Ian McKay 1932-2015
Ian McKay Photo : Anthony Browell
As we go to the Annual General Meeting and Lunch of the Architecture Foundation Australia, we mourn the loss in August 2015 of Ian McKay and we remember that we were honoured with the presence of Ian and Helen at our AGM on 7 December 2014, when it was wonderful to see Ian and Glenn Murcutt locked in conversation and reminiscences.
He said "I see myself as having been blessed by an overriding concern, and having the capacity and the opportunity to realise it. Architecture is the essence of my life – it's been a lifelong act of devotion."
Ian McKay was one of Australia's most exceptional but least celebrated architects. His deliberate low profile aside, McKay was propelled by innate talent, strong views, innovative thinking, independence and an intense love of his profession.
He had not one career in architecture but two: the first from the mid-'50s to the mid-'70s and the second, quite different practice, from 1980 onwards.
One of his 'master works' is Tocal Agricultural College, in the Hunter Valley, which he designed together with Philip Cox, which received the Australian Institute of Architects' highest award, theSulman Medal. McKay remained proud of the, now, heritage-listed Tocal buildings, describing them as "Australian to the core".
The house he designed in Lobster Bay for photographer David Moore is 'jewel', and was described by architectural writer Philip Drew as "a thoroughly modern masterpiece". It is included in the touring exhibition, initiated by the Architecture Foundation, 'Iconic Australian Houses', curated by Karen McCartney, who was also at the lunch last December, as was Anthony Browell.
Lobster Bay House Photo : Michael Wee
You can see Anthony Browell's obituary at -