Peter James Bossley (born 1950) is a New Zealand architect based in Auckland, most recognised for his role leading the design team for the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.[1] Bossley was an adjunct professor at the Unitec Institute of Technology School of Architecture.[2] He has received numerous awards, including the New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) Gold Medal in 2012 for outstanding contributions to the practice of architecture.[3]
Bossley was born in Nelson, New Zealand in 1950 and attended Nelson College in 1962,[4] followed by his final years at Christchurch Boys' High School.[5]
He initially trained as an architectural technician gaining a NZCD (Arch) in 1974, and then attended the University of Auckland, graduating with BArch (Hons) in 1977.[6]
As a young architect, Bossley set up a practice with fellow graduates a year after completing his studies. The firm was first called Pete Bossley Architects, and then became Bossley Cheshire Architects, a joint practice with Pip Cheshire from 1984 to 1988.[7] In 1989 Bossley Cheshire merged with Jasmad and Gibbs Harris to form Jasmax, of which Bossley was a director from 1989 to 1996.[1] In 1997/8 he undertook the role of adjunct professor at the newly established Unitec School of Architecture, and continued to lecture there for many years.[2] In 1996 Pete Bossley Architects was reestablished.[8] In 2012 a new company, Bossley Architects, was formed.[9]
While studying architecture, Bossley demonstrated an unorthodox personal style, and a strong empathy towards a building's natural environment.[3] These aspects are apparent in some of Bossley's most well-known residential designs such as the Waterfall Bay House,[10] the Brown Vujcich House,[11] and the Okitu House,[12] all of which were award-winning residential designs.[13] Bossley's residential designs are characterized by innovative structural elements, bright colour accents, strong geometry, and dramatic individuality.[6] Bossley recently designed the pavilion holiday accommodation in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, a structure that has the distinction of being located adjacent to a house designed by acclaimed Māori architect John Scott.[14]
Bossley and his practice have received over 40 New Zealand Institute of Architects awards,[13] and the House of the Year Award sponsored by Home Magazine twice – first for the Heatley House, Moturua in 1998, and second for the Beach Retreat, Bay of Islands in 2004.[17] In 2012 Bossley was awarded the New Zealand Institute of Architects Gold Medal in 2012 for outstanding contributions to the practice of architecture.[3] He is also a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Architects.[18]
