Sir Miles Warren

Sir Miles Warren is one of Christchurch's foremost architects. For his 80th birthday his work is the basis of an exhibition at the Christchurch Art Gallery. Alongside his internationally-recognised architectural work, the exhibition reveals his skills as a landscape designer and painter of watercolours.

In an interview on Radio New Zealand, Sir Miles described the venture as “a bit like an architect standing with his architectural pants down, with everything exposed”. The exhibition represents 45 years and “hundreds” of creative people, he said.

Early career

Sir Miles began his working life in Christchurch with Cecil Wood, and initially studied architecture via correspondence at the Christchurch Atelier. He moved to Auckland to complete his studies, then worked in London before returning to New Zealand.

It was during this time that his watercolour technique was honed as one of the many tools in an architect’s working toolbox. Sir Miles continued to paint watercolours throughout his career. Sir Miles is also hailed as a landscape designer and his work at Ohinetahi, at the head of Lyttelton Harbour, is open to the public for viewing each year.

Honours

Sir Miles was made a CBE in 1974, knighted in 1985 and was awarded the Order of New Zealand in 1995. In 2001 he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Auckland, and two years later he was given the Icon award by the Arts Foundation of New Zealand.

Design practice

Sir Miles Warren started his design practice in 1955, designing two houses in Timaru in that year. In 1956 he designed the Dorset Street flats in Christchurch, and in 1958 he began a long and successful partnership with Maurice Mahoney, winning a large contract to build the Dental Training School. The practice became known as Warren and Mahoney.

The pair's work is regarded as the birth of a Christchurch style of architecture. Sir Miles retired from the practice in 1995.

Search our catalogue for more information

• Miles Warren An Autobiography
• Warren & Mahoney architects
• History of Architecture in Christchurch
• New Zealand architecture
• 20th Century architecture

Related pages

• Architecture and Architects
• Warren and Mahoney
• Plans of Christchurch buildings including the Christchurch Town Hall
• Christchurch libraries designed by Warren and Mahoney: Central, New Brighton and South
• The architectural heritage of Christchurch
• Christchurch Buildings and Landmarks