developed a cherished friendship from working on projects and other challenges over about 30 years. Brian often referred to people as wags - it took one to know one ! Deepest sympathies to Jenny, Richard and all the family and friends whose lives he has touched and improved. A truly great man who will be sorely missed by me and so many others. Rest in peace, Brian and thank you.

Brian has been advising our body corporate as part of our remediation project. Brian was very respected in the industry and always kind. It was great to have him on our side and guiding the way through a messy situation. Thank you Brian. Our condolences to his family.

Brian: a lovely lovely man whom I held in very high regard, both as a professional and as a warm and very human man.
My condolences.

To Richard & Jenny-Our sincere condolences on the passing of a good friend created by working together on many projects, over the past 35 years. His knowledge and vast experience will be sorely missed due to his common sense and great sense of humour. A true scholar and a gentleman of firm convictions, we spoke last Monday and arranged to meet next week, so life can be cruel. At this time am still in shock, so in a way can at least share your grief for some one respected and admired by many.

We are overseas on Thursday, Brian was a great guy and held in high regard by all who worked with him as I did on and off for over 40 years, a staunch friend and towering figure in the industry who will greatly missed, our deepest sympathies to Jenny Rick and families.

Such a sad occasion, Brian was a true gentleman of our industry, always having time for others and guiding towards excellence. On behalf of myself and my daughter, Rebecca, a former employee, our deepest condolences to Brian's family, friends and colleagues.

Rohan and I are so sad to learn of the sad passing of Brian. You have left too early. Such an amazing man. Such a huge loss. Thinking of you all. Adina and Rohan.

Brian, you´ve left too early for us all, your beautiful spirit remains with the memories, you lifted all those fortunate enough to have your kind way bestowed on them. I´m one of the most fortunate, I count you as my best friend. I miss you already, always will. My most sincere condolences to Jenny and family. Love to you my dear friend. Fred Wilson
Leona´s love supports me through this time of such great sorrow.