Architect. Born in Edinburgh and educated at George Heriot's School, Rochead became an apprentice to David Bryce (1803-76) in 1831. He worked in England for two years before moving to Glasgow in 1838 to serve as a draughtsman for David Hamilton (1768 - 1843). He set up his own practice in Glasgow in 1841 and went on to become one of Scotland's leading architects. His commissions include Minard Castle (1842), the former Royal Arch in Dundee (1849), Park Church in Glasgow (1856), the Wallace Monument (1859) and the Corn Exchange in Hawick (1865), together with several other churches and numerous private residences.
Having fallen ill, he retired initially to Innellan and then, having somewhat recovered his health, to Edinburgh, where he designed his own house at No. 19 Morningside Place. He died in his Edinburgh home and lies buried in Grange Cemetery.
