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Landscape architect Lynn Kinnear, founder of Kinnear Landscape Architects and who worked on projects such as the Stirling Prize-winning Burntwood School, has died aged 64.
Kinnear, described by Observer architecture critic Ron Moore as “one of the preeminent landscape architects of her generation”, died earlier this month after a battle with cancer.
Kinnear was born in Edinburgh in 1960 and studied at Heriot-Watt University before working at architecture studios such as SOM and Gillespies before setting up his own studio in 1991.
She was diagnosed with cancer in 2017 but continued to run her clinic until 2023.
During a career spanning three decades, Kinnear designed numerous playgrounds, including Drapers Field and Normand Park, as well as parks, public squares and school play spaces, including Chobham Academy in Newham and Dobney School, Hackney.
She has worked with leading architecture studios on high-profile projects including Caruso St John at Walsall Art Gallery, RSHP at Mossbourne College and AHMM at Burntwood School.
Burntwood School won the Stirling Prize in 2015, one of many awards received by Kinnear, who also received the Landscape Society President’s Award for her Brentford High Street project and the Walthamstow Wet Landscape project won Landscape Society Award.
Reflecting on his work at Burntwood School, AHMM co-founder Paul Monaghan told Dezeen that the landscaping was “a key part of the success of the scheme”.
He said: “She was quick to come up with ideas for our school, in which outdoor spaces were seen as teaching rooms, and her concept included a sculpture courtyard, village green and meditation garden, all of which provided a special place for the girls in the school .”
“She was very collaborative but also held fast to her own ideas, which were always strong.”
“The last project we worked on with her was at Tower Hamlets Town Hall, now the old Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel,” adds Monaghan. “It was only completed last year but it provides a new front entrance to the borough.”
“Lynn couldn’t pull it off live, but her powerful designs are still a shining example of how she keeps things simple and bold and makes it look easy.”
As well as working through Kinnear Landscape Architects, she commissioned FAT Architectural Studio, of which her then partner Sean Griffiths was a co-founder, to design the Blue House in London.
The project is one of FAT’s most important works and remained Kinnear’s home until her death.
Griffith said: “Lynn was a remarkable person who impacted many lives and places as a mother, a friend and as a wonderful landscape architect, one of the most important landscape architects of her generation. “
“She left a huge legacy including the natural environment, school playgrounds, parks, public squares and street monkeys that will be appreciated by generations to come.”
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