William Swanson Read Bloomfield

William Swanson Read Bloomfield (1885 – 1 December 1969) was a New Zealand architect and aviator considered to be the first person of Māori descent to attend architecture school and practice as an architect. Many of his buildings are registered with Heritage New Zealand.

Early life

Bloomfield, of Ngāti Kahungunu descent, was born in Gisborne, Colony of New Zealand, in 1885. His parents were Thomas E. Read Bloomfield and Mary Swanson, and they were a prominent family in Manutuke. Bloomfield's father died when he was five years old, so his maternal grandfather was a key figure in his upbringing. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1913, and moved to England to study architecture.

World Wars

While Bloomfield was studying architecture in England, World War I broke out. He served in World War I as a captain in 57 Squadron. He retired two years later at the age of 74. The eight-storey building is an example of Chicago-style architecture and had a positive reception in Auckland when built.

Hotel Titirangi (1930)

Hotel Titirangi, now known as Lopdell House, was designed by Bloomfield under his partnership firm Bloomfield, Owen and Morgan.

Hotel Titirangi (former), in addition to its connected Treasure House and Te Uru Gallery, is a Historic Place Category One registered on the New Zealand Heritage List.

Station Hotel (former) on Beach Road (1930–1931)

Station Hotel was built to complement the new Auckland railway station across the road. The developers wanted to construct a hotel to American standards, and having studied in America, Bloomfield understood their standards for commercial hospitality.

Binney House (1935)

Binney House is located in Parnell, Auckland, and was built in 1935 in the Arts and Crafts style.

Other

Other notable works by Bloomfield are the Georgian-style Queen's Arcade (1928–1929), the Masonic Temple on St Benedict's Street (1929–1930), Auckland Aero Clubhouse, and St Augustine's Church, Devonport (1930). The Arts and Crafts style St Augustine's Church contained a memorial commemorating local men who died in World War I, which included Bloomfield's brother-in-law. It is another one of Bloomfield's designs on the Historic Place Category Two.

Personal life

In 1929, Bloomfield married Rhoda Gribbin at Holy Trinity Church, Devonport. Bloomfield was a foundational member of the Auckland Aero Club.