Businessman & Architect Roger Downing passes away
Mr. Downing, who sat up his architectural firm, Roger Downing and Partner Company Limited since 1969 when he moved to the Virgin Islands, was reportedly suffering from a period of illness.
His body is currently resting at the Davis Funeral Home and funeral arrangements are yet to be made.
Downing, who is the Founder and Director of his architectural company in the VI, was born in south east England where he qualified and worked as an Architect. He worked in London but his desire to work overseas took him to the Middle East where he worked in Abu Dhabi, Doha and Bahrain where he was involved in the construction of major banks. After several years, Downing’s desire to travel took him to Bermuda.
Whilst working there, he met his future business partner, Miles Outerbridge.
In 1969, Miles and Roger, sharing the love for the ocean and adventure, sailed from Bermuda to the Virgin Islands to investigate the possibility of opening up a company. Their mission proved to be successful and Downing, three months later, found himself setting up an Architectural/Engineering business on the island of Tortola.
The first years were hard with living facilities rather primitive and work scarce, however, perseverance and determination succeeded and in the 80's business picked up and a building boom began. Downing was extremely busy and it was hard to keep up with demand.
The architectural practice has grown rapidly. He designed and owns the offices where the firm comfortably works on Main Street, a prominent position in Road Town. The staff includes Architects, Technicians and an Interior Designer. His son, Thor has followed in his footsteps deciding on Architecture as a career, qualified in England and returned to the islands to join his father's business.
He was a believer in using natural/organic materials, such as local stone and rough sawn timber in his designs, which offers a rustic look with low maintenance results. This has been demonstrated and proven to be successful with many large resorts that share his beliefs and themes when selecting him as their Architect.
The Management, Board of Directors and staff of Virgin Islands News Online express condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Downing in their time of bereavement.
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18 Responses to “Businessman & Architect Roger Downing passes away ”
My condolences to him and his family; "he did well".
Tony (Titch) Baker