Sir Terry Farrell
Sir Terry Farrell 1938 - 2025
Published on: 29 September 2025
A tribute to Sir Terry Farrell, an architecture graduate and long-standing friend and supporter of Newcastle University.
Professor Chris Day, Vice-Chancellor and President of Newcastle University said: “I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Terry, a visionary whose influence on architecture and urban planning has left an indelible mark both in the United Kingdom and across the globe.
“Sir Terry’s work was distinguished not only by its bold creativity and postmodern flair, but also by a profound understanding of place, context, and community.
“As a Newcastle University Architecture graduate, he remained a passionate advocate for architectural education throughout his life. His commitment to inspiring young talent led to him becoming a Visiting Professor in the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape in 2016. Expressing his enduring pride in and support for the University, he generously donated his extensive archive to the University in 2018. The Farrell Centre, which opened in 2023, is a space dedicated to public engagement, critical debate, and innovative thinking about the built environment. It stands as a living embodiment of his belief that architecture should be accessible, inclusive, and rooted in community - a belief that we share with pride.

Sir Terry's legacy
“From the iconic MI6 Building in London to the regeneration of Newcastle’s Quayside, Terry’s designs consistently reflected a commitment to revitalising urban spaces and making them more vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable.
“His legacy extends far beyond the buildings he designed. As a mentor, author, and advocate for thoughtful urbanism, Sir Terry inspired generations of architects and planners. His contributions to education and urban discourse will continue to shape the future of architecture and city-making for years to come.”
You can read more tributes to Sir Terry Farrell here:
Farrell Centre: https://www.farrellcentre.org.uk/explore/sir-terry-farrell-1938-2025/
Farrells - Architecture Practice: https://farrells.com/news_item/sir-terry-farrell-1938-2025
You can find out more about his archive here:
Sir Terry Farrell collection archive: https://specialcollections.ncl.ac.uk/tf
