Successful architect’s enduring impact in local government
JOHN VICTOR CHANDLER July 1, 1940-March 31, 2024
John Victor Chandler OAM JP FRAIA was a distinguished architect, dedicated local councillor and bon viveur. He passed away in March, at the age of 83, after a short illness. His legacy lives on in the numerous public spaces he developed in the City of Stonnington as well as the Save-A-Dog charity he tirelessly supported.
Born in Kew, Melbourne, to Victor and Constance Chandler, John was the eldest of two sons. He studied architecture at RMIT and the University of Melbourne and began his architectural career working for renowned architect Peter McIntyre AO, before jetting off to London in the late-1960s to sprinkle some Australian flair on the landmark Barbican Centre.
John embraced “swinging” London with gusto, coming back to Melbourne in 1971 with a wardrobe from the King’s Road (he once recommended a pair of flares to Mick Jagger) and an Alfa Romeo sports car – a beloved souvenir he cherished until his final day.
Back in Melbourne, John became a partner at McIntyre’s firm, leaving his mark on significant projects such as the Melbourne Strategy Plan, Parliament Station and the Jam Factory redevelopment. He then established his own successful practice, which he ran until the age of 80. His contributions to architecture were recognised in 2013 when he was made a fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects.
In the late-1970s, John moved to South Yarra where, among other things, he enjoyed taking Thunder, a draught horse used by his friends to sell flowers from an old baker’s cart in Toorak Road, for walks around Faulkner Park. His friends repaid him by introducing him to his wife Suzy, and the couple were married in 1980. They had a son, Nicholas, followed by a daughter, Ursula.
His most enduring impact was in local government. Elected as a councillor to the City of Prahran in 1981, he embarked on a remarkable 40-year tenure, serving as mayor four times across Prahran and the City of Stonnington. He was instrumental in creating and preserving public spaces, including the revegetation of Stonnington’s Yarra River corridor, the creation of a park on South Yarra’s railway sidings and the transformation of Cato Street carpark into Prahran Square.
John Chandler in July 2012.Credit: Stephen McKenzie
John’s civic contributions extended beyond local government. He served on numerous boards including the Municipal Association of Victoria, Metropolitan Fire Brigade, Australian Building Codes Board, and Prahran Mechanics Institute. He was also a justice of the peace. In 2014, John was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his tireless community work. A lifelong animal lover, he took great pride in supporting the Save-a-Dog animal shelter, founded by his dear friend Pam Weaver.
John was known for his Bryan Ferry-like good looks, Italian suits, charm, and wry sense of humour. He lived by the Rolling Stones mantra: “You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might find, you get what you need.” This philosophy served him well in both his architectural practice and his political career.
John was a bon viveur who approached life with intelligence, wit and a well-stocked cellar dedicated to the merits of Australian shiraz. He enjoyed entertaining and was never happier than hosting friends, a glass of wine in one hand, ready with a wry joke and insightful conversation.
John is survived by his wife Suzy, children Nicholas and Ursula, granddaughters Coco and Gigi, and brother David and his family. He will be remembered not only for his professional accomplishments, but also for the roles he cherished most: father, husband, brother, son, grandfather, uncle and dog-lover.
Written by Suzy, Nicholas and Ursula Chandler.