Níall McLaughlin: RIBA Royal Gold Medal 2026 | Architecture, Light and Legacy

Niall McLaughlin is the recipient of the RIBA Royal Gold Medal 2026. Bestowed on behalf of His Majesty the King, the Royal Gold Medal celebrates a lifetime achievement in advancing architecture. This honour recognises Níall’s resounding impact spanning architectural practice, thinking, writing and education. This film explores his work, philosophy, and approach to light, space, and place. With over 30 years in practice, Níall’s body of work displays a remarkable consistency, regardless of scale or budget, shaped by a deep sensitivity to place, material, craft, light and form, and by an enduring commitment to the quality of space. His dedication to education reflects the same sustained commitment to the future of the discipline. From award-winning buildings to deeply human design thinking, discover how Niall McLaughlin’s architecture connects people, history, and environment. — About Níall McLaughlin Níall McLaughlin is a Irish architect known for his thoughtful, context-driven design approach. His portfolio is diverse, spanning buildings for education, cultural landmarks and housing, with all the projects unified by a focus on craft and restrained materials. Among McLaughlin's key projects are House at Goleen in Ireland (2009) and the Bishop Edward King Chapel in Oxford (2013). More recently, his notable works have included a prefabricated steel-framed home on the Isle of Wight, the Auckland Tower viewpoint and the New Library, Magdalene College, for the University of Cambridge, which won the 2022 RIBA Stirling Prize. While practicing as an architect, McLaughlin is also an educator and writer. He is currently a professor at the Bartlett School of Architecture and has also worked as a visiting professor at both the University of California and Yale. __ About RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) RIBA is a global professional membership body driving excellence in architecture. We represent and champion a global community of architects, their practices, students and all who share our passion for architectural excellence. Through our advocacy, accreditation, awards and collections we nurture successive generations of architects, celebrate their groundbreaking ideas and demonstrate the impact that better architecture can make on all our lives.