Marilyn Reynolds

Marilyn Reynolds (née Hart; 29 August 1927 – 31 August 2015) was a New Zealand architectural writer. She was one of the first female architecture students post-WWII at the University of Auckland and played a key role in the architectural community across New Zealand. Her name is amongst the first six signatories of the University of Auckland Architectural Group's manifesto. She was specifically interested in solving social inequities through architecture.

Early life Marilyn was born in Christchurch on 29 August 1927.

Education Enrolment in Auckland University's School of Architecture dipped during WWII, but grew steadily as the war ended. Marilyn started university in 1945, moving up from Wellington straight after leaving secondary school. She stayed for a few years before leaving without graduating, as her parents could no longer provide financial support. At the school, women were faced with an overly masculine, sometimes chauvinistic environment.

Career Marilyn never registered as an architect due to her incomplete degree, but on returning to Wellington in 1948 she took up a job as a draughtsman and architect for Crichton, McKay & Haughton. They note that architects flourish when designing their own homes, and that many spatial and technical innovations are borne here. Within this, Marilyn was one of twelve people from the Group who received an individual medal and certificate from the NZIA.

Personal life At university, Marilyn met Ian Reynolds. Ian was an architecture student employed by her parents as a tutor. Her daughter, Amanda Reynolds, graduated with a degree in architecture from the University of Auckland in 1989. She works as an architect in the United Kingdom where she owns her own practice. Marilyn's son Patrick Reynolds is a well-known architectural photographer.