TRIBUTES have been paid to an award-winning York architect who was well known in the city and wider region for championing export and overseas success.

Mel Fairbourn-Varley, a director of DWA Architects near Blossom Street, died on August 6, aged 59, following a short illness.

As director of International Projects with the firm, Mr Fairbourn-Varley was a "well liked and respected" part of York's business community, speaking regularly at events not only in the city but across Yorkshire on export.

With more than 30 years experience in practice, and 18 years within the field of healthcare design, Mr Fairbourn-Varley's work focussed across the UK, China, the Arabian Gulf and MENA regions, Russia and Europe.

David Ward, chief executive at DWA Architects, said: "Mel’s commitment to both the company and the sector as a whole has been unwavering throughout his career.

"Mel’s family, and all of us at DWA Architects, are immensely proud of Mel’s role and his achievements.

"He was very well known, very well liked and respected by everybody. He dedicated himself to his work and has shown me unfaltering loyalty, and for that I will be forever grateful."

Mr Fairbourn-Varley joined DWA in 1997 and was appointed a director in 2001. He previously cited a career highlight as winning the Retail International Design Award for the Ferrari Showroom in Canary Wharf, London, awarded by FX Design Magazine during 2001.

Over the last six years, Mr Fairbourn-Varley has undertaken extensive research across the Arabian Gulf Region, Egypt, the MENA Region and the beliefs and culture of Islam to determine compliant architectural concepts for culturally-sensitive senior assisted living and combined family living solutions within the region.

In 2011, Mr Fairbourn-Varley was involved in setting up the York Export Forum. Chairman Brian De Vere said: "Mel will be remembered by all who met him or heard him speak at events as an enthusiastic supporter of business in the region and someone who would always go out of his way to listen, understand and empathise with everyone he met.

"A truly genuine man who will be missed by many. My thoughts go out to his family at this sad time."

Rachel Goddard, chairwoman of York Professionals, said: "We were very sad to hear of Mel's untimely death.

"He was a popular member of the business community and was always happy to share his experiences and insights on exporting. He will be much missed."

Mr Fairbourn-Varley lived in Rothwell, Leeds. He leaves behind his wife Stephanie, daughters Kate and Victoria, and grandchildren Sebastian and Robin.