Dubliner Niall McLaughlin awarded Royal Gold Medal for architecture in UK 

Niall McLaughlin's designs include the New Library Magdalene College in Cambridge which won the 2022 Stirling Prize

Niall McLaughlin has received the 2026 Royal Gold Medal for architecture. Picture: RIBA/PA Wire

Irish architect Niall McLaughlin has been given a highly regarded award in recognition of his “thoughtful, well-crafted” designs and work as an educator. The Dubliner said he was delighted to receive the 2026 Royal Gold Medal for architecture – a high honour in the field that is bestowed on behalf of the king of the United Kingdom.

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) announced on Thursday that Mr McLaughlin will receive the award, describing his work as having a “remarkable consistency” and “shaped by a deep sensitivity to place”.