Conrad Smith, co-founder and Managing Director of ReardonSmith Architects, has passed away at the age of 55.

In a heartfelt statement, co-founder and Executive Chairman Patrick Reardon, said: “It is with a huge sense of shock and loss that I’m writing to let you know that Conrad suffered a heart attack yesterday and passed away. Conrad touched all our lives as an extraordinary colleague, business partner and a dear friend; he was an exceptionally talented architect but, above all, a very special person. We will all miss him in so many ways and our thoughts are with his family with whom he was so close and also with his partner, Warren.”

Smith first met Reardon in 1987, and together they founded ReardonSmith Architects, garnering acclaim for projects including The Savoy and The Beaumont, the latter of which was triumphant at the European Hotel Design Awards 2015.

Having specialised in the hotel sector for nearly 30 years, Smith helped to shape the business and broaden its portfolio to include a full spectrum of hospitality work across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Up until his death, he remained an integral part of both the conceptual and execution phases of ReardonSmith’s work, and was equally comfortable planning a budget hotel as he was restoring a heritage property, or planning a new resort.

Reardon added: “We are still attempting to come to terms with our loss and we’re trying to stitch our lives back together. However, have absolutely no doubt that we will continue with all the strength, enthusiasm and dedication as before and, as a measure of the legacy Conrad has left us and in his memory, we will strive as hard as we can to be even better.”