Margaret Munro

Margaret Staples Munro (, 28 October 1914 – 26 April 2005), was a New Zealand architect. She was the first female architect to establish a career in the Canterbury region.

Biography Early life Munro was born in Christchurch on 28 October 1914, one of five children to parents Sybil Jameson and Edwin Hamilton, a sharebroker who was heavily involved in the Anglican church. She was educated at Merivale Kindergarten and Rangi Ruru Girls' School. She took classes at Canterbury College, and was part of a group of students that lobbied the New Zealand Institute of Architects after all students failed their Testimonies of Study in 1934. the Gothic style church St Stephen's in Ashburton, although her preference was for houses, especially L-shaped. Her designs often had her husband's name on the plans, such as at The Maples on Wai-iti Terrace in Christchurch, which is the twin of the heritage-protected Helmores Lane house that was Cecil Wood's home in retirement.

Later life

Munro retired in 1965 due to ill-health, but she continued to accept commissions. She was an active member of the NZIA and wrote on architecture for The Press.

Legacy Architecture and Women New Zealand have named their Munro Diversity Award in their Dulux Awards after Margaret. The award is given to nominees recognised for their work in promoting and practicing diversity in their architectural practices.