The Australian Institute of Architects’ 2026 National President’s Prize has been awarded to Richard Kirk, Allen Kong, Justin Hill and Vince Pirrello.
2026 National President’s Prize recipient Richard Kirk.
Image: Courtesy of the Australian Institute of Architects
The Australian Institute of Architects is a member of both the International Union of Architects (UIA), established in 1948 in Lausanne, Switzerland, as well as the Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA), which first met in Malta in 1965, with Australia as a founding member. These bodies connect us to an international network of architectural associations. The four President’s Prize recipients have been instrumental in Australia’s presence on the world stage, maintaining connection with both the UIA and CAA, enlivening their interaction with, and establishing sure foundations for, the next era of international engagement. They have done a lot of the hard yards to get us to this point, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to recognise them through the 2026 President’s Prize.
Richard Kirk LFRAIA, a former National President of the Institute (2017–18), served on International Union of Architects work programs for many years before being elected onto the UIA Council as a Region IV member in 2023, serving until 2026. Richard self-funded his attendance at UIA Council meetings across the globe and provided an invaluable link between UIA and the Institute.
Allen Kong LFRAIA has contributed to the UIA work programmes since 2014, and since 2020 has been a co-director of the UIA Architecture for All Work Programme. Allen has, in parallel, been chair of the RAIA Victorian Enabling Architecture Committee for 10 years and chair of the National Enabling Architecture Committee for two years, and has served on multiple international and local awards juries. He has acted as an important mentor for the next generation of UIA participants, and he also bringshis First Nations heritage and knowledge to his work.
2026 National President’s Prize recipient Allen Kong.
Image: Courtesy of the Australian Institute of Architects
Justin Hill LFRAIA was previously regional vice president Oceania of the CAA between 2022 and 2024, and was the RAIA International Chapter chair from 2022 to 2024. Justin was formerly based in Singapore for some 40 years and, during that time, provided an invaluable connection between South-East Asia and Australia, particularly as a mainstay of the International Chapter.
2026 National President’s Prize recipient Justin Hill.
Image: Courtesy of the Australian Institute of Architects
Vince Pirrello RAIA was vice president Pacific of the CAA from 2024 to 2026, and has recently been elected CAA secretary, treasurer and trustee for 2026–28. Vince took a pivotal role in the success of the 2026 CAA General Assembly in Auckland, organising and energising the CAA Presidents Summit and establishing the successful CAA Pacific Emerging Architects Forum. Vince has also just concluded a period as chair of both the RAIA national and NSW practice of architecture committees.
2026 National President’s Prize recipient Vince Pirrello.
Image: Courtesy of the Australian Institute of Architects
David Wagner FRAIA, national president, Australian Institute of Architects | Atelier Wagner Architects
The Australian Institute of Architects’ 2027 Gold Medal has been awarded to Susan Dugdale, founding director of Susan Dugdale and Associates.
Yitpi Yartapuultiku (The Soul of Port Adelaide) by Ashley Halliday Architects together with the Yitpi Yartapuultiku Aboriginal Working Group and Wax Design.
