Now in its eighth year, the Women in Architecture Awards shined the spotlight on the inspiring women who have continuously pushed the boundaries of the profession through innovative and progressive design. Today during the Women in Architecture Awards in New York, Shiela O'Donnell and Xu Tiantian were recognized for their work.  Although the gap between women and men in the profession is still present, the awards provides a platform for female architects to be recognized for their work and leadership. 

The Moira Gemmill Prize for Emerging Architecture recognizes excellence in design and a bright future for women designers under the age of 45, with an emphasis on achievements and completed projects, while the Architect of the Year award rewards a single recently completed project. In late January of this year, architect Elizabeth Diller was honored with the Jane Drew Prize, while renowned architectural photographer Hélène Binet won the Ada Louise Huxtable Prize.

2019 Architect of the Year: Shiela O'Donnell  As the founding director of O'Donnell + Tuomey, her leadership and design excellence during her extensive career has enabled her to become a shining example of pioneer for female architects. Her work on Central European University of Budapest transformed the school which was once at risk for closure. 

Jury's comments: "O'Donnell's passion for the buildings of the Central European University was rewarded with an exceptionally high-quality building which she evidently fought hard for. She is a role model for young women in architecture."

Moira Gemmill Prize Winner: Xu Tiantian  The Beijing based architect and founder of DnA Design and Architecture emphasizes "architectural acupuncture" in China's rural county of Songyang. Her work in a culmination of buildings that highlight the communities within the area. From the Wang Jing Memorial Hall, to the brown sugar factory her work exemplifies social impact and connectivity. In addition to the award Xu will receive a £10,000 prize fund which will support her continued professional development.

Jury's comment: "There is an effortlessness, maturity and deftness about Xu's work, which is equally translatable and relevant in rural China as north Yorkshire. Her projects are all deeply contextual, and executed with bravery and conviction"