Sidney George Chaplin [also known as Sydney George Chaplin] was born in Hastings, New Zealand on 5 September 1905 and worked for the Gummer & Ford before moving to London, England where he attended the Bartlett School of Architecture, University College, London. After working with various architectural firms in London, he returned to Hastings. He designed a number of public buildings in the Hawkes Bay area, including the Hastings Clock Tower (1935) and the John Hill building (1938). In 1947 he formed a partnership with H. G. Davies and Eric Phillips.
Chalin was elected an Associate of the Royal Institute of British Architects (ARIBA) in 1930. His address was given as 8, Caroline Place, London in 1929; and Commerce Buildings, Heretaunga Street, Hastings, New Zealand in 1939. He died in 1990.