Early in his career as an architect with the Commonwealth Department of Works, Roger Pegrum designed the light fittings on Anzac Parade, the primary schools at Hughes and Garran and additions to Old Parliament House.
It was just an inkling of the impact Mr Pegrum would have on the built environment of Canberra, whether it was serving as the Commonwealth Government Architect, running his own practice or designing homes in the suburbs of the national capital, with the modern sensibility that they must complement their natural surroundings.
Described as a "man of quality and grace", Mr Pegrum died in Canberra on Friday, August 7, aged 87.
He is survived by a large, extended family including his wife, Annabelle, a fellow architect and one-time chief executive officer of the National Capital Authority.
Chief Minister Andew Barr paid tribute to Mr Pegrum's contribution to Canberra.
"I was saddened to learn of the passing of Roger Pegrum. He was one of the defining architectural voices of modern Canberra," Mr Barr said.
"His work helped shape the character of our city, while his advocacy, teaching and writing inspired a broader appreciation of design excellence and the unique qualities of the Bush Capital.
"Canberra is a better city because of Roger's vision, talent and lifelong commitment to public life.
"On behalf of the ACT government, I extend condolences to Annabelle, his children, grandchildren, extended family, friends and colleagues."
Mr Pegrum was born in the Unfederated Malay States, now known as Malaysia, in 1938, the son of a British engineer. He and his family moved to Canberra when he was 10 years old.
He worked for the Commonwealth Department of Works and started a private architecture practice with his twin brother, Anthony.
Mr Pegrum also taught architecture at the University of Sydney and returned to Canberra to serve as the Commonwealth Government Architect from 1986 to 1988.
He designed more than 40 privately commissioned homes in the suburbs of Canberra, with an emphasis on natural materials and making the most of their surroundings.
Mr Pegrum designed his own home in Reid, which won the prestigious 2006 Canberra Medallion, the highest honour bestowed by the The Canberra Medallion is awarded annually by the Australian Institute of Architects (ACT Chapter).
In 2019, ACT Government Architect Catherine Townsend said Mr Pegrum's architecture was all about a "response to place and context".
"All architecture should be greater than the sum of its parts but Pegrum developed a language particularly in tune with the bush capital," she wrote.
In an interview for Design Canberra in 2023, Mr Pegrum said the commission that frightened him most was the chancery in the grounds of Government House in Yarralumla, because his firm was up against much bigger players for the job. But in 1990, he was informed his bid was successful and the building was opened in 1993 by Prime Minister Paul Keating.
"It's a really nice feeling to do a building that is going to be looked after and it is superbly looked after and I suppose in a way is my most important building," he said.
Mr Pegrum's publications included The Bush Capital: How Australia Chose Canberra to be its Federal City and A Very Great City One Day.
Mr Pegrum said in 2021 at celebrations for the 90th birthday of the Australian Institute of Architects that the rule of great architecture was simple.
"Keeping the people in mind is what it's all about and where we fail, if we fail, it's going to be because we haven't thought of the people," he said.
Royal Australian Institute of Architects ACT president Nugroho F. Utomo said Mr Pegrum was "one of the most recognisable and influential names in the architectural history of Canberra".
"Roger's contribution to Canberra's built environment cannot be overstated," he said.
"His legacy can be seen across houses, schools, government buildings and other award-winning projects across the capital. From primary schools at Hughes and Garran to the Faculty of Asian Studies at ANU, from the Chancery at Government House in Yarralumla to various alterations to Old Parliament House, Roger's impact on Canberra's architecture has been truly significant.
"In 1983, Roger published a book called The Bush Capital. This, perhaps more than anything else in Canberra's history, popularised a phrase that has now become synonymous with the city, and affected how Canberrans think about their relationship with the built and natural environment.
"His tireless commitment to public advocacy resonated decades on with his critique of how the Bush Capital was evolving."
Mr Utomo referred to when Mr Pegrum in 2019 described the view from Fairbairn Avenue down to Civic as "the most boring skyline ever".
"His perspective on the city's flat skyline is still relevant today," Mr Utomo said.
"We remember Roger as someone who not just designed parts of Canberra, but helped shape ideas about what the city should be, now and into the future.
"We extend our deepest condolences to Roger's family, including his wife Annabelle, acclaimed architect and former ACT President of the Institute."
Mr Pegrum's funeral service will be held at the chapel of the Norwood Park crematorium on Monday, August 17, at 12pm.
