Ian was my student at the AA. It was me and my partner Eva's first year teaching in the diploma and Ian took a real leap of faith to come with us, not playing it save or political as most students would do, but choosing based on the content of our program and vision. Among a colourful cohort of diverse minds from all over the world, he filled the role of the eccentric English, despite being from Wales. A He was a truly original and out of the box thinker. A true leftie, deeply informed and analytical, he shared vividly the details of the Thatcher years on his childhood in Wales whilst making pointedly extrapolations to then current political issues. When we went to Venezuela on a study trip, he deployed passable Spanish to hook up and engage with the local students, in addition to surprisingly sharp salsa skills.

His final project became an exemplary source for the way we continued to address the interface between scales, landscape, infrastructure and architecture. Having worked at SOM beforehand I believe, Ian went back to work for them afterwards, which for someone with his convictions  should spell sellout. But we stayed in touch and he reported how he managed to subvert and get his way within that most corporate of practices. Until this day, over 20 years later I still use his example to explain that it can be a way forward to work in a large practice but that they need to watch out to not loose their identity as I believe Ian managed.

I met Ian after many years again when visiting New York around 2013 and two years or so later after he moved back to London. I was happy to witness him finding fulfillment at work, his place and loving partner.

It was always a pleasure to discuss architecture, culture and life with him. I cannot believe this will no longer be possible but I am immensely grateful for the time we shared and the impact he had on my thinking and outlook. Rest in Peace.

Holger Kehne