At the 2023 National Architecture Awards, held on Tuesday October 31 at the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra, the Australian Institute of Architects made an unexpected Gold Medal announcement. The 2003 Gold Medal originally awarded to the late Peter Corrigan LFRAIA was amended to include Corrigan’s business and life partner – Maggie Edmond LFRAIA as the rightful joint recipients.
20 years after the 2003 Gold Medal was given, the 2023 Gold Medal Jury was asked to reconvene and consider whether an oversight had been made in only acknowledging one member of the duo.
During the announcement, 2023 Gold Medal Jury Chair Shannon Battisson LFRAIA said “the Jury was undivided in its conclusion that the work celebrated in the 2003 Gold Medal was that of the team”.
“Architecture is the result of intense collaboration. Collaboration between client, architect and builder. Often architecture is also the result of collaboration between designers as is the case of many highly regarded practices around the world” Battisson explained.
Battisson said, “it is with great pleasure that I announce the 2003 Gold Medal be amended”.
The reveal was received with a standing ovation by all guests in attendance.
Maggie Edmond LFRAIA, who was in attendance at the 2023 National Architecture Awards, was presented with the Gold Medal.
Edmond stated, “Recently, the Victorian Chapter bestowed on me the naming rights to the Enduring Architecture Award in Victoria for which I was thrilled and honoured but nothing prepared me for the recognition I am receiving tonight.
It is both humbling and restorative to have Edmond and Corrigan’s 50 year journey for a life in architecture together finally recognised by the Institute” said Edmond.
The Institute spoke with Kerstin Thompson, the 2023 Gold Medallist, who was absolutely thrilled to hear that this decision had been made.
The announcement can be viewed on the 2023 National Architecture Awards (29.50–37.00) which was livestreamed on Tuesday, 31 October.
Stay tuned for further information from the Institute regarding Maggie’s appearance in Melbourne.
The 2023 Gold Medal Jury consisted of:
Shannon Battisson LFRAIA (Chair) | Immediate Past National President of the Australian Institute of Architects | The Mill: Architecture + Design
Tony Giannone LFRAIA | Tectvs
Julie Eizenberg LFRAIA | Koning Eizenberg
John Wardle LFRAIA | WardleHank Koning LFRAIA | Koning Eizenberg
Hank Koning LFRAIA | Koning Eizenberg
