At the end of July, we farewelled John Rice, marking the conclusion of an extraordinary architectural career spanning more than four decades. While retirement signals the end of one chapter, John's influence on our projects, our people and our culture will continue to be felt for many years to come.
Throughout his career, John has been many things: architect, mentor, designer, photographer, sketcher, adventurer and trusted colleague. Yet among the many reflections shared by those who have worked alongside him, one theme emerged time and again: generosity. Whether sharing his knowledge, offering guidance on a complex project, or simply taking the time for a conversation, John has always invested deeply in the people around him.
Reflecting on his own journey, John spoke about his path from studying drafting at The Gordon, through university and various early jobs before ultimately becoming an architect. Looking back, he identified two enduring motivations that sustained him throughout his career: the people he worked with and the opportunity to create buildings that enrich the lives of others. Most rewarding of all, however, was the chance to share what he had learned.
“As I've become more senior, I've realised how much satisfaction I get from passing on the knowledge I've accumulated over the past forty years. I'd like to think people will remember me as someone who was willing to share what I knew.”
That commitment to mentoring and supporting others became one of John's defining qualities and a cornerstone of his legacy.
When asked to nominate a favourite project, John selected the Junior School in Albury, describing it as the culmination of many of the ideas and values he had pursued throughout his professional life. The project celebrated timber, expressed its structure honestly, connected deeply with its landscape and created spaces that worked beautifully for their users. Looking back, he described it as the “crescendo” of his career, while characteristically sharing credit with the client and project team who helped bring it to life.
While John's contribution can be seen in the many projects he helped shape, his influence extends far beyond individual buildings. For many colleagues, his retirement also marks the closing of an important chapter in the story of McGlashan Everist Architects.
Long before becoming part of PMDL in 2022, McGlashan Everist had established a reputation for thoughtful architecture, technical excellence and a deeply collaborative culture. John embodied these qualities throughout his career and played an important role in ensuring they continued to thrive following the integration of the practice into PMDL.
The coming together of McGlashan Everist and PMDL united two respected practices with complementary strengths and shared values. Through that period of change, John provided continuity, leadership and a steady hand. He brought with him not only decades of architectural expertise, but also the mentorship, design rigour and collaborative approach that had long distinguished the McGlashan Everist team. In doing so, he helped ensure that the strengths of MEA became part of the broader PMDL story.
As Vicki van Dijk reflected:
“We have genuinely valued not only your contribution to PMDL, but also the effortless way you integrated into the Practice and brought your MEA team with you on the journey.”
Many colleagues noted John's ability to embrace change while remaining firmly grounded in the craft of architecture. His calm leadership and professionalism helped build connections across teams, studios and disciplines, strengthening both the practice and the people around him.
Those who worked most closely with John speak as warmly about the person as they do the architect.
Bryce Stoneham, who worked alongside John for more than a decade, reflected on a relationship that extended well beyond the workplace: “You've been such a huge part of my life, not just through architecture, but through all the conversations we've had over the years. Beyond architecture, you've been an important part of my life.”
Andrew Pender highlighted another of John's qualities: “I have greatly admired your ability to embrace the new whilst remaining firmly grounded in your craft.”
These messages paint a consistent picture of a respected colleague whose influence reached well beyond project outcomes. Colleagues spoke of John's wisdom, creativity, humility and willingness to share what he knew. They described a person who approached challenges with perspective, encouraged others to grow and made those around him better at what they do.
Retirement, of course, is unlikely to mean slowing down. Outside architecture, John's passions are almost as well known as his professional achievements. Whether through photography, sketching, painting, travel, skiing or time spent in nature, creativity and curiosity have always been central to who he is. Colleagues have little doubt that these pursuits will continue to fill his days, alongside more time with family and friends.
John retires with an impressive body of work behind him, but perhaps his greatest achievement is less tangible. Through mentorship, leadership, generosity and an unwavering commitment to design excellence, he has helped shape both buildings and people. His legacy lives on not only in the projects he delivered, but also in the culture he helped foster at both McGlashan Everist and PMDL, and in the many architects, designers and colleagues who benefited from his guidance along the way.
On behalf of everyone who has had the privilege of working alongside him, thank you, John, for your remarkable contribution, your wisdom, your friendship and your enduring commitment to the profession. Congratulations on an outstanding career. We wish you every happiness, adventure and fresh snowfall in the years ahead!
