RA Architecture Awards

Launched in our 250th year, The Royal Academy Architecture Prize and The Royal Academy Dorfman Award, celebrate under-recognised contributions to design and uncover fresh new talent. Both prizes showcase the RA’s commitment to the future of architecture and design.

The Royal Academy Architecture Prize

The Royal Academy Architecture Prize is awarded to an architect or individual who has been instrumental in shaping the discussion, collection or production of architecture in the broadest sense. The award recognises creativity and vision, and can go to an individual, duo, or group.

2019 winners: Elizabeth Diller and Ricardo Scofidio

This year’s winners are an innovative partnership which, from its inception, has been passionately committed to interdisciplinary work that expands architectural ideas and urban culture. With their practice, Diller Scofidio + Renfro (DS+R), they produce work that consistently demonstrates how buildings can enhance cities and capture the public imagination.

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2018 winner: Itsuko Hasegawa

Last year’s winner, Itsuko Hasegawa, was described by the jury as “one of Japan’s most important architects.” She received the inaugural prize for her inspiring and enduring contribution to the culture of architecture.

Learn more about the 2018 winner

The Royal Academy Dorfman Award

The Royal Academy Dorfman Award champions new talent in architecture. It is awarded to an architect, practice or collective who are reimagining the future of architecture and taking into consideration geographical and socio-political challenges. The four finalists present their work to the jury and the winner is awarded a £10,000 prize.

The winner of the 2019 Royal Academy Dorfman Award will be announced in May.

2019 winner: Boonserm Premthada

The winner of this year’s Royal Academy Dorfman Award is Boonserm Premthada of Bangkok Project Studio. Born and raised in the heart of Bangkok, Premthada founded Bangkok Project Studio in 2003. The practice celebrates the importance of craft in architecture (often employing the skills of local craftspeople and traditional production methods) while local construction methods and materials are crucial to Premthada’s work.

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2018 winner: Alireza Taghaboni

Alireza Taghaboni, the Iranian architect and founder of nextoffice, received the inaugural Award in 2018 for his contemporary responses to traditional Iranian architecture, which takes into account climatic conditions, the economic, political and socio-cultural context of the country and peculiarities of each project’s site.

Learn more about the 2018 winner and finalists