Irish architect Niall McLaughlin has been named the recipient of the 2026 Royal Gold Medal, one of the world's most prestigious architecture awards. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) announced the decision, recognizing McLaughlin for his significant and lasting impact on the profession over a career spanning more than three decades.
The award, which is personally approved by the British monarch, celebrates a lifetime of work. McLaughlin, known for his thoughtful and meticulously crafted buildings, will formally receive the medal from King Charles III in a ceremony scheduled for April 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Irish architect Niall McLaughlin has been named the winner of the 2026 RIBA Royal Gold Medal.
- The award recognizes his influential 30-year career in architecture, education, and writing.
- His portfolio includes the Stirling Prize-winning New Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge.
- RIBA President Chris Williamson praised McLaughlin as a "humble visionary" and an "outstanding role model."
A Career of Quiet Influence
Born in Geneva in 1962 and educated at University College Dublin, Niall McLaughlin founded his London-based practice, Niall McLaughlin Architects, in 1990. Since then, he has built a reputation for creating buildings that are both contextually sensitive and materially rich, avoiding a singular, recognizable style in favor of a deeply considered approach to each project.
His work is diverse, covering educational facilities, cultural landmarks, religious spaces, and private homes. Despite the variety, a common thread of craftsmanship and restraint runs through his entire portfolio. This philosophy has distinguished him as a leading figure in contemporary architecture.
The Royal Gold Medal
The Royal Gold Medal for architecture is awarded annually by the Royal Institute of British Architects on behalf of the British monarch. First awarded in 1848, it recognizes an individual or group's substantial contribution to international architecture. Past recipients include Zaha Hadid, Frank Lloyd Wright, and recent winners like Lesley Lokko and Yasmeen Lari.
Praise from the Profession
In the official announcement, RIBA President Chris Williamson, who chaired the award jury, highlighted McLaughlin's profound effect on the field. He described him as a figure who consistently credits and supports those around him.
"As an educator, he has been an outstanding role model for young architects, while his designs – eclectic in appearance and use – share a sense of care and grace that represent the very best of architecture," Williamson stated.
Williamson also referred to McLaughlin as a "humble visionary," noting that his dedication to architecture as both an art and a professional practice has left an indelible mark. He emphasized that McLaughlin's portfolio is expected to "transcend trends and time."
Signature Projects and Design Philosophy
McLaughlin’s body of work is celebrated for its elegance and intellectual rigor. He has been responsible for some of the most critically acclaimed British and Irish buildings of the last two decades.
Among his most notable projects are:
- The New Library, Magdalene College (2021): This project for the University of Cambridge won the coveted 2022 RIBA Stirling Prize, the UK's highest architectural honor. Its brick volumes and latticed timber interiors were praised for creating a serene and inspiring study environment.
- Bishop Edward King Chapel (2013): Located in Oxford, this chapel's elliptical form, constructed with a delicate timber lattice, creates a space of calm contemplation and has become an architectural landmark.
- Auckland Tower (2021): A distinctive viewpoint in County Durham, this timber-clad tower provides panoramic views and serves as a gateway to Auckland Castle.
- House at Goleen (2009): An Irish coastal home that demonstrates his ability to sensitively integrate modern design into a rugged, natural landscape.
In addition to the Royal Gold Medal, Niall McLaughlin was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 2020 for his services to architecture.
McLaughlin's approach is deeply rooted in the belief that architecture is an ongoing practice passed through generations. He often speaks about the importance of history, materiality, and the human rituals that buildings accommodate. He views building not as the creation of an object, but as an act that shapes community, culture, and learning.
An Educator and Thinker
Beyond his architectural practice, McLaughlin is a highly respected educator and writer. He is currently a professor at the prestigious Bartlett School of Architecture in London and has held visiting professorships at Yale and the University of California.
He considers teaching an integral part of his practice, describing it as a vital continuation of learning. This academic work informs his designs, which are often underpinned by deep theoretical and historical research. He emphasizes that practice, study, and teaching are all interconnected activities essential to each other.
In his own words, McLaughlin responded to the news with gratitude for his collaborators and educators.
"We view architecture as a continuity of practice across generations. We are grateful to our teachers, who passed on the spirit, and our students, who continually question and transform it," he said.
He added a reflection on his studio's core mission: "At a time of accelerating technological change in design and construction, we continue to insist on the human rituals and material practices at the heart of our discipline. Building is an act, not an object."
McLaughlin will deliver a public lecture in London on April 30, 2026, to coincide with the award ceremony, offering further insight into the work and philosophy that earned him this distinguished honor.