Brian Klopper was one of WA’s great architects of the latter 20th century.
He pioneered the re-use of buildings, such as warehouses and factories, into inner city living apartments in Fremantle and Perth, all before the phrase “adaptive re-use” was coined.
He invented two material standards: the now ubiquitous steel window, and cut limestone cavity blockwork, both of which are now industry standards.
He led the way with re-cycled materials before sustainably and embodied energy were even thought about.
He mentored a generation of architects with his generous spirit of sharing and teaching.
Brian created an enviable body of work, underpinned with rigorous modernist planning clothed with an Arts and Crafts sensibility.
From modest means in Northam, he was educated at Perth Mod and then at Perth Tech. He had a fierce intellect, always questioning and challenging, a love of ideas accompanied with an extraordinary appetite for life.
On behalf of the entire architecture community, we send our love to his architect sons Matt and Sam, and to the rest of his family.
Words by Peter Hobbs, WA Chapter President
