Wow! Hot on the heels of Giles Reid and Jackie Meiering's earlier book on five of Claude Megson's wonderful houses, they're back with a new book covering 33 of his projects! Including competition entries and what looks like one or two unbuilt projects, and several other bits and pieces.
Exciting!
Did I say "hot on the heels"? Sure, it's been ten years, but in the architectural world (as we know!) that's just a blink in time. (And works on any local architect are as rare as a benevolent building inspector.) Giles and Jackie have taken the time with this one, and it shows.
I've only had a glimpse -- and you can too -- but it looks to be the definitive work on Claude's oeuvre. One he's long deserved.
Claude Megson Architect examines the arc of Megson’s career, bringing together new photography and 150+ of his remarkable drawings. It both celebrates and illuminates his work, at a time when his legacy is being newly appreciated.
Published by Massey University Press, due April 2026.
424 pages, containing two extended essays and featuring 33 buildings and projects, with surviving buildings photographed by Jackie Meiring. The book represents the culmination of a decade long search to document Megson’s surviving work.
It's telling, I think, that so many other architects like to live in Claude's houses above and beyond even living in their own: there is always something to learn from the way he brought a house together, and the rich meaning he gave every space. It never gets old. There is plenty to learn and about which to be delighted -- and inspired.
The book is being launched:
Thursday 9 April 2026, 6pm
If you would like to attend, please RSVP here.
Tim Melville Gallery
4 Winchester Street, Newton, Auckland
You can pre-order a copy here at the publisher's website.
Get into it!
