A Tribute to Trisha Gupta

A dear friend, generous mentor and supportive colleague.

Trisha Gupta  MBE B.Arch.Hons RIBA FRSA

30.05.1947-24.10.2919

 

Patricia Gupta  ‘Trisha’ died peacefully at home on 24th October 2019. The Funeral Service took place on Thursday 14th November at Chelmsford Crematorium at 3.30pm. Family, friends and former colleagues were all welcome. The service was a lovely refection of the beautiful, gracious, strong willed, intelligent and quick witted lady we will all miss.

 

After graduating from Edinburgh University Trisha worked within an architectural practice and then with the Planning Department at Essex County Council. She joined Countryside Properties Plc in 1981 and was appointed to the Main Board in 1984 remaining in this position until retirement in 2007.

 

Whilst working for Countryside Properties she became a member of several working parties including the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, the (former) DETR and the Centre for Accessible Environments for which she was awarded an MBE.

 

Trisha served on RIBA East Regional Council in various capacities from 1987 to 2011 initially as chairman of the Chelmsford Chapter of Architects, 1987-1989, progressing to the office of Vice Chairman and then as Regional Chairman 2003-2005. 

 

Trisha was also a member of the RIBA Women in Architecture Group promoting equality within the profession, raising awareness of the role of women architects, and offering support and encouragement to other women architects. She was a well known and popular figure within the group.

 

During the same period, she volunteered her time as a student mentor at ARU Chelmsford, supporting the university’s mentoring scheme, and participated as jury member on the RIBA East Spirit of Ingenuity Awards.

 

As well as running the in-house design team at Countryside Properties, Trisha was involved with the masterplanning of several award winning developments including St Mary’s Island – Chatham, Great Notley Garden Village – Braintree, St Michael’s Mead – Bishops Stortford, and Beaulieu Park – Chelmsford.

 

She was innovative, professional, respectful and talented. She was a patient  teacher and mentor, a loyal friend and tremendous fun to be with.

 

Donations, if desired, to ‘Farleigh Hospice’ and ‘Cancer Research UK’ may be made via ‘Tributes & Donations’ at www.pauljking.com or sent to Paul J King Funeral Directors, 1 High Street, Maldon, Essex. CM9 5PB. 01621 855552.