Two Women Honored with the Pritzker Prize for the First Time Ever

Monique Valeris
·2 min read
Photo credit: Courtesy of Ros Kavanagh; Pritzker Architecture Prize
Photo credit: Courtesy of Ros Kavanagh; Pritzker Architecture Prize

From ELLE Decor

When it comes to architecture accolades, it doesn’t get any better than the Pritzker Prize. For the first time ever, the prestigious award was given to two female architects—Shelley McNamara and Yvonne Farrell. The Dublin-based professionals co-founded their firm, Grafton Architects, in 1978 and have been recognized for their vast knowledge of history, unique approach to urban design, and mastery of innovative construction. In addition to designing one-of-a-kind buildings, Farrell and McNamara, who are both graduates of the University College Dublin, have served as educators since the 1970s.

From the UTEC University Campus in Peru that addresses the area's climate conditions, to the Offices for the Department of Finance in Dublin, featuring a design that allows for fresh air and panoramic views, Grafton Architects' creativity and thoughtfulness is evident in every project. The pair is also well versed in designing expansive spaces that still manage to feel intimate, like the theater floor in Ireland's Solstice Arts Centre or Paris' Institut Mines Télécom in Palaisea. Grafton Architects was also responsible for curating the 2018 Venice Biennale.

Photo credit: Courtesy of Pritzker Architecture Prize
Photo credit: Courtesy of Pritzker Architecture Prize

“For their integrity in their approach to both their buildings, as well as the way they conduct their practice, their belief in collaboration, their generosity towards their colleagues, especially as evidenced in such events as the 2018 Venice Biennale, their unceasing commitment to excellence in architecture, their responsible attitude toward the environment, their ability to be cosmopolitan while embracing the uniqueness of each place in which they work, for all these reasons and more, Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara are awarded the 2020 Pritzker Architecture Prize,” the Pritzker Prize announcement states.

Photo credit: Courtesy of Alexandre Soria; Pritzker Prize Architecture
Photo credit: Courtesy of Alexandre Soria; Pritzker Prize Architecture


While the creative duo has certainly made history, the late architect Zaha Hadid also deserves to be acknowledged. In 2004, Hadid became the first woman to receive the highly coveted Pritzker Prize.

You Might Also Like