"Learning of Terry Farrell’s passing has left me deeply saddened. He was an exceptional architect whose work injected a real sense of dynamism into the world of building design, and his thinking helped reshape modern urban planning.

Among his many achievements, the MI6 headquarters in Vauxhall and the TV-AM/Breakfast Television Centre in Camden Town are perhaps the most instantly recognisable. Created during the 1980s, both projects embodied his trademark post-modern flair—striking, imaginative, and unlike anything else at the time.

Born in Cheshire in 1938, Terry studied architecture at Newcastle University before going on to complete a master’s degree in urban planning in the United States.

After settling in London in 1965, he established the Farrell/Grimshaw Partnership with Nick Grimshaw—whom, very sadly, we also lost earlier this month. Together they produced influential works such as the Herman Miller Factory in Bath and the 125 Park Road residential scheme. During this period, Terry received his first honour, an OBE, in 1978.

From the 1980s onwards, Terry pursued his own path through Terry Farrell and Partners, later known simply as Farrells. The practice earned worldwide acclaim with major projects, most notably the 441-metre-tall KK100 tower in Shenzhen—the tallest building ever designed by a British architect.

Terry was appointed CBE in 1996 and received a knighthood in 2001 in recognition of his remarkable contributions to architecture and urban design.

His commitment to the profession extended far beyond his built work. He founded the Farrell Centre in Newcastle—part gallery, part research hub, and part community space—donating his archive and £1 million to support its creation. He also taught at distinguished institutions including Cambridge University and the University of Pennsylvania, sharing his insight with future generations.

On a personal level, Terry showed immense generosity to Andrew and me when we were just beginning our careers. He offered us the chance to work on a rail station competition in Västerås and later on his Camborne new town project. His passion, encouragement, and kindness have stayed with me ever since.

He will be profoundly missed, and I offer my heartfelt sympathies to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing or working with him."

‍