THE SON of an acclaimed local architect who recently died has paid tribute to his father.

Graham Brooks, born February 1928, was recognised for his outstanding contribution to domestic design.

In 2002, he won a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Royal Society of Architects in Wales.

Graham passed away in March.

His work can be appreciated in several small housing developments at the Mount, Merevale, Mill Close and Elm Grove Lane in Dinas Powys

Graham’s son Ian said he was ‘very proud’ of his father’s legacy.

“My Dad loved nature and creating secluded and warm areas outside is a hall-mark of his designs,” he said.

“You almost always get two bites at the sun too – ‘L’ and ‘T’ shaped properties create the opportunities for bedroom terraces and morning or evening sun.

“His overriding bug-bear of the big house builders was that they virtually ignored the simple fact the the sun rises in the east and sets in the west… and nothing will change that!”

The New Horizons property in Sully, where Ian lives with his wife, was the last building his father designed.

It won the National Eisteddfod Plaque of Merit in 2000.

Graham’s career spanned more than 40 years and he won 17 awards for his architectural designs.

He graduated from the Welsh School of Architecture in 1962 with distinction, after a year of national service with the Royal Engineers.

“You’ll not be surprised to learn that I am very proud of his work and what he stood for in life, and it is something that I will never forget,” said Ian.

“Retirement didn’t stop him from doing what he loved, whether that was architecture, including garden designs, watercolour painting, the occasional fascination with a historic incident such as the Titanic, or a family ‘legend’ that goes back to his father and grandfather who were both well known Bristol Channel Pilots.”

Ian would like to hold a wake in memory of his father after the Covid-19 lock-down.

If you knew Graham and would like to attend or share a message, ontact our reporter at: Joseph.draper@newsquest.co.uk.