RCA alumnus Sir David Adjaye wins the 2021 RIBA Royal Gold Medal

The Royal Institute of British Architects’ (RIBA) Royal Gold Medal recognises those who have dedicated their lives to the ‘advancement of architecture,’ and the award is personally approved by Her Majesty The Queen. In winning the RIBA 2021 Royal Gold Medal, Sir David has become the first black architect to achieve the award in the 173-year history of the medal.

When announcing Sir David as the winner, RIBA President Alan Jones said ‘It was my absolute pleasure and honour to chair the committee and be involved in selecting Sir David Adjaye as the 2021 Royal Gold Medallist. David’s contribution to architecture and design globally is already astounding, and I am excited that we have so much more of it to look forward to.’

Sir David’s practice Adjaye Associates was founded in 2000, is best known for designing the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington DC, and has offices in Accra, London and New York. Current projects include the National Cathedral of Ghana in Accra, the UK Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre in London, and the Studio Museum in Harlem, New York.

You can read more about Sir David’s career highlights and why he chose to study at the RCA here.