6 December 2012
TONY LOUGHNAN OBITUARY
21 September 1941 – 17 November 2012
Tony Loughnan, structural engineer, co-owner and director of LHTDesign Hastings, passed
away after a short battle with a very aggressive brain tumour.
Tony’s skills, knowledge and expertise were acknowledged in his Fellow status of the
Institute of Professional Engineers of NZ and in the numerous national awards his designs
received.
As an engineer, Tony excelled in two technically demanding fields – timber design and
aquatic facility design. From the 1970s to 90s, Tony led the country in the economical use of
timber in large structures. Along with his team, Tony designed inventive timber structures
that were way ahead of their time. LHTDesign won four national awards for innovative
timber designs, all lead by Tony.
Tony was undoubtedly a leader in the area of aquatic facilities in New Zealand. His passion
and flair for this specialty made him a natural marketer. His impressive knowledge and
reputation brought clients to him. Some of his more notable designs include Splash Planet,
Taupo AC Baths, Napier Saltwater Ocean Spa, and the multi-award winning Alpine Aqualand
in Queenstown. The Kapiti Coast Aquatic Centre currently under construction will be
something very different and quite remarkable.
Tony was a very calm man with a very clear idea of where he was going and what he wanted.
He treated everyone fairly and with respect – and that was what he asked for in return.
Fairness and respect.
Tony loved engineering; he loved his work. His willingness to share his knowledge and
wisdom and his considerable design skills are a loss to the industry. He will continue to be
an inspiration to the LHTDesign team and many others within our industry for many years.
Further information as required;
Qualifications – Bachelor of Engineering (Civil)/Chartered Professional Engineer
Tony’s career commenced in 1966 when joined Hugh Monckton Engineer / Architect in
Hamiliton as a design engineer. He became a partner in 1971 and the firm changed to Hugh
Monckton & Associates.
In 1974, Tony set up in sole practice in Hastings before becoming a partner of Loughnan &
Hall, operating in Hastings and Gisborne. This practice continued for 10 years before
changing to Loughnan Hall & Thompson, on the arrival of Alan Thompson. Commonly
referred to a LHT, the firm rebranded to LHTDesign in 2003. Tony and Alan remained as coowners until Tony’s death, with Tony fully involved in the business and leading design
projects at the age of 71 years.