Richard Seifert, who passed away at age 90, was said to have been a fundamental figure during one of the great buccaneering eras of office building in Britain. An inspiring figure in his field of work, he boasted a reputation for mastery and speed and practiced architecture for 50 years. During his career he was responsible for many changes to London’s skyline and built more buildings than Christopher Wren, one of the most highly acclaimed English architects. His achievements were also celebrated with an exhibition by the Royal Institute of British Architects in 1984.

Seifert was born into a Swiss-Jewish family (one of ten children!). From a young age, he set his sights on becoming an architect and after winning a scholarship to the Bartlett School of Architecture in the University of London, he began to pursue his dream. After graduating in 1933, he spent time as an apprentice trainee surveyor and architectural assistant. After gaining a bit of experience, he set up his own practice and started to gain professional attention and proving his mettle in commercial architecture in London as well as further out in provincial cities.

The Seifert Legacy

His style ranged, always displaying his personal touch of eclectic talent. Seifert started off with neo-classic styles sticking to the orthodox design, to eventually branching or to expressionistic modernism. This architectural legend was also the mastermind behind one of London’s most sought after office buildings, Tower 42. This building was originally named the NatWest Tower, serving as headquarters for the Westminster Bank and was a tremendous technical and design achievement for Seifert. He managed to create a space that afforded businessmen and visitors a panoramic view of the city skyscape. This slick architectural design has been since revamped and is the second tallest skyscraper in London and the sixth tallest in London as a whole. Its ideal positioning offers anyone seeking office space in Liverpool Street an ideal solution. The Tower 42 building also goes one step further, boasting a superb Michelin Star restaurant, Rhodes Twenty Four, run by renowned Chef, Gary Rhodes.

Seifert’s Portfolio

During the war years, Seifert served with the Royal Engineers in India and Burma (where he obtained the rank of Colonel) before resuming his practice in London. During this time, he designed a large factory building for Rival Lamps as well as an imposing neo-classic building in Marylebone Road. In the 1960s, Seifert’s taste for the spectacular started to emerge. He designed a 22-storey reinforced office building - Tolworth House in South West London. Also in the 1960’s, he completed the equally expressive circular Space House in Kemble Street.

Another building Seifert is most famous for is the Centrepoint Tower in New Oxford Street. He was also responsible for Drapers Garden, the King’s Reach Tower, the Princess Grace Hospital near Euston Road, as well as high rise housing he designed in London, Birmingham and Glasgow. Seifert ensured his legend lived on, leaving his architectural signature in many places, including the City of London, Birmingham, Glasgow, Brighton, Liverpool, Manchester and Watford.

Other works by Seifert in London and surrounding suburbs include:

• 90 Long Acre, Westminster

• Barnet House, High Road, Barnet

• Britannia Hotel, Grosvenor Square, Mayfair

• Exchange House

• International Press Centre Shoe Lane, London

• Kellogg House, Baker Street, Westminster

• Royal Garden Hotel, Kensington High Street

• St Martin’s lane Hotel, Covent Gardens

• Sheraton Park Tower Hotel, Knightsbridge

• Sobell Sports Centre, Hornsey Road