Diane Haigh

May 2nd, 1949 - July 31st, 2022

Biography


Di Haigh passed away on Sunday, 31st July 2022. This was completely unexpected – over the past few years Di had refused to let mobility challenges get in the way of her zest for life, and it was an unrelated health issue that defeated her last week.


Right up to the end Di had been living life to the full – working as an architect, planning a new book and exhibition about Baillie Scott, producing prints and drawings, cultivating her beloved garden, going to concerts and exhibitions. She even used the Covid lockdown to launch the ‘What To Do Today?’ programme of creative on-line studios.  All this as well keeping in touch with friends and being a energetic wife, sister, mother and grandmother.


Di had an amazing and inspiring gift for connecting with so many people. We have set up this website to capture the story of all she achieved in her many areas of activity, and the impact she made on those she was in contact with, and we have posted lots of photos under 'mementos'. It would be wonderful if you could add your contributions using the 'comments' box at the bottom of this page to capture a more complete record of Di’s life.


The impact of Di's work as an architect have been captured in in an obituary in the Guardian and a tribute article in the Architects Journal:


https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2022/sep/05/diane-haigh-obituary


https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/architect-and-educator-di-haigh-dies-aged-73


 

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Family

About

Name Diane Haigh
Date of Birth May 2nd, 1949
Date of Death July 31st, 2022
Home Town Cambridge, England, GB 
In Memoriam Donation Save the Children
Family

Family

Significant OtherWilliam Fawcett
SiblingsRoger Haigh
ChildrenEleanor Fawcett, Francis Fawcett
Milestone

Milestones

1949 Born in Kendal, Westmorland
1968 - 1971 Cambridge University Dept. of Architecture, Undergraduate
1971 - 1972 Architectural Assistant, Howell Killick Partridge & Amis
1972 - 1974 Cambridge University Dept. of Architecture, Diploma
1974 - 1975 Architect, Foster Associates
1976 - 1996 Partner, Fawcett and Haigh Architects
1977 Marries William Fawcett
1978 Daughter Eleanor is born
1978 - 1981 Martin Centre, Cambridge University, Research
1981 Son Francis is born
1982 - 1985 Living in Hong Kong
1983 - 1996 Hong Kong, Cambridge University, Studio Teaching
1986 - 1990 Architect, Freeland Rees Roberts Architects
1990 Moves into self-designed house on Queen Edith's Way, Cambridge
1995 Baillie Scott book and exhibition
1995 - 2016 Trinity Hall, Cambridge University, Director of Studies
1996 - 2007 Director, Allies and Morrison Architects
1999 Queen's House, Greenwich, reopens after refurbishment
2001 Blackwell, Cumbria, opens to the public after restoration
2005 International Arts & Crafts exhibition at V&A Museum opens
2007 Royal Festival Hall reopens after refurbishment
2007 Astronomy Centre at Royal Observatory Greenwich opens
2007 - 2011 Director; Director of Design Review, CABE
2011 Fellow Commoner, Trinity Hall
2011 - 2016 Consultant Director, Allies and Morrison Architects
2014 - 2021 Chair, Design & Conservation Panel, Cambridge
2017 Masterplan for St John's College Cambridge
2019 Bradwell Centre, Darwin College, Cambridge
2020 - 2022 Founder, What To Do Today - shared creative studios

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Tributes



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Hafizah Nor published a tribute .

Di and I during my graduation, June 2016. Also her last year as being a DOS at Trinity Hall.

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Hafizah Nor published a tribute .

Di’s impact on my life is difficult to articulate. Simply put, she was the first person to truly believe in me and my potential even when I didn’t myself. And for that, I am eternally grateful to Di.

First time meeting Di.
Di interviewed me in Cambridge back in December 2012. It’s weird because whenever people ask me about my interviews, they always expect the standard horror stories, but mine was the opposite. Ofcourse I was nervous, I had researched Di before my interviews and her long list of accomplishments were intimidating to say the least. But when she opened the wooden door of P Seminar Room, Di’s smile and warmth just puts you at ease. There was a surprise test where I had to pick a photograph of an interior and talk about the architecture. I got some things wrong, but she wasn’t judging - instead she was teaching me how to read the space. I realised she purposefully wanted it not to be a standard interview, it was more like a tutorial to gauge whether we had the chemistry to learn/teach. We enjoyed talking about architecture so much that the interview which was supposed to be 40 minutes, ended up being over an hour. She wrote down 2 architects’ names for me to research on a small piece of paper and gave it to me at the end of the interview. I still keep that note with me. I remember leaving Cambridge that evening feeling content, because I felt no matter what happened, I had such an amazing conversation with an inspiring women.

As a DOS (Director of Studies).
She was genuinely the best DOS any student could ask for. It was a bit of a running joke that my architecture friends from other colleges would be envious of us Tit Hallers. Di gave so much time, effort and dedication into nurturing and maximising our time in university. We would have these amazing tutorials away from the confines of a room, and go on these little themed architecture walks - looking at buildings around Cambridge. She also took us to local architectural practices. She would give us extra studio tutorial on the weekend because she wanted to see how we were getting along in studio and help give feedback. Another testament to Di’s character was she really cared about nurturing a community within the Tit Hall Architects across the years, making sure we all supported each other. She would text me to say we should bring the year below out for a meal and help them settle, or if any of us were struggling, she'd make sure one of us would check up on them. She would invite us out for meals like Chinese New Year where we met William for the first time and welcomed us into her Cambridge home for a lovely summer afternoon. She would leave us these nice artsy greeting cards in our pigeonholes during the holidays. One of my favourite memories of Di was during the opening night of our final year exhibitio in London, she was hilariously helping me get a job with numerous potential employers. I felt like she was my no.1 cheerleader and that meant so much to me until today.

After Graduation.
Even after graduating, Di would still constantly check up on how we were doing and our next moves. Making sure we had applied to jobs and helping us with anything we needed like references. She also helped decide which university to go for Part 2 and general future advice on how I should develop my career. She played a loving maternal role for me, always keeping my life in check, always encouraging me to strive high.

If there is one unanimous thing all her students can say without a doubt, was that Di truly cared about her students - her dedication was really unparalleled and palpable. Not only in terms of academics or studio, but in your career and life trajectory. She wanted to make sure we had all the tools and experiences to help us thrive and grow to the best we can. She was truly a remarkable woman, a role model, a mentor - her tenacity, passion and excitement for architecture, people and togetherness was a gift to us. I feel so honoured and grateful to have gotten to know Di and be apart of her life.

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Nick Bampos published a tribute .

Di was a remarkable individual and her loss will be felt by everyone who had the privilege and good fortune to know and work with her. A generation of students in architecture were inspired, guided and supported by Di not only during their studies, but also throughout their careers. I worked with Di at Trinity Hall for many years and admired her kind, thoughtful and compassionate approach to everything she did. On a more personal level I was grateful for her friendship and advice. She will be missed and we think of William, Eleanor and Francis all of whom she talked about with pride and affection.

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Liz published a tribute .

In the old library, Trinity Hall.

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Liz published a tribute .

Here's Di showing a group of prospective architecture students around the wonderful old library in Trinity Hall in 2013. A tour she insisted on giving to all the candidates with undiminished passion for many, many years. It was important for Di to share her love of the buildings in the college, and also to bring the candidates together in a shared activity, outside the confines of the interview room. Impressing on them the fact that they were embarking on an exciting journey of discovery and that journey would be made by all of us together, not individually.

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Matthew & Emma Chester published a tribute .

We remain very sad about Di's death and her sudden loss in the summer. We think of Di often. Di (and William) continues to guide us in spirit as we develop our arts & crafts house and garden further. We feel very privileged to have been able to work with Di, and William, and to have benefitted from her (their) skillful, experienced, learned and respected counsel. Her legacy is clear to see through her influence on the design of projects like ours. We feel Di shines through our house in every way shape and form. Her (and William's) passion for detail, practical living, beauty within context, nature, sight lines of appreciation, the environment (and much more) is evident to see from our project. As a result, we feel very privileged to be living in our house, designed with Di (and William's) influence. Di (and William), you continue to be in our thoughts and prayers and we would like to thank you (and William) for everything you gave us. May you continue to rest in peace safe in the knowledge that your legacy lives on; in built form but also in spirit. THANK YOU.

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Hamish Jackson published a tribute .

Di interviewed me in her final year as DOS at Trinity Hall. Sadly she was no longer teaching when I joined a year later. By luck and chance we managed to recognise each other over two years later when we were both sat on the wall by the river in Trinity Hall's gardens. What a wonderful chat, she very kindly invited me to her talk 12 journeys through architecture a month or so later. Despite me no longer even being one of her students, she took the time to remember, connect and inspire. One of the best talks i have ever been lucky enough to witness. One might normally remember a cambridge interview with fear and dread, quite the opposite, I remember my interview with her with great fondness, Louis Kahn's Fisher house was up for discussion. As all have shared, Di induced incredible architectural passion in all. My regards to her family and friends.

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Harriet Conniff published a tribute .

I’ve been thinking a lot about what to say about Di and I keep returning to the fact that she really took an interest in people. She welcomed my sister, Bess and I into the wider family when my mum (Jane) and Desmond (William's brother) began their relationship (lasting over 30 years until Desmond died in 2018). Di took an interest. She always asked really thoughtful, probing questions about what you were up to in life, about career ideas and showed that she was really listening by following up with questions months or even years later. She also took a huge interest in children and when I had Jasmine (who was the first grandchild in the family) her joy was apparent. She bought unique presents for Jasmine some quite wonderful (and some quite impractical!) and others very touching. She gave Jasmine a first edition copy of a book that she’d loved dearly as a child (Warrior Scarlet by Rosemary Sutcliffe) which was very beautiful and kind. It was always wonderful to come to Cambridge where you ate well and had brilliant conversations and to be part of other family get togethers elsewhere with Di, William, Eleanor and Francis and their expanding families! It was so very lovely to see William and Di together, how close they were and how they flourished together. I will miss her very much.

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Jen Singer published a tribute .

One last one - with Thomas

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Iona Foster published a comment .

It was a great honour and pleasure to know you Di, and work alongside you on the Royal Festival Hall. Your commitment to following the spirit of the building was inspiring and infectious. You carried us all at Allies and Morrison in your wake. Thank you for your kindness and generosity which reached out to me in maternity and family life beyond as our paths grew apart. I will cherish the memory of our timely meeting at your beautiful house in Dec 2021 and your words of wisdom you shared with me.

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Jen Singer published a tribute .

And on a personal level: here’s a photograph of Di with my boys.

Thanks again to Di and William for hosting our memorable visits to their lovely home.

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Jen Singer published a tribute .

It was an honour to work with Di in design review at CABE. I am grateful for her efforts and enthusiasm to promote school design quality - putting learning environments on a par with the major developments at that time e.g. Olympic Park, Crossrail etc.

I was struck by Di’s sharp intellect and inspiring ideas - and her ability to articulate the critical issues so succinctly and eloquently.

The attached image is Di’s sketch of her own school, taken from a workshop focused on identity and context in school buildings. I shall fondly remember our study trips to Denmark and Netherlands - and our impromptu visit to the Van Nelle factory.

Di was a kind and generous person, offering wisdom and encouragement on a personal level as well as a professional one. She had a significant influence on the shape of my career and will be greatly missed.

Di, I promise the ‘gold dust’ of our work together will live on!

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Laura Huxford published a tribute .

I had hoped to post a picture of Di at our wedding in 1968 but I find they are all perished and not good enough to scan. What a pity. She and I were in Sunday Schooli class in Kendal together from 1961 in the later years with a wonderful teacher, Elinor Carter. i was new to Christian Science and Di was a great guide and encouragement. Now in pastures new, she will surely be making her mark. What an inspiration!

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John Wilson published a tribute .

Di was also a devoted member of the Christian Science church, and active in branches in Hong Kong and Cambridge.

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David Heath published a tribute .

Wandlebury Woods, December 1976. Di and William's Christmas Card

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Cherrie Trelogan published a tribute .

So sorry to hear of the death of Diane. I know she was busy encouraging people to collaborate and be creative to the end. I'm grateful to her for introducing me to the work of Baillie Scott, through her book, the exhibition at Abbot Hall and later as we, at the Lakeland Arts Trust, worked with her to restore and open Blackwell to the public. I was very much looking forward to seeing her second book on Baillie Scott and the exhibition at Blackwell. My condolences to all her family.

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Nick published a tribute .

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Paul Reeves published a tribute .

So sorry to learn of Diane's death. She was a kind and hugely informed on her chosen subjects. I was looking forward to helping, in any way possible, with the proposed Baillie Scott exhibition at Blackwell. We had already been discussing this, in person and online. I will miss her. Paul Reeves.

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James Wp Campbell published a tribute .

We are all deeply saddened to hear that Di has gone. She was a constant in our lives for so many of us. I felt like I had known her my whole life but my guess is I had only known her thirty years as I suspect we first met in the 1990s in the Martin Centre where she was very much part of the family in Chaucer Road. She was hugely kind and supportive then and afterwards. I remember how wonderful she was with generations of students at Trinity Hall where she was Director of Studies. And of course I remember her lectures on Bailie Scott, her huge enthusiasm and her wonderful book. Indeed she was lecturing to us on zoom only last year and we hoped she would write another. Most of all I will miss our chats about the Faculty. The Cambridge Architecture Faculty had educated her whole family and it felt like a family with her in it. We will miss her terribly at Scroope Terrace. Di was one of the kindest people I know and had a genuine love of people and architecture, the two being seemingly for her utterly inseparable. She taught us so much. I have lost a friend, teacher and mentor. Whenever there are things to be done, "What would Di have thought" is a good test of soundness. I shall miss her greatly and I know I am not alone.

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Isobel And Ian Hendry published a tribute .

We first met Di in Cambridge in 1981, when Ian and William briefly worked together. Maybe it was a kitchen-warming party – a common interest right from the start. During the early 80s in Hong Kong, we loved visiting the Fawcett family – Eleanor was a gorgeous three-year-old and Francis a baby. We couldn’t understand why Di and William were always so tired … but when later our first baby came along, Di was quick to warn us! Our paths then diverged but we always kept in touch, and every meeting was like yesterday – comfortable, great conversation, and all enjoying shared values and interests. William and Di visited us in Krefeld, Germany, and later in Edinburgh, as we did them in Cambridge. Di was the guest who noticed Ian’s nifty tiling design in the bathroom. One day I came upstairs to find our four children sitting in an attentive circle on the floor while Di talked to them – such a warm, communicative spirit, she could charm even our shy children. In Edinburgh they brought us a huge bag of daffodil bulbs for the garden, a great pleasure to enjoy every spring, and in Cambridge we were fascinated to see their superbly-designed house and garden. When Covid came along, Di invited me to join her What To Do Today workshops, and the Outdoors group became an important focus for both friendship and shared learning at a time when we had recently moved to South Germany and knew few people, and until I found a teaching job here. Di was herself a passionate and inspiring teacher and lifelong learner, and we so admired her. We can hardly take it in that she isn’t still with us. Her marvellous spirit and her memory will live on.

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Benedicte Foo published a tribute .

I’ve known Di for a long time— decades! We didn’t always keep in close touch but whenever we met and had something to do together (professional or to do with teaching or just social) it always felt like it hadn’t been very long since we’d last seen each other. I was always struck by how positive she was and how courageous whether in the face of disagreements or against physical challenges. I remember her when she came up to Newnham, already very knowledgeable and focused. Several years later I remember bumping into her outside the Fitzwilliam with a baby in a pram— that was Eleanor—and how quietly happy she was in her new additional role of parent.

She’s always had energy for new ideas and was very keen to take up issues such as finding strategies for making sure the Architecture department in the university was not closed. Yet she told me once that she and William ’(were) not joiners’. Anyway I wasn’t altogether surprised when shortly after Lockdown she conceived the idea for What To Do Today? And not only had the idea but brought several ‘studios’ into existence. I joined Postcards with alacrity and found the format really terrific: working in a small group to explore art movements and communicate with each other by exchanging cards with a changing partner: we embellished each other’s cards before returning them. Through this we expanded our knowledge of art movements, or ideas (colour theory, different artists, graffiti for instance) and through making art together developed a habit and practice. We also found friends, had a lot of fun together and gave each other moral support through the very difficult and often frightening time of the Covid pandemic. Di was the backbone of these endeavours, attending all the studios (HOW did she manage that?!) and aiming to give them a steer when necessary.

But I discovered another side to Di when my son died from an invasive and late-diagnosed cancer. Di was so caring and sympathetic in her friendship and concern and has maintained this over the months. A gentle continuation of the hospitality she and William have habitually extended to friends. I remember the teas, often in the garden, the discussing and exchanging of plants, the shared dinners (Chinese steamed fish was one of Di’s favourites).

The postcard I really love from our exchanges is this one. Di sent a collage of a rosa cantabrigiensis and I added some more leaves painted onto tracing paper for a 3-D effect. I like it for Di’s original collage, for the additions I made and the fact it all encompasses a shared love of plants and gardening. I already miss Di but will carry good memories of her in my heart.

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Jim Fawcett published a tribute .

Auntie Di in the Garden at High House with baby Eleanor, Grandpa James and me. Must be summer 1979. Di would always grab me with a hug and smile, wise words and kindness, just like aunties should. It is lovely to read here about the impact Di had on so many people during her life.

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Cathy Marshall published a comment .

Happy memories of James and High House, Di as a young mim and you and Eleanor so tiny and so cute xxxx

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Kate Johnson published a tribute .

The photo is of Di and my mum (Joy Brook) in October 2015, taken, I think, by William. It shows so very vividly the spirit of kind and caring friendship that was such a part of Di’s personality.

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Cathy Marshall (Fawcett) published a comment .

Hi Kate, what a lovely picture of Joy and Di, Joy was their adopted granny after Barbara died and meant so much to them all having her and Peter in Cambridge xxx

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Max Kettenacker published a tribute .

And here she is during one of our many teas in the studio, with some 'guests'.

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Max Kettenacker published a tribute .

Di played a pivotal role in setting up the Allies and Morrison Cambridge studio in 2014. She was an inspiration to us all there, providing huge encouragement and support along the way. And, of course, always challenging us to sharpen our ideas, including Bob and Graham! Her incisive approach and love of conservation design helped us win some key projects, such as the masterplan for the St John’s and the Bradfield project for Darwin College. She brought such positive energy and enthusiasm to the studio, instigating teas, lunches, punting trips, talks and lots more.

Here she is with the team on the Mill Bridge in the first year of the fledging studio in 2015 (fittingly with the University Centre by HKPA in the background).

Thank you for everything you did for us, your encouragement, your devotion and, above all, your warmth - you will be hugely missed by us all.

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Jo Van Heyningen published a tribute .

and here she is with William in 2018, on a wonderful trip to Rome with a group of women architects (men admitted on this occasion). Di was a brilliant enjoyer. I shall miss her sorely.

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Jo Van Heyningen published a tribute .

and here she is at Wandlebury in 1978

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Jo Van Heyningen published a tribute .

Scanning for photos of Di is to scan my whole life, at least since we met in 1968 on our first day as two of the five female architecture students in a class of 50 at Cambridge. We have shared our architectural, friendship and family lives ever since, very closely. She has continued to teach me so much by her example of intellectual and emotional thoughtfulness. Here she is at Scratchwood in 1969, about to zoom off.

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Hilary Lowson published a tribute .

All of us in the Opera Studio initiated by Di during the pandemic and still going strong feel great sadness that Di will no longer be Zooming with us from time to time. We miss her and we remain so grafeful that she started something which has given us all so much interest and plesure. Steered by Sue Thompson, we will continue to explore opera in all its forms, learning from each other, sharing experiences and enjoying friendship. There seems to repeat a common thread running through all the wonderful tributes to Di weaving together intellectual aspiration, passion for one's chosen topic, diligence, kindness and fun. Thank you Di. The photo shows our first face to face meeting in Cambridge in 2021.

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Alasdair Jones published a tribute .

I had the great pleasure of being a student under Di's guidance as Director of Studies at Trinity Hall. I'm sure like many of her former students, Di had a unique and formative impact on my life. Di always encouraged me to strive for the very best in my work, never settling for mediocre and always celebrating successes. I am sure I wouldn't be where I am today without her influence. You will be greatly missed, Di.

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Juliet Davis published a tribute .

Di was my design tutor in 1994-5, the third year of my degree at the department of architecture in Cambridge. She was running a vertical second/ third year studio with Peter Carolin. Di had an amazing ability to expect a lot while being gentle and caring towards her students. She took an active interest in them as people, helping them develop life-long resources such as confidence as well as design skills, and helping to prepare us for practice.

She and Peter organised a memorable study visit to Dublin, in January 1995. Highlights were visiting the regenerating Temple Bar district, meeting a number of the Group 91 architects who had spearheaded its transformation, and a talk by Shane de Blacam about his sensitive architectural insertions between old buildings at the heart of UCD.

Learning from projects such as O’Donnell’s Irish Film Centre and the quiet craftsmanship of de Blacam’s UCD Atrium, we worked on urban infill sites and briefs for modest, practical buildings in Cambridge over the course of the year. The challenge was to respond imaginatively to ordinary, existing conditions - edges of paving, party walls, traces of historic occupation, materials and patinated surfaces - and to stitch these pieces together anew through  intervention. 

Di and Peter encouraged model making, working slowly and iteratively to built progressively a deeper understanding of programme and the articulation of architectural elements. The first project involved making a large piece of a pavilion- scaled structure at 1:20. Tony Fretton and MJ Long were among the critics we were lucky enough to have, and a quality of conversation and feedback characterised those sessions that I will never forget. I will also never forget Di’s continual, genuine cheerfulness, her ability to bring lightheartness and laughter to the hothouse environment of the 3rd studio, as to the cold streets and icy winds of our urban walks in Dublin.

In 1995, Di was also working on a project to document and showcase the houses, built and unbuilt, of the architect Baillie Scott. The modelmaking skills I’d developed in studio were put immediately to good use after completing the year as I was one of a few students to be employed to work on the models for an exhibition ‘Baillie Scott: The Artistic House’ which she held at Kettle’s Yard in September of the same year, linked to a book of the same title. We were all rather tired and didn’t work quickly as I recall - Di must have found us frustrating though she didn’t let on, buying us ice creams on the hot afternoons.

I owe to Di a huge debt in my own teaching career not least in terms of a long-held belief that helping students succeed is not at all about telling them what to do or imposing a style or philosophy - the old school master and pupil model - but all about guiding the process of design ideation and development. As such, it is about encouraging exploration through constant observation, and helping students to integrate the different forms of knowledge, skill, experience and patient labour that design entails. She taught me, through the effects her teaching method had on me, of the crucial importance of developing in students a sense of self-belief and a sense of capacity to think big and achieve great things.

Di has been an inspiration since that happy time at Cambridge so many years ago.

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Anna Joynt published a tribute .

I saw Di recently at a Cambridge Architecture Faculty 100 year Celebration event. She was her lovely warm self, there in her natty bright blue bolero jacket. She introduced me to Eleanor (“my lovely daughter”) and asked me about Allies and Morrison’s recent competition win at the Barbican. “Will you write the Conservation Plan?” she asked. “It SO needs one!!” She was, as ever, so engaged, interested and shining a light for great work in architecture. Others will be writing the Conservation Plan on this project, collaborating with A&M. For a superb example of such a thing, all of us conservationists would do well to look back at Di’s seminal Conservation Plan for the Royal Festival Hall. Written in 1998 it was ahead of the curve as a Conservation Plan for a modern building. It is a great piece of work and Di was rightly proud of it. Concise, pithy, written in her lucid style, it is useful and a very good read, communicating what’s important and wonderfully capturing the spirit of the building. Di always seemed to get that for historic buildings and put it across it with verve and her inimitable style. She brought courageous, positive energy and love of design to conservation. She could be pretty sharp as a critic, but was also an encouraging and emboldening colleague. I’m very glad to have met her, and to have worked with her.

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Peter Kelly published a tribute .

Di and Peter Kelly at Onchan Village Hall, cutting the cake at Baillie Scott's 150th birthday celebration on 23rd October 2015 - the Hall dates from 1897-98 when Baiilie Scott was living on the Isle of Man.

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David Grech published a tribute .

I had the privilege of serving as Vice-chair of the Cambridge Design and Conservation Panel during the 7 years that Di was its Chair. Her sharp eye and quick mind made her an incisive critic and woe betide any architect who attempted to flannel a response to her robust examination! Di was driven to get the best from any development, and even the good schemes had scope for improvement. She would constantly challenge everyone, designers, their clients and the City Council, to raise the bar. I don’t know how many projects we reviewed over that period, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it was in excess of 50. And many of those projects have now come to fruition, or are currently under construction. So, Di, your tireless efforts have helped make Cambridge a better place than it might otherwise have been. Thank you for your encouragement and support, you will be missed by many.

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J. Myfanwy E. Woods-Jack published a tribute .

I have known Di ever since I was a little girl. Her mother, Joan, was like a grandmother to me and my numerous siblings when we were little, inviting all of over for Sunday lunch after church on a regular basis. It was therefore inevitable that our paths would cross, together with those of her brother, Roger. As a child, I distinctly remember thinking of her as a very elegant lady. Her clothes were made of such pretty fabrics and she had a gentle voice accompanied by a warm and welcoming smile, the smile of someone who listens, carefully. These are all impressions from childhood but they have always stuck, for obvious reasons, for then getting to know her once I was an adult too, I saw my young instincts were good ones! These years of Covid brought us back into more frequent contact as we were both part of an inspiring on-line Christian Science church group in Carlisle, so we would "meet" regularly and I could hear her testimonies. She always had great clarity of thought and beauty of expression. She was also generous in sharing her own study and insight with others and I was so very grateful when she shared some of her ideas with me. I saved them all. I have delighted in looking at the photographs people have so kindly shared. What a gallery of joy and love! I know she has had an incredible public life thanks to her talent and skills as a architect, something I have always admired about her. However, my memories of Di are those of my childhood, church, family, seeing her children in Kendal as little ones and I am truly grateful for them all.

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Liz King published a tribute .

Colleague, collaborator, mentor and most of all, a wonderful friend. Our paths crossed at Allies and Morrison, we later taught together for Trinity Hall college, we co-ordinated a design review panel and latterly, we were embarking on a shared design project reinvigorating a Baillie Scott house. Words cannot express my sadness that you will no longer be there to share your razor-sharp expertise, wisdom and warmth with us all. The image is one of Di's own prints that she dedicated to my son, Magnus, when he showed a keen interest in her printing work on a visit to William and Di's home and studio. It was so characteristic of Di to spring at an opportunity to nurture others in developing their own creativity to match hers. Our friendship spanned 22 years and she was always there to offer her generous support, encouragement and utterly frank advice. Go well, dear Di, I shall miss you.

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Jeremy Sanders published a tribute .

I am so sorry to hear this sad news. Di and I have been members of the North West Cambridge Quality and Sustainability Panel for almost ten years: I'm just a local resident and academic with no professional knowledge of architecture or town planning, so I learned so much from Di about how to think about buildings and their relationships with each other and with people. I always admired her razor-sharp mind, her comments delivered with gentle humanity and humour, and of course her determination to go everywhere whatever the mobility challenges might be.
She made a great contribution to the development of Cambridge, enriched our lives and will be much missed.

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Joann Van Atta published a tribute .

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Joann Van Atta published a tribute .

Remembering Di on Green’s Island Maine. Robyn Metcalfe brought us altogether to share in adventures & Lobsters! We all miss her generous spirit.

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Mary Webster published a tribute .

I will always be so grateful to Di for setting up What Shall We Do Today; what a generous and connective gift to us all. The groups became a focus of the week during lockdowns and continued to delight and stimulate thereafter. I always remember the intensity with which Di listened, her broad interests, intelligence and empathy resonated in all she contributed. We only met once, I remember being suprised at her diminutive size after only encountering her big personality on zoom. I was so hoping to meet her again next time I was in England. I often sketched during our meetings, the photo is the one I did in our last Modern Art Group zoom. A short encounter compared to many of you, but I will always remember her with thanks.

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David Gye published a tribute .

Di was an enthusiastic, wide-eyed, funny, generous companion on our trip to northern Iran in 1970. Robin Bishop, Di and I recorded tomb-towers with Robert Hillenbrand, roughing it a bit in remote places. Di was the making of the trip, such a life-force even when still very young. Wonderful memories, sadly missed.

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Meredith Bowles published a tribute .

What sad news, and what a loss for us all. It was always engaging to be with Di, who spent much time in Cambridge calling us all to account in the endless quest to make a better city. It was educational to visit buildings with Di, and I was always fearful when being grilled about my own work. But she managed to be demanding whilst giving support and making one feel that rising to the challenge is an imperative. It was inspiring to have someone like Di devoting herself to the good of all.

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Susan Jones published a tribute .

Di created this print for her grandchildren - she thought they would find it rather ‘Jolly’.

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Susan Jones published a tribute .

We were all enriched by Dianes presence in the Printmaking studio. Always inspired, enthralled and surprised by her experience and achievements, and her wonderful determination, and wicked sense of humour. We will miss you so much. What and amazing life. Diane working in the Print Studio July 2022.

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Gillian Beer published a tribute .

What a life-giving presence! I knew Di only a little, from when she was in charge of the design of the English Faculty Building here in Cambridge. It was always a pleasure to encounter her then, and later at concerts and on trains where we enjoyed some exhilarating conversation.

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John Bates published a tribute .

I met Diane in 1973, when she and I shared a house with the owner Brenda Stones, a mutual friend. It was a very happy time, and the three of us would often play terrible duets on the piano. At the time, as far as I remember, Diane was “running” two boyfriends, and the following summer she actually arranged to meet up with them both (separately!) in the US, on the basis of which she chose the right one (in my view!) – William. Afterwards William and Di lived for a short while in my house in London.
At the end of 1976, I bought a ruined Victorian “coach house” (brewery stable) in Dorset, and very soon realised that I needed serious architectural assistance. By this time, William and Di were married and over the next 9 years, among all their other activities (including children and Hong Kong) they did a most wonderful job, working with me to achieve what I wanted, and adding countless little details which I would never have thought of. As a result, a ruined industrial building was converted into a beautiful home.
I eventually sold the Old Coach House, Wyke, Gillingham in 1998, but have been back from time to time to see how the two sets of new owners have changed it. Some of the internal arrangements have been altered, but the outside remains as William and Di designed it.
In recent years, we had met less frequently, but we have always stayed in touch, and Di wrote me a particularly warm and encouraging letter when my daughter was seriously ill in 2012.
Throughout her life, Di was a “prime mover” with tremendous energy for everything she did, while at the same time maintaining a warm loyalty to her friends. In recent years she endured her restricted mobility with extraordinary stoicism. It is very sad that she has left us.

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Robin Bishop published a tribute .

Di with her trusty Nikon in Rome, 1971.
Farewell, sparky co-adventurer.

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Ann Bassett published a tribute .

I had the privilege to serve on the Design Review Panel when Di started as Chair. Incredibly sad news, she was a wonderful teacher and a powerful intellect and voice for architecture. I learnt a huge amount from her in that short period and hugely enjoyed every interaction since.

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Stacey Weiser published a tribute .

Very sad news. I had the priviledge to be on the Design Review Panel at Cambridge City Council with her as chair. I marvelled in her honest and frank approach. I admired her. I respected her. Her loss will be felt.

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Ed Kemp published a tribute .

I knew Di as Roger's sister and understood the impact she had on him and others mainly through his stories about her. We did have a chance to meet several times -- on a lake in New Hampshire, at Greenwich on the Thames for a family picnic. And more recently I attended her online seminar on Baillie Scott. What strength of character, what love for others and for what is beautiful in life! I honor her memory.

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Sue Delafons published a tribute .

Very sorry to hear the news of Di. Her indomitable spirit and creative approach to life will be sadly missed by many Newnham Hons. Her 'What to do today' initiative in lockdown was typical in triumphantly turning challenge into opportunity, and it was great to hear her own enjoyment of it. Her generosity meant we enjoyed wonderful events in the splendid setting of the roof terrace and boardroom of her Southwark practice, and she was always enthusiastic and encouraging at our gatherings. Thank you for sharing this lovely memorial website with us, and warmest wishes to the family.

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Melanie Jones published a tribute .

So sad to hear of Di's passing. It was a privilege to work with her as support officer for the City Council's Design & Conservation Panel and Design & Construction Awards. She was never anything but kind and good humoured, even when I was trying to wheel her over the loose gravel path of the Botanical Gardens in time to make a site visit. Her last email to me was only 2 weeks before she passed; always so sharp but also supportive and encouraging. She'll be much missed. Mx

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Dimitri Demetriades published a tribute .

It is very difficult talking about Di in the past tense.
A wonderful person, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, architect with such a vast range of interests, activities and accomplishments, wonderful in all those aspects, the personification of energy and courage, DI will always exist in our memories.

Memories of our student years in Scoope Terrace, of the family's visit to Switzerland and our getting together in Geneva, of two 68's reunions I attended , of a visit to Di and William in Cambridge somewhere in between. Di, always full of kindness, full of interest for others, full of energy, full of life.

We will all miss her so much!
Dimitri Demetriades

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Robin Hussey published a tribute .

Dear Di, I am sorry to hear this. I had dealings with her through our church and always looked forward to opportunities to work with her because of her insightful and joyful spirit. I know she will go on blessing all as she did while she was with us.

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Koen Steemers published a tribute .

I will miss seeing Di regularly on the 'Quality Panel' - the university's design review committee for Northwest Cambridge. She was laser-sharp and insightful in her comments, always constructive and typically with a good dose of humour. She made the meetings so engaging and I continued to learn from her observations. A consummate professional and a pleasure to work with. Very sad news.

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Valery Rees published a tribute .

Always appreciated Diane's wisdom and perceptive insights at committee meetings of the Newnham Guild of Friends over the last few years. Wish I had known her for longer! Such a lively mind and generous heart!

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Wendy Hirsh published a tribute .

So sad to know I can now only see that special grin in my mind's eye. I got to know Di in recent years through her great contributions to the Newnham Associates. She gave such practical advice to those studying architecture - but also to students concerned about their work and life choices much more widely. As others have said it was her zest for life that was so uplifting. Meetings with Di in the room were simply always better and more fun than those without. I will often think of this wonderful woman. I'm sure she will live on in her family, friends and all of us who had the good fortune to encounter her.

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David Owers published a tribute .

As I wrote previously, it is a privilege to have counted Di as a good friend for over 50 years. Di’s career was varied and remarkable. The upward trajectory was rapid, and became all embracing in ways few have equalled. Her influence extended into social, educational and sustainability realms. Indeed hers was a life lived to the full and with joy from which we have all benefitted. And certainly her spirit will live on.

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John And Gini Yates published a tribute .

Di and William designed a house for us in the early 1990s. During the process, we got to know them well and learned a great deal from them – about architecture, yes, but about so much more. Di’s take on family life and the use of space as children grow into teenagers was always perceptive and often hilarious. The result was a house that we love and still happily live in thirty years later. We were so very sad to hear of Di's passing. We will treasure the memory of the last time we saw her, only a few months ago, sitting in the garden of the house she and William designed for us. She was full of fun and energy then and we are so sad that she won’t be joining us here again.

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Donna Vinter published a tribute .

It has been an immense privilege, and real delight, to get to know Di through the 'What To Do Today' studios. She has been a vivid presence in my life for the last two years, and I will remain forever grateful for the opportunity to come within the ambit of her warm presence every two weeks. I have hugely admired her - for her vitality, humanity, enthusiasm, and wit, and just for her sheer determination to make the immense project of these studios grow and flourish. Her loss is an enormous one, but so is her legacy. She had a tremendous talent for living life to the full, and to a high standard of excellence. I really can't begin to express how much I have admired Di. My thoughts are with her family and with all those who were close to her over the years of a life so very, very well lived.

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David Owers published a tribute .

I am so very sad to hear of Di's passing. She was always such a positive life force and our friendship goes back a long way. She was special to know from the time we first met when she began architectural studies at Cambridge. I was meant to be supervising Di and William, usually in an attic room in Scroope Terrace. But in reality it was the other way around. I learned from them. For a start, they had travelled around Europe far more than I had and knew more than I did of those things that interest young architects. It was a privilege to be her friend ever since. Our thoughts are with William, Eleanor and Francis.

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Shirley Nicholson published a tribute .

What a wonderful thing Di did in bringing so many of us together with inspirational subjects during lockdown. I’ll always be grateful to her for the poetry sessions she started. Thank you Di, thank you.

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Ann Johnson published a comment .

I met Di on-line through her remarkable lockdown initiative, What To Do Today. She was full of life, enthusiasm, curiosity, thoughtfulness and encouragement. What a loss. My condolences to her brother Roger, who I met some years ago. So very sorry to hear this.

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David Heath published a tribute .

I first met Di in 1968 during our first term in architecture school. We became friends and remained so ever since. As a friend, she was always tolerant and supportive and adventurous - what more can you ask? Here is a photo of her I took in 1971 in Silvertown in the East End of London. I can't remember the reason for the visit, nor why i took the photo - and Di's expression tends to suggest she couldn't either. I will miss her so much.

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Pam Walker published a tribute .

With very happy memories of a shared childhood, and in my case, a shared birthday. What fun we all had when we got together in Heysham, Kendal or Driffield. RIP

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Louise Newman published a tribute .

Gosh what sad news; she was a lovely person. I worked with Di at CABE and found this great picture from a CABE party; we are dressed as Canadians (I can't remember why!) and she is front row centre wearing a false beard. X

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Tito Gill published a tribute .

In your dark eye,
dear Di,
I see the mother hen;
your plumage of many colours,
spectral in the sun;
your chuckle and your sympathetic smile.
You gleam, you glow,
and this, we know:
your heart will always lay us
golden eggs

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John Meunier published a tribute .

We have delighted in the company of Di since we first met her as one of my students at Cambridge in the late '60's. This is a photograph of a lunch in our Caldecote house in 2019 with William and Jo van Heyningen demonstrating the growth of a warm personal relationship over more than 50 years. Our admiration for Di is immense. Every encounter was both intellectually and emotionally rewarding. In every issue that commanded her interest her involvement was enriching and constructive. Britain's architectural culture has been a major beneficiary of her indefatigable energy and clarity of thought. It was a privilege to be a part of her circle of colleagues, and friends. She will be much missed by many as well as us, Dotty and John.

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Stephanie Webster published a tribute .

So sorry to lose you, Di. Always think there is plenty of time for another get together! Now it is too late. You had an amazing life. This picture shows the pancake party in New Hall February 1969. Lots of love to William and the family.
Sinclair and Stephanie xx

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