"The practice of architecture can never be attributed to one person. It is a contributory involvement with the people you work with and those you work for," he told the Herald.
Sir Ian's death comes as one of his most significant new buildings nears completion in Auckland.
Sir Ian designed Devonport's new multimillion-dollar library, now almost finished in the middle of the North Shore seaside village.
The NZ Institute of Architects said: "It is with great sadness that we inform members that Sir Ian Athfield, one of New Zealand's finest architects, has passed away in Wellington."
Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Maggie Barry said: "Sir Ian played a major part in shaping modern New Zealand architecture and has made an enormous contribution to the city of Wellington he loved so much.
"He was involved in many projects throughout New Zealand since the 1960s, most recently with his creative input to the Christchurch rebuild.
"I offer my condolences to his family, and it is a small comfort that he knew of his knighthood. He was one of New Zealand's great characters and he will be missed."
Many New Zealanders are familiar with Sir Ian's distinctive buildings and those reacting on Twitter to his death described him as "iconoclastic" and "legendary".
