British architect John Simpson is the winner of the 2026 Richard H. Driehaus Prize, the world’s largest architecture prize by monetary value. Established in 2003 through the philanthropy of Richard H. Driehaus and administered by the University of Notre Dame, the prize carries a $200,000 cash award. The honour recognises Simpson’s lifelong commitment to advancing classical and traditional architecture in contemporary practice.
The 2026 Richard H. Driehaus Prize
The announcement issued in early 2026 by the University of Notre Dame recognizes the lifelong dedication of John Simpson to traditional urbanism and his role as a pivotal figure in the New Classical Movement. The Richard H. Driehaus Prize evaluates architects based on their ability to create sustainable, functional, and beautiful environments that reflect local identity and cultural heritage. The 2026 jury, chaired by Stefanos Polyzoides, Dean of the Notre Dame School of Architecture, included distinguished figures such as Ben Bolgar of the King’s Foundation and Melissa DelVecchio of Robert A.M. Stern Architects.
The formal ceremony, scheduled for March 21, 2026, at the Murphy Auditorium in Chicago, will illustrate the shift toward designing human-centric structures for communities. The modern architect John Simpson, known for the New Classical style, has bridged the gap between institutional establishments and grassroots urban renewal.
As a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), his professional philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that architecture is a public art that shapes the character of streets and civic spaces, thereby influencing the collective cultural experience. His notable works include the King’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace and prestigious educational institutions such as Eton, Oxford, and Cambridge.
Architectural Philosophy: Building for the Long Term
One of the celebrated projects, recognized with a 2025 RIBA London Award, is the More Music transformation of the Royal College of Music (RCM) in London. This £40 million philanthropic project created dynamic new spaces while integrating them into the existing Blomfield Building. The striking feature is the Cotes-Burgan Atrium, a triple-height, top-lit space with a magnificent glass roof. The design has created a social hub for students and the public.
Walsh Family Hall of Architecture, the 110,000-square-foot home of the Notre Dame School of Architecture, serves as a pedagogical tool, embodying the classical and urbanist curriculum taught within its walls. The sustainable building features a grand hall modeled on ancient Greek market structures that link design studios, the auditorium, the library, and faculty suites.
Street DNA Studies
John Simpson’s decades-long commitment to an architecture of continuity, proportion, and human-centric design represents a profound moment within the global architectural community. His research into urban engagement, such as Street DNA, investigates how people visually engage with urban street edges through the use of mobile eye-tracking. The 2026 Richard H. Driehaus Prize celebrates the work of John Simpson, which offers spaces that are beautiful, functional, and connected to their context. The prize recognizes a forward-looking strategy for long-term sustainability and social cohesion.
The Driehaus Prize ecosystem also presents the Henry Hope Reed Award, given annually to individuals who have promoted the classical tradition through their leadership or scholarship. In 2026, this award was granted to Philippe Villeneuve, the French architect who has led the restoration of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris following the 2019 fire.
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