Sir Nicholas Grimshaw, Visionary Architect of the Eden Project, Dies Aged 85

Published 17th September 2025

Sir Nicholas Grimshaw, one of Britain’s most influential architects and the creative mind behind Cornwall’s world-famous Eden Project, has died at the age of 85. The announcement was made on Monday afternoon. 

Champion of design and innovation

Knighted in 2002 for services to architecture, Sir Nicholas was widely recognised for his bold use of glass, steel and structure. His portfolio includes the award-winning International Terminal at Waterloo Station in London, which received the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Building of the Year Award in 1994 – and The Ship building in Plymouth, a striking glass-fronted landmark that remains a testament to his distinctive style.

The Eden Project: A legacy rooted in nature

Perhaps his most celebrated achievement, the Eden Project, was constructed within a disused clay pit near St Austell and opened in 2001. Designed as an environmental and educational attraction, its giant geodesic domes – or biomes – recreate diverse ecosystems from tropical rainforests to Mediterranean landscapes.

Inspired by the simplicity of soap bubbles, Grimshaw’s vision created a structure where “landscape and building” appear to merge seamlessly. Today, the Eden Project is not only a leading visitor attraction but also a global symbol of sustainability, conservation and the transformative power of design.

 A lifelong advocate for young designers

Sir Nicholas served as President of the Royal Academy from 2004 to 2011, championing creativity and education. In 2022, he established the Grimshaw Foundation, dedicated to inspiring young people through innovative design, sustainability and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

His career offers a powerful example of how engineering, design thinking and environmental responsibility can converge to create meaningful change. His Eden Project biomes, in particular, continue to serve as a teaching tool for learners of all ages – from primary pupils exploring ecosystems to students studying sustainable architecture and engineering.