Influential English architect Michael Squire has passed away at the age of 77 following a short illness, his firm reported this week.

The Squire & Partners co-founder began his career working for his father Raglan abroad in the mid-1970s before going on to start the firm with Paul Harrison in 1976. From there, the practice evolved into one of London’s leading names, creating a number of award-winning projects in different sectors over the proceeding three decades, including the Chelsea Barracks master plan, One Tower Bridge, and the Clarges Estate in Mayfair.

The firm’s own move into an outdated Edwardian-era department store in Brixton became one of the most heralded adaptive reuse office projects in the industry in recent memory, establishing for others and for themselves a home inside a four-level space that includes a members club, downstairs public gallery, studios, and the display of the annual Winter Windows competition, which provides local primary school pupils with the opportunity to create a special light display through the course of two staff-led workshops.

In a statement, the firm said: “Outside of architecture, Michael was first and foremost a family man who loved nothing more than being surrounded by his wife and children, to whom he devoted so much love and time. He also enjoyed sailing on the Solent and was an avid Chelsea fan. His youthful energy, love of life, and mischievous humour will be hugely missed by all that knew him.” 

Squire, who studied architecture under Sir Leslie Martin at the University of Cambridge before entering practice, was a very active participant in RIBA, New London Architecture, and The Architecture Club — a well-reputable group founded by his grandfather, Sir John Squire, in 1922.

RIBA’s President Simon Allford told AJ Squire was “a highly valued member of the profession,” adding, “he was an engaging conversationalist and skilled listener.”

Squire will be remembered as a generational talent and ardent contributor to the development of the field outside of his own work as a firm leader. He is survived by his wife Rosy of 45 years, brother Roger, and five children. Condolences may be sent to michael@squireandpartners.com.