The Australian Institute of Architects has awarded its highest honour, the 2026 Gold Medal, to Neil Durbach, Camilla Block and David Jaggers of Durbach Block Jaggers, recognising nearly three decades of influential and enduring contributions to Australian architecture.
The Gold Medal acknowledges architects whose work demonstrates exceptional merit and has advanced the profession in a distinguished way.
Under the leadership of Durbach, Block and Jaggers, the Sydney-based practice has built a reputation for intellectually rigorous and highly civic architecture that engages deeply with communities and place.
Their projects have consistently shaped the national built environment while elevating expectations of contemporary design.
The jury recognised the trio as a significant and enduring voice in Australian architecture, citing a body of work defined by creativity, precision and a commitment to public life.
Their studio operates through an iterative and exploratory design process, where sketches, drawings and physical models evolve together to produce buildings with strong sculptural and spatial qualities.
This approach prioritises invention and ensures each project responds uniquely to its context.
Despite maintaining a deliberately compact studio, the practice has delivered projects of considerable scale and influence.
This model has enabled a strong sense of authorship and collaboration, fostering both design intensity and mentorship within the team.
Their architecture reflects a balance of rigour and playfulness, often pushing conventional boundaries while remaining grounded in local conditions such as light, climate and topography.
Key projects span public, commercial and residential typologies.
Early works, including Commonwealth Place, the Olympic Amenities Buildings and the Brickpit Ring, established a commitment to civic architecture.
More recent projects, such as the UTS Vicki Sara Building, Omnia, Fabric House in Newcastle and the Roslyn Street office, demonstrate a continued capacity to create impactful and widely recognised buildings.
Their residential work, including House Holman and Tamarama House, explores the relationship between experimentation and domesticity, positioning the home as both a testing ground and a place of retreat.
Beyond practice, all three architects have contributed significantly as educators, lecturers and mentors, shaping discourse and influencing emerging practitioners across Australia and internationally.
Alongside the Gold Medal, the Institute announced several national award recipients at its 2026 Annual General Meeting. Michael Sneyd received the National Emerging Architect Prize for his leadership, advocacy and commitment to regional, remote and First Nations communities.
His work spans mentorship, education and policy engagement, with a strong focus on equity, access and community impact.
The Student Prize for the Advancement of Architecture was jointly awarded to Amanda Eessa and Mary Anne Yosef of Western Sydney University.
The pair were recognised for fostering collaboration and dialogue through initiatives such as the Beyond Architecture Student Club and their student publication, supporting peer engagement and elevating student voices.
Dr Elizabeth Brogden was awarded the Leadership in Sustainability Prize for her work advancing climate literacy and decarbonisation across the profession.
Her research and educational leadership have helped embed sustainable practices within architectural training and industry frameworks.
Associate Professor Christine Phillips received the Neville Quarry Architectural Education Prize for her leadership in integrating First Nations knowledge into architectural education through partnerships with Indigenous communities.
Her work emphasises learning through place, cultural responsibility and inclusive curriculum development.
Dr Simona Castricum was honoured with the Paula Whitman Leadership in Gender Equity Prize for her advocacy and research supporting gender diversity, inclusion and safety within the built environment.
Together, the 2026 award recipients reflect a profession increasingly defined by cultural awareness, sustainability, equity and a strong sense of public purpose.