Bill Toomath, architect and former Head of School of Design
Bill Toomath headed the Wellington Polytechnic School of Design for ten years (1979-1989), and was a key player in the development of modernist architecture in New Zealand for over five decades.
In 1946, Mr Toomath jointly founded the Architectural Group in Auckland a collective renowned for their provocative pursuit of a specifically New Zealand form of architecture, with an emphasis on open plan, indoor-outdoor flow and honesty with materials.
For almost 35 years, from 1955, he had his own architectural practice in Wellington, specialising in educational and community buildings, including the award-winning Wellington Teachers College complex in Karori. He had a strong vision for central city development and helped save Wellington’s Old Town Hall and other heritage buildings.
More Design stories
Design
Sharon Murdoch
In a short space of time Sharon Murdoch has become a professional cartoonist and in so doing become a trailblazer for other women interested in creating a role in political cartooning.
Design
Sir Richard Taylor
Sir Richard Taylor is famed for his work alongside Peter Jackson in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. A multiple Oscar winner, Richard studied at the Wellington School of Design from 1982 to 1984, where he tended to ‘alter the brief to suit his skills’.
Design
Arthur Riley
In 2016 the College celebrated the 130 year heritage of the Wellington School of Design and honoured its founding director Arthur Dewhurst Riley (1860-1929).