Vale Brian Suters, Founder of ARCH

With deep respect and great sadness, the architectural community marks the passing of Brian Suters AM – a visionary designer, esteemed mentor, and the founder of ARCH. 

A towering figure in Australian architecture, Suters leaves behind a profound legacy of design excellence, social commitment, and integrity that continues to shape the ethos of the practice he established.

The team at ARCH reflects with pride on the legacy Suters leaves behind and carries forward his vision with steadfast dedication. His memory lives on – in the spaces he helped shape, in the values he upheld, and in the many architects who had the privilege to learn from him.

"A significant chapter closed for the Newcastle architectural profession albeit his contribution and legacy lives on,” says David Rose, Principal Architect and Chairperson.

Scott Chapple, Principal Architect and Executive Director, concurs.

"Brian’s connection to Newcastle and the impact he had on countless students and graduates of the community is substantial. For Brian, design was always the highest order topic in the business of architecture. A gentleman and a scholar. RIP,” he says.

Renowned for his thoughtful modernism and deeply collaborative spirit, Suters was a staunch advocate for the belief that architecture is fundamentally a service to the public. 

His work consistently transcended bricks and mortar, creating environments that were not only responsive to place and purpose but also to the needs and aspirations of the communities they served.

“Architecture should always begin with people,” he famously remarked. “It’s not about imposing form – it’s about understanding purpose and responding with clarity, care, and imagination.”

A pivotal moment in Suters' early career was being awarded the Byera Hadley Travelling Scholarship, which afforded him the opportunity to study abroad and expand his design philosophy through international research and exploration. 

This experience enriched his approach to architecture, deepening his sensitivity to context and community.

His commitment to regional Australia was unwavering. Long before it became a widespread focus, Suters championed the value of regional architecture and its capacity to enrich civic life. 

In recognition of his substantial contributions to both architecture and the broader community – particularly in regional areas – he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2004.

Beyond his built work, Suters played a significant role as a mentor and advocate for future generations of architects. His influence can be seen not only in the buildings he designed but also in the countless professionals he inspired throughout his career.

Suters was also recognised as an expert on Frederick Menkens, a prominent Australian architect. He dedicated considerable time to researching Menkens’ legacy, producing a body of scholarly work that illuminated Menkens’ design principles and their lasting impact on the Australian built environment.

His own portfolio was equally impactful, spanning educational facilities, community hubs, civic buildings, and cultural institutions – all executed with humility, rigour, and a quiet confidence. His influence remains integral to the DNA of Suters Architects, now known as ARCH, and endures in their continued commitment to collaboration, sustainability, and social responsibility.

Image: Brian Suters AM / supplied