14 Irish Projects in the running for Europe’s most prestigious architecture prize

The international recognition of the quality and impact of Irish architecture has been given a major boost with 14 projects by Irish architectural practices nominated for the 2026 edition of the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture / Mies van der Rohe Awards. An initiative by the European Commission and the Fundació Mies van der Rohe in Barcelona, the EUmies Awards represent the most prestigious recognition of contemporary architecture in Europe. 

The nominated Irish projects reflect the diversity, creativity, and richness of Europe’s architectural landscape, with projects including a monastery, a wastewater treatment plant, infill housing, two schools, a public library, an architects’ studio, a private home and new public spaces and amenities.

The Irish nominees are part of 410 works from 40 countries and 143 regions. Nominations are made by a broad network of national architectural associations – including the RIAI – independent experts, and the Advisory Committee. From this list, the jury will identify a shortlist of 40 outstanding projects which will be announced in January 2026, narrowing it down to seven finalists the following month. In spring 2026, jury members will visit the sites of the finalists, engaging directly with architects, clients, users, and local communities. The winners in the Architecture and Emerging Architecture categories will then be unveiled in Oulu — one of the two 2026 European Capitals of Culture — in April 2026, celebrating projects that define the future of European architecture.

The jury is chaired by architect Smiljan Radić (Chile) and includes: Carl Bäckstrand (Sweden), Deputy CEO of White Arkitekter; Chris Briffa (Malta), Founder of Chris Briffa Architects; Zaiga Gaile (Latvia), architect and conservationist; Tina Gregorič (Slovenia), co-founder of Dekleva Gregorič Architects; Nikolaus Hirsch (Germany/Belgium), architect and Artistic Director of CIVA in Brussels, co-founder of e-flux architecture; and  Rosa Rull (Spain), co-founder of BAILORULL + ADD Arquitectura.

Last year the RIAI presented a major exhibition of the EUmies Awards at the Printworks, Dublin Castle, featuring the 2022 Winner, Town House Kingston by Grafton Architects, as well models, texts, videos, sketches and drawings of the 40 shortlisted works. The exhibition was supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the National Policy on Architecture (DHLGH), the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland and the OPW.

For further information on the 2026 nominees, see The 410 nominees | EUmies Awards

Congratulations from the RIAI to all those nominated!