Former RMJM president died earlier this month, aged 92

A memorial service for Andrew Derbyshire, the former chairman and president of RMJM who died earlier this month aged 92, will be held in London in May.

Derbyshire, who was knighted for services to architecture in 1986, was responsible for a string of high-profile buildings including – when he was deputy city architect – Sheffield’s Castle Hill Market and – for RMJM – York University and Hillingdon Civic Centre. He retired from RMJM in 1998.

Towards the end of his life he became caught up in a £1.2 million legal claim from the family of a former RMJM employee who died of a disease caused by exposure to asbestos. After a 15-month ordeal he was absolved of any responsibility.

During his professional life Derbyshire served on the RIBA Council and contributed to the institute’s office survey which led to the RIBA Plan of Work. He was elected senior vice president in 1981 but beaten to the presidency by Owen Luder.

His memorial will be held at Gresham College, Barnards Inn Hall, Holborn, London EC1N 2HH on May 25. For more details, email ben.derbyshire@hta.co.uk