Tributes to top architect and devoted family man
APLYMOUTH architect who was responsible for some of the South West’s most eyecatching buildings has died at the age of 66, after a courageous battle against illness.
Ian Potts was one of the founders of Plymouth-based ADG and worked on the design of many outstanding buildings including Plymouth’s Fish Market, the Peninsula School of Dentistry, Rick Stein’s Cookery School in Cornwall, and the training facility for the GB sailing squad at the London 2012 Olympics.
Tributes have flooded in from family members and colleagues, with Zillah Potts, Ian’s wife of 44 years, saying: “We thought we would be everything we needed for one another, but he was 100 times more than I would have ever needed.”
Ian was born in Manchester but moved to Cornwall, and came to Plymouth to study architecture in the 1970s.
He met Zillah through a mutual friend. Both shared a strong Christian faith, and two weeks after their meeting he told her he felt God had put them together and he proposed to marry her. Nine months later, they were wed. They had four children and 15 grandchildren, and Ian spent his final days surrounded by his loved ones at the 12th century Plympton farmhouse he converted from dereliction to a warm and stylish family home.
Zillah said: “I am blessed that Ian has been the love of my life, and that is all down to God.”
Ian formed ADG with Marc Nash, Phil Burgess and Alec Macleod in 1985 and the firm went on to become one of the South West’s leading architectural practices responsible for many prominent Plymouth buildings including the University of Plymouth’s Sherwell Centre, Plymouth Foyer, the Azure apartment complex on the Hoe, the Berkeley Square building in the city centre, the Gaia Spa at Boringdon Hall Hotel, and the £13 million STEM Centre at City College Plymouth.
Elsewhere in the South West, ADG worked on Padstow’s waterfront, including St Petroc’s Hotel.
Ian retired as a director at the end of 2017, but just weeks later was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma and although he was given the all clear after treatment in 2018 it was the start of a long period of illness.
Ian later suffered peritonitis, which required an operation, and sepsis, before being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in early 2021.
Throughout his treatment and hospitalisations, Ian retained his sense of humour and remained in good spirits, even taking time for family holidays and fishing trips, his favourite hobby, and spreading cheer and his faith among fellow patients.
His family said he was full of admiration for the staff at Derriford Hospital, including the Haematology Unit’s Birch and Bracken wards.
Eldest son Nathan Potts paid tribute to his father’s “indomitable spirit” and said: “Dad battled with his health for the past three years. He faced it with the same strength and dignity that he lived his life.”
Family members highlighted Ian’s caring nature, his ability to speak to people from all walks of life, and his passion for fairness and equality.
He supported charities including the Plymouth Astor Trust, formerly known as Virginia House Settlement, and Dartmoor’s East Shallowford Farm, for inner city children, and was a key member of The Plymouth Fairness Commission.
“Dad always wanted to make sure people were OK and supported, no matter who they were,” said Nathan.
Ian’s eldest daughter, Morwenna Mead, said: “Dad was such a great provider and showed me such love and care so it has been an honour to care for him. He was everything that I wanted in my own husband. If I hadn’t had Dad, I would never have all that I have today.
“I deeply love and miss my lovely dad and I feel blessed to have been able to have had the time to tell him that. I am very lucky to have had such an honourable father to look up to.”
Youngest daughter Meghan Potts said: “Dad would stop and do anything to help anyone. He would always put others first, investing time and money to build people up rather than investing only in himself. Never would he stop encouraging me to do the right thing, operate with absolute truth and integrity and all will be made well for you.“
Youngest son Joel Potts said: “He gave me a good foundation for knowing right from wrong, and how to treat others.
“He instilled values in me that have carried me through. He cared about the community and about Plymouth.”
Ian was a former director of Devon and Plymouth Chamber of Commerce and in 2018 was honoured with the John Laurence Special Contribution Award, to mark 30 years of high achievement, at the 16th annual Michelmores Property Awards.
Colleagues at ADG have led tributes from the business community for “an inspirational man” and said he was always willing to share his knowledge, including as a mentor to students and graduates.
A celebration of Ian’s life will take place at Plymouth Christian Centre on Saturday, October 16, at 2pm.