New Architect for Southwark Cathedral

14 Aug 2012

Kelley Christ has been appointed as the new Cathedral Architect. She is an Associate Architect at architectural firm Purcell and is based at their London studio in Bermondsey.  

Ms Christ's role will build upon her experience working with some of the nation's most important ecclesiastical buildings including St Paul's Cathedral, Canterbury Cathedral, and Westminster Abbey where she has assisted various surveyors from Purcell. She is passionate about the holistic task of caring for and managing significant places of worship and has personal appointments as Inspecting Architect for three churches within the Diocese. Her appointment, by the Dean and Chapter of Southwark Cathedral, is for five years from October allowing for a three month handover with Richard Griffiths, whose term of office will end on 31 December.  

Richard Griffiths has been the Cathedral Architect since 1977, working with the Cathedral through the construction of the Millennium Buildings.  

The Dean of Southwark, the Very Revd Andrew Nunn speaking about the appointment said, "We are delighted that Kelley will be working with Southwark Cathedral.Richard Griffiths has served us superbly for the last fifteen years and the Millennium buildings will be a lasting legacy of his work with us.We are now in a phase in our life when we need to concentrate on how we can best preserve this beautiful complex of buildings for future generations and Kelley is well suited to this task.Richard goes with our thanks and gratitude and we are pleased to be able to welcome Kelley to the Cathedral team."  

Ms Christ said: "It is a wonderful privilege and great challenge to contribute to the evolution of Southwark Cathedral, a building which is central to its local parish community and a significant historic landmark on Bankside's heritage trail.I look forward to continuing the expert stewardship of this very special place with the dedicated team of people charged with its care."

An image of Ms Christ can be found here

Ends.