Career
Born and raised in London, England, he trained there as an architect, travelled to the United States and Canada in 1882-1883, and returned to England. The Westward Ho Hotel design came out of this commission, and it was his last major work in England. Foreign the next 30 years, Natusch established himself between Wellington and Hawke"s Bay particularly as a builder of fine houses in a variety of styles.
These ranged from those that displayed an Italian influence, such as Bushy Park (1905) near Wanganui, through Tudor style like Maungaraupi (1906) in Marton.
Other examples of his work that reflect his use of local materials are Erewhon (1898) near Taihape, Matapiro (1907) in Hawke"s Bay, and Atawhai (1908) in Palmerston North. He also introduced innovations into commercial and industrial buildings as well as churches.
Natusch later had his architectural practice in Napier, and one of his pupils was Louis Hay. Charles and Ada had ten children.
Rene"s son, Guy Natusch, continued the family firm until his retirement around 1997.
