The house at 13 Richmond Avenue, Nelson, designed by prolific Nelson architect A.R. Griffin, exemplifies his eclectic mix of early twentieth century styles, and has architectural significance for the ways in which his work drew from North American as well as local and Australian traditions. Arthur Reynolds Griffin (1883-1967) was the grandson of John Griffin, the founder of Griffin & Sons Ltd, the Nelson-based biscuit company. Born and raised in Nelson, A.R. Griffin trained in architecture via the International Correspondence School based in Pennsylvania in the United States. Simultaneously, he worked as a draughtsman in the offices of JD and L Robertson before setting up his own offices in the Norwich Union Chambers. His work in Nelson was diverse and prolific including the Nelson Institute (1911; List No. 1603), the former Nelson Hospital (1925) and Nurses Home (1916), and the Church Steps (1913; List No. 253), funded by Griffin’s patron, Thomas Cawthron. He designed Nelson’s Plunket and Rest Rooms (1936; List No. 5169), and a host of commercial buildings including the Ritz Kerr Building (c.1930; List No. 3027). He was also successful in winning a number of design competitions, notably Hokitika’s Carnegie Free Public Library (List No. 1702) completed in 1908. It was noted in the local press that Griffin made trips to Australia and brought ideas back with him both for his commercial work, and for the hospital, illustrating the architectural connection between the two countries. Griffin designed the house on Richmond Avenue for his brother, William Biss Griffin, who lived there from at least 1916. William Griffin, an accountant, was in business since 1930 with Charles B. Hodgson. Griffin also designed a house for Hodgson on Ngatitama Street (List No. 1572). The Richmond Avenue house is an eclectic Edwardian Freestyle design. It draws elements of Queen Anne style, such as the small bay window on the corner of the front elevation. The Arts and Craft-influenced shingled roofline is particularly striking. A hipped mansard, the upper eaves extend to create a pagoda effect, while in the front elevation, the roofline drops low over the door creating a porch. While unusual, it is not without precedent, and is perhaps a nod to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Chicago houses such as the Hills-Decaro House or the William E. Martin House. Not unlike the Martin House, the roofline on the north elevation at 13 Richmond Avenue extends to cover a small balcony, the overhang supported by columns. Architectural historian Ian Bowman notes that the combination of Arts and Crafts and Queen Anne styles appeared in other works by Griffin, particularly Dalton House, the nurses’ home at the Nelson Hospital. His use of this hybrid style may reflect the influence of Wellington architects Crichton & McKay as well as his training by the American correspondence school. The house has undergone two significant alternations. In 1997 the back of the house was extended, and in 2004 the second floor was also extended to the rear and the balcony on the north elevation was partially enclosed.