The W Awards are a celebration of architectural excellence, and this year's event promises to be a star-studded affair. On May 21st, the Architectural Association (AA) School of Architecture in London will host a free evening event, showcasing the very best in the field. The ceremony will feature presentations by renowned figures such as architect and reuse pioneer Barbara Buser, the talented painter Lubaina Himid, and architect Joel Sanders, whose work is recognized through the 2026 Prize for Research in Gender and Architecture. The evening will also see the unveiling of the winners of the MJ Long Prize for Excellence in Practice and the Moira Gemmill Prize for Emerging Architecture, adding to the excitement. The MJ Long Prize, named after the late, inspirational architect, celebrates UK-based architects excelling in their practice, with the 2025 winner, Rachel Elliott, an associate director at Lynch Architects, as a shining example. The Moira Gemmill Prize, on the other hand, shines a spotlight on exceptional global designers under 45, with this year's finalists Hester van Dijk, Pooja Khairnar, Jesica Amescua Carrera, and Mariana Ordóñez Grajales. These awards, part of the AJ and The Architectural Review's W Awards, recognize a wide range of achievements, from groundbreaking building designs to contributions to architectural culture. The AA, being the oldest private school of architecture in the UK, provides a fitting backdrop for this prestigious event, offering a rich program of exhibitions, lectures, and symposia. The W Awards are a testament to the creativity and innovation within the architectural community, and this year's event is not to be missed. So, mark your calendars for May 21st and join the celebration of architectural excellence at the AA School of Architecture in London.
