Innovation in the design DNA
TOTEM STUDIO ARCHITECTS CELEBRATE 100 YEARS
Enriched by a 100-year back story of design excellence, Christchurch architectural firm Totem Studio Architects is a modern, forward-thinking practice with truly strong foundations in the city. Few other architectural practices could boast of such enduring success and influence.
It used to be the norm that partners’ names set the company brand. In the history of this practice, one particular surname dominates: Trengrove. Starting with company founder W.H. Trengrove in 1922, three generations of Trengroves have shaped the business through the decades. John Trengove took over from his father in 1953 and was joined by Keith Marshall and later, Richard Blunt. By the mid-1990s, John had retired, and his son William had become a director (joined by David McKay and Daryl Partridge after Richard stepped down in 2005). The Trengrove era finally ended in 2019 on William’s retirement. Ian Cattoen-Gilbert then took up the reins with David and Daryl, and together they established the practice as Totem Studio Architects.
William grew up hearing about his grandfather’s work for returned servicemen, kindergartens, and for private clients, some of whose commissions resulted in “some pretty grand homes”. Active in architectural teaching, this energetic practitioner encouraged many up-and-coming architects, among them Don Donnithorne and Sir Miles Warren. “My grandfather also designed Cathedral Grammar School – Dad did projects there too, as did I.”
In the post-war years, William says his father and Keith Marshall were hard at work designing everything from milk factories to landmarks of their day, such as The Star building, the Reserve Bank building (Hereford St), large projects at Lincoln University, and many fine homes.
“It was an exciting era for architecture through the 1960s and ‘70s. In those days, innovation is what people were looking for.”
John Trengrove married Sir Miles Warren’s sister Pauline, an artist, in 1952, sealing a life-long bond between these two prominent names in Christchurch architecture. Together, they developed the homestead and gardens at Ōhinetahi, which was gifted to the nation in 2012. “There was a lot of mutual respect, and they were very supportive of each other.”
It was as natural as breathing for William to train as an architect and follow his father into the business. William inherited his father’s service-oriented focus, an ethos that continues to inspire and infuse the practice today. Strong client relationships have evolved and endured through the years, for example, with St George’s Hospital, Lincoln University, and Cathedral Grammar School.
Eighteen months ago, the Totem Studio team moved into new offices at 382 Montreal St. A special celebration is planned to mark their unique 100-year heritage as a practice.
“In mid-October, we will have an open house at the office to showcase how we are carrying this legacy forward into the future,” says Ian.
Totem Studio Architects has particular strengths in the health sector – with key clients including not only St George’s Hospital but also Pacific Radiology – as well as architectural new home builds.
Ian says the word ‘totem’ embodies the concept of representation, of representing people and ideas.
“It’s what we’re all about. We don’t want to be identified with this style or that style. We craft, design, create and represent what our clients give to us, what they need from us. Our job is to listen and create the best solution for them. This has always been true of this practice and continues to define us into the future.”