Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara win 2020 Pritzker Prize
The 47th and 48th Laureates of the Pritzker Architecture Prize are the first from Ireland.
The 2020 Pritzker Prize Laureates have been announced. Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara Farrell are the 47th and 48th recipients of architecture’s greatest honour. and the first to come from Ireland.
The announcement was made by Tom Pritzker, Chairman of The Hyatt Foundation, which sponsors the award.
“Architecture could be described as one of the most complex and important cultural activities on the planet,” said Farrell. “To be an architect is an enormous privilege, and to win this prize is a wonderful endorsement of our belief in architecture. Thank you for this great honour.”
Farrell and McNamara have both been architects and educators since the 1970s. The pair established Grafton Architects in 1978 in Dublin, where they continue to practice and reside. Since then, they have completed almost 40 projects in Ireland, the United Kingdom, France, Italy and Peru. Their work includes academic, civic and cultural institutions, as well as housing developments.
Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara, photo courtesy of Alice Clancy
Urban Institute of Ireland, photo courtesy of Ros Kavanagh
Université Toulouse 1 Capitole, School of Economics, photo courtesy of Dennis Gilbert
Parnell Square Cultural Quarter, City Library, rendering courtesy of Grafton Architects
The Latest
Past Reveals Future
Maison&Objet Paris returns from 15 to 19 January 2026 under the banner of excellence and savoir-faire
Sensory Design
Designed by Wangan Studio, this avant-garde space, dedicated to care, feels like a contemporary art gallery
Winner’s Panel with IF Hub
identity gathered for a conversation on 'The Art of Design - Curation and Storytelling'.
Building Spaces That Endure
identity hosted a panel in collaboration with GROHE.
Asterite by Roula Salamoun
Capturing a moment of natural order, Asterite gathers elemental fragments into a grounded formation.
Maison Aimée Opens Its New Flagship Showroom
The Dubai-based design house opens its new showroom at the Kia building in Al Quoz.
Crafting Heritage: David and Nicolas on Abu Dhabi’s Equestrian Spaces
Inside the philosophy, collaboration, and vision behind the Equestrian Library and Saddle Workshop.
Contemporary Sensibilities, Historical Context
Mario Tsai takes us behind the making of his iconic piece – the Pagoda
Nebras Aljoaib Unveils a Passage Between Light and Stone
Between raw stone and responsive light, Riyadh steps into a space shaped by memory and momentum.
Reviving Heritage
Qasr Bin Kadsa in Baljurashi, Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia will be restored and reimagined as a boutique heritage hotel
Alserkal x Design Miami: A Cultural Bridge for Collectible Design
Alserkal and Design Miami announce one of a kind collaboration.
Minotticucine Opens its First Luxury Kitchen Showroom in Dubai
The brand will showcase its novelties at the Purity showroom in Dubai