May 3, 1946 – May 4, 2023
It is with the deepest sorrow that the family of Michael Squire and all at Squire & Partners announce that Michael died on Thursday May 4, 2023, following a short illness. We are all in shock and still absorbing the loss of an extraordinary man, who touched the lives of so many around the world through his work as an architect and his warm and generous personality.
Michael James Squire was born on May 3, 1946 to Raglan and Raye Squire, and was the grandson of poet Sir John Squire, founder of the Architecture Club. Michael studied architecture at St John’s College, Cambridge, under the tutelage of Sir Leslie Martin and Sir Colin St John Wilson.
In 1976, following a period working with his father on projects in Jakarta and Bahrain, he established Michael Squire Associates with Paul Harrison, which evolved into Squire & Partners, now led by his son Henry, and fellow partners Tim Gledstone and Murray Levinson.
Under Michael’s direction, Squire & Partners has become one of the UK’s most respected architecture practices, winning a significant number of design awards, and establishing a reputation for beautiful, crafted buildings in sensitive urban locations including: Chelsea Barracks, One Tower Bridge, Brook House, Southbank Place and Clarges Estate.
Michael was a leading figure in British architecture, creating some of London’s most important buildings, serving as Jury Chair for the RIBA Awards and as a member of the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea’s Architecture Appraisal Panel. He was a passionate third generation member of The Architecture Club, and contributed to industry events at the RIBA, New London Architecture and Open City.
His fearless entrepreneurial spirit led Squire & Partners from South Kensington to King’s Cross and finally to the purchase of a dilapidated Edwardian department store in Brixton. Its stunning transformation into The Department Store and Department Store Studios not only provided a new home for the practice, but also actively engaged with the local community through the Upstairs members club, the Downstairs events space, the Winter Windows displays and a residency at The Studios, to name a few. It has won the practice multiple awards both nationally and internationally, set a new benchmark for adaptive re-use of old buildings and is a manifestation of Michael’s generous and inclusive nature.
Outside of architecture, Michael was first and foremost a family man who loved nothing more than being surrounded by his wife and children, to whom he devoted so much love and time. He also enjoyed sailing on the Solent and was an avid Chelsea fan. His youthful energy, love of life and mischievous humour will be hugely missed by all that knew him.
He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years Rosy; his children Henry, George, Richard, Charles and Miranda; his first wife Pansy; his brother Roger and his seven grandchildren, Ottilie, Felix, Oscar, Alfie, Isabel, James, and Sienna.
If you wish to send a message of condolence, please do so to: michael@squireandpartners.com
We welcome anyone who would like to attend the memorial service being held in honour of Michael on Friday 15 September at Westminster Chapel. Please RSVP to michael@squireandpartners.com.