Richard’s niece, Helen, once described him as “old and grey and bent and bony”. I know this because he told me. It was a description in which he delighted - it appealed to his self-deprecating humour and his somewhat over-active sense of the ridiculous.
Not everyone knew this side of Richard. He was modest in an age of self-promotion, shy when others were brash, concise when surrounded by loquaciousness, intellectually rigorous and wise in the midst of sweeping statements, socially responsible and kindly when it was fashionable to declare that “greed is good”. Richard was a wonderful boss. Those of us fortunate enough to work with him did just that; we worked with him rather than for him. He was the captain of a team with a common purpose - to help make architectural practice safer, more profitable and more effective for clients. He made us all feel valued and enabled us to give our best. Having said that, Richard was not quite a saint; in the midst of all that goodness there was a touch of the Machiavellian. For example, the Butterworth rules of minute-taking were threefold. Always accept the role of minute-taker - he who takes the minutes makes the decisions. Don’t let them see what (or if) you are writing - it gives no comfort to the long-winded. The art of good minute-taking is to record what the committee wish they had decided.
Nevertheless, if there was ever a “good cop, bad cop” negotiation, Richard was always the good cop.
Not content with his work for practising architects, Richard was also a founding member of the Institute of Arbitrators Australia. For many years he was a national councillor of that Institute, which benefited from his quiet wisdom, as did the RAIA. Richard never married, but had prime responsibility for his brother’s family, orphaned when the two youngest, Rupert and Helen, were still very young. The task was undertaken with the same devotion that he gave to his professional life. His family was the mainstay of his life, enriching it beyond measure. They are John, Andrew, Nigel, Rupert and Helen Butterworth.
Those of us who worked with Richard have indeed been fortunate. He was a wonderful boss, mentor and example. His was a life well lived.
Margaret Lothian Hon RAIA
Former RAIA Legal OfficerAlthough Richard Butterworth would probably remain largely unknown to the majority of architects coming into the potential minefield of practice in an increasingly litigious world, today’s architects owe Richard an enormous debt for the contribution he made to contracts and contract administration, in all of its complex facets. It is one thing to educate and train architects as designers of our urban development, but quite another to see that these skills are translated into lasting and successful commodities, and a fitting reflection of society’s hopes and aspirations. Richard commendably did not take things too solemnly. If only this quality were to pervade the profession, surely Richard is deserving of a place alongside the “Great Architect of the Universe”. Au revoir Richard.
Don Bailey LFRAIA
Former CEO/RAIA In some respects, his work can be described as “running the architectural confessional”. Practitioners would ring him and present him with endless problems. He had a generosity of feeling and staggering erudition. It was always a pleasure and a thrill to have the terror of practising architecture explained so clearly and in such impeccable detail.
Professor Peter McIntyre AO
Former RAIA President
| | Richard maintained dignity, an enormously clear head and orderliness when all around him had lost the plot. And as the dust settled and his confrères humbly beseeched his wisdom, he gave it with unbridled clarity.
Blair Wilson LFRAIA
Former RAIA President
Richard’s commitment to the Institute and the profession was absolute. His attention to detail and ability to grasp the intricacies of an issue and reduce them to simple terms always amazed me. Add to these talents a prodigious memory and a wry sense of humour and some inkling of the complex nature of his personality may emerge. Committed and contemplative, wise and humble; a man for his times, and a virtuoso in his profession.
John Davidson AM, LFRAIA
Former RAIA President
Richard Butterworth was a reserved and well-mannered man. He was sometimes forceful when circumstances required him to defend the Practice Division, but more often he was quiet, self-contained and good humoured. When thanked for a job well done his response would usually be, “Oh, it was no trouble,” though you knew it had taken him many hours to do so. Good bye Richard and thank you. May you rest in peace.
R M ‘Paddy’ Young AM
Former RAIA President
What is now known as RAIA Practice Services is itself a memorial to the one person who, more than any other, gave the architectural profession in Australia a place of great respect amongst other professions, within the construction industry and in the community at large. That is how Richard should also be remembered.
David Standen AM, LFRAIA
Former Chair, Practice Committee
There were other sides to Richard’s character of which most of his colleagues would be unaware. He was a creative and active member of his Parish Church - not only as guide and confidante to a number of younger Baptist ministers with whom he engaged in theological debate, but also as an honorary architect, caring for the building maintenance and literally making furniture. Richard assisted in the establishment and development of a children’s home which has evolved into a major community service, and a significant outreach of the Baptist Church in Victoria.
James Earle AM, LFRAIA
Former Member Practice Committee
Richard Butterworth was the heart and soul of the RAIA Practice Committee (now Practice Services), and despite his Gold Medal, his contribution to the Institute has been insufficiently recognised by the members of the profession. Farewell Richard, and thank you.
Ian Thompson LFRAIA
Former Chair, Practice Committee |
