Leonid Pashkoff

Architect

Leonid Pashkoff (also spelled Pashcoff) was born in Moscow on November 20, 1884. He graduated from the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture. Having left Russia during the civil war, he landed in Shanghai in 1921. Nine years later he was named the most prominent Russian architect of the city alongside A. J. Yaron. (NCH, August 1930)

In February 1926, the French Club (Cercle Sportif Français) opened, designed by the French architects A. Leonard and A. Veysseyre. Pashkoff was assistant architect on this project and received mention for his work in the press for his contribution of "many of the most decorative effects of the interior." (China Press, 29 Jan 1926) . He remained the third important person in the firm until the end of 1930. During this time, the firm built the Monseran residence on Route Delaunay (1927) and Convent of the Sacred Heart on Avenue Joffre (1928); it also announced the design of the Boissezon Apartments (1933).

Pashkoff's wife Nina was a draftswoman at the firm Leonard & Veysseyre 赖安工程师 as early as 1926, and was, most likely, the first woman to be admitted into an architecture studio in Shanghai.

In 1927, Pashkoff joined the committee for the construction of the Russian Orthodox Cathedral on Route Paul Henry, in the French Concession. He designed three versions, all of which were named the best among the submissions. The approved design was in the Vladimir-Suzdal style, crowned with nine domes, with the capacity for up to 750 people. 

In December 1928, Pashkoff exhibited his architectural drawings alongside other artists – Podgoursky, Pickulevich and Kitchigin – in the first Russian art show in Shanghai. His contribution was reviewed as follows: "Finally, there were some interesting designs for a Russian church, which we understand is going to be built near Avenue Joffre in the French Concession. These were by the well known architect, Mr. L. Pashkoff, the design selected being of a building in the Byzantine style, that is so popular with Russians. Those who organized this exhibition of pictures by local artists are to be congratulated." (China Journal, 1929)

As the construction of the cathedral was postponed, the architect temporarily left the city. The cathedral was eventually built in 1934–1937 by the design created by J. L. Lehonos.

In 1934–1935 Pashkoff was lecturer in architecture at the Centre Technique Superiéur, in the French Concession. His subsequent career and life remain to be discovered.