Congratulations to my friend and renowned architect Sir David Adjaye, OM, OBE, RA, for being one of five architects awarded Britain’s Order of Merit. The award was established in 1902 by King Edward VII to honor individuals of exceptional distinction in arts, learning, literature, science, and other services.
I have always admired Adjaye’s Ghanaian-British egalitarian and community-focused philosophy, much like Clayco’s, that architecture should serve the people it’s intended for. It’s great to see him recognized for his incredible work across so many cultural and civic spaces, such as the Winter Park Library & Events Center in Florida, The Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington DC, Ruby City in Texas, and more.
Adjaye was one of the last members chosen by the late Queen Elizabeth II and was recently admitted by King Charles III as part of the King’s first appointments since becoming Sovereign of the Order. From a young age, Adjaye was inspired to make a difference through architecture after witnessing severe inaccessibility issues. He has since worked to provide better care, access, and inclusivity in each project to make them enjoyable for all.
This is a well-deserved success – and everyone would be wise to watch for the continued transformation Adjaye will bring to the architecture industry and our neighborhoods.
Read more about Sir David Adjaye in my previous Architect of the Month feature here.
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