CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand — The Christchurch community is mourning the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Matt Arnold, a respected designer, creative visionary, and passionate advocate for architecture, who passed away on April 10. His unexpected death has left colleagues, friends, and the wider design community deeply saddened.
Arnold was widely recognized for his contributions to design and architecture in New Zealand. A Fellow of the Designers Institute of New Zealand, he co-founded the award-winning web design studio Sons & Co alongside Tim Kelleher. Through his work, he helped shape digital and creative spaces with innovation and thoughtful design.
Beyond his professional achievements, Arnold had a deep passion for architecture, particularly New Zealand’s modernist residential designs from the 1950s to the 1970s. He created the Christchurch Modern website, sharing his appreciation for the region’s architectural heritage and bringing wider attention to what is often referred to as the “Christchurch Style.” His work later continued through a dedicated social media presence, expanding his reach to new audiences.
In collaboration with photographer Mary Gaudin, Arnold co-authored two well-regarded architectural publications, further cementing his influence in documenting and celebrating design. His commitment extended to community initiatives, including his role as a founding member of the Open Christchurch Building Council, where he contributed significantly to shaping the city’s architectural festival.
