The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has awarded the Royal Gold Medal 2025 to Kazuyo Sejima, co-founder of the internationally renowned architectural practice SANAA, together with Ryue Nishizawa. The award recognises a distinguished body of work that has made a significant contribution to architecture worldwide. Presented on behalf of His Majesty King Charles III, the Royal Gold Medal is one of the most prestigious honours in international architecture.
For nearly three decades, SANAA (Sejima and Nishizawa and Associates) has shaped the global architectural landscape through projects characterised by clarity, lightness, and refined simplicity. Their work explores the relationship between architecture, users, and the surrounding environment, creating spaces that are both elegant and accessible.
Through a design approach centred on openness, transparency, and careful spatial composition, Sejima and Nishizawa have developed buildings that prioritise human experience, sustainability, and social interaction. Their architecture often dissolves traditional boundaries between interior and exterior, producing environments that are adaptable, inclusive, and responsive to context.
The Royal Gold Medal 2025 acknowledges Kazuyo Sejima’s influential role in advancing contemporary architectural thinking and practice, as well as the enduring impact of SANAA’s work on the international design community.