Architect and member of the INTBAU College of Traditional Practitioners John Simpson has been named the 2026 recipient of the Richard H. Driehaus Prize, awarded by the University of Notre Dame to recognise significant contributions to traditional architecture and urbanism.
INTBAU warmly congratulates John on this achievement. This recognition reflects his outstanding work across decades demonstrating how traditional and classical architecture can be used to create places of beauty and be a source of civic pride. His buildings and masterplans in the UK and abroad have influenced a global revival of humane, walkable, and place-centred architecture and urbanism.
Masterplan for Paternoster Square, designed by John Simpson Architects. Image provided by John Simpson Architects.
In his address at the presentation, John Simpson said that architecture is the most powerful representation of culture … and that, not unlike dialect in a language, every place has its own version of the classical and its own traditions. This is unique to a place and gives it its distinct identity.
He added that buildings that last tend to be those that belong and have an authority that makes them part of the history and culture of the place. When you tap into that as an architect, I find that the most extraordinary thing happens and your buildings become inevitable, as though they had always been meant to be there.
He also spoke of the importance of preparing the younger generation for the vital role that will fall onto their shoulders: that of making the places in which we live beautiful, enjoyable and healthy places once again for everybody.
He spoke of the necessity of expanding the educational opportunities for students interested in traditional and classical architecture. He mentioned what … a great privilege it had been to have had the opportunity … at Notre Dame, to create their new home on campus: the first purpose-built School of Architecture for over 200 years designed to teach traditional and classical architecture and urban design.
He was also very pleased to have … since been active in establishing another teaching course at … the University of Cambridge for the King’s Foundation, launched on 12 March this year, a course which leads to full professional accreditation in three years.
We are proud to count him as a Member of the INTBAU College of Traditional Practitioners and look forward to his continued contribution to traditional architecture globally. Learn more about John’s career at: ICTP – John Simpson.
Images provided by John Simpson Architects.
Jury Citation
John Simpson’s commitment to exploring the generative dimensions of tradition has led to a career of exploring architectural design across a broad range of expressions. While thoughtfully contextual with respect to local character and scale, his work also stands as a testament to the multiple building cultures that make up all traditions and offers solutions to the critical need for variety and uniqueness of place facing the built environment everywhere in the world. Chief among his projects deserving praise are the King’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace, his many projects at Poundbury for the Duchy of Cornwall, the DMRC Rehabilitation Facility at Stanford Hall, his educational projects at Eton, Oxford and Cambridge, the Royal College of Music in London, and the School of Architecture at the University of Notre Dame.
The jury also noted his long interest in teaching. He has done so informally over the years through his practice, where his often didactic architecture conveys respect to precedent, tectonic quality, and programmatic purpose. And then over the years formally, by teaching at the Prince’s Foundation, the University of Buckingham, and most recently at Cambridge University at the Center for the Study of Classical Architecture He is also a fellow at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge.
“John Simpson has long maintained that traditional forms are environmentally sound and contribute to the sense of local identity. His work amply illustrates that the practice of traditional urbanism and architecture does indeed facilitate the bonds of community by encouraging people of all kinds to share a common, living culture of building and to avail themselves of the opportunity to identify with, live and flourish in its distinctive presence,” said Stefanos Polyzoides, Professor and Dean of the School of Architecture at the University of Notre Dame and Driehaus Jury Chair.
Source: The Richard H. Driehaus Prize at the University of Notre Dame
About the INTBAU College of Traditional Practitioners
The INTBAU College of Traditional Practitioners (ICTP) is a peak international professional body for practitioners in traditional urban design, architecture, and the building arts who have produced a sustained output of traditional work of the highest quality over at least five years of practice.
Entry to the ICTP is subject to quality assessment by a consistent international Entry Committee, drawn from members of the INTBAU International Council of Chapters and the ICTP.