RIAI recognises Rupert Maddock for contribution to architecture
The Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI) has awarded the RIAI Gandon Medal to Rupert Maddock, BArch, MLA, FRIAI, for his contribution to the advancement of architecture.
The Gandon Medal is a lifetime achievement award that recognises a sustained output of quality of work over many years, and was presented by RIAI President Charlotte Sheridan MRIAI at a special reception at RIAI HQ in Merrion Square, Dublin on Thursday, November 30th, saying, “I am delighted to be awarding Rupert Maddock the RIAI Gandon Medal in recognition of his exceptional achievement in public practice, and the role he played in revitalising Waterford city, towns, and villages in the county.”
Rupert has enjoyed a long and rewarding career in architecture, having recently retired as City and County Architect with Waterford City and County Council.
A graduate of UCD and University of Pennsylvania, Rupert’s career has spanned over 40 years. He joined the then Waterford Corporation in 1997.
Leading the Projects Team within the Economic Development and Planning Departments, the team has provided award-winning in-house architectural services to the Local Authority.
Transformational public realm projects, spearheaded by Rupert include the Millennium Project, which entailed the design of the William Vincent Plaza, and the design of John Roberts Square, creating a pedestrianised, decluttered and multi-purpose destination public realm space.
In addition to projects such as the redesign, development and conservation of the People’s Park, the Clock Tower, the Franciscan Friary and Mount Congreve, Rupert’s passion and undoubted forte is the preservation of Waterford’s rich history and heritage.
Under his tenure, Waterford has cultivated an enviable portfolio of museums, under the Waterford Treasures collective, which includes the Medieval Museum, The Bishop’s Palace, The Irish Museum of Time, the Irish Silver Museum and the latest addition, The Irish Wake Museum.
The Medieval Museum has received prestigious national and international accolades including the RIAI Irish Architecture Award for Best Public Building, the International UK Civic Trust Award and the EU prize for Contemporary Architecture, the Mies van der Rohe Award.
Michael Walsh, Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council, paid tribute to Rupert on his achievement. “For Rupert to be recognised by his peers for his contribution to architecture is only fitting. Rupert’s dedication, vision and design ability have helped to transform Waterford to a best-in-class vibrant, accessible and rich city.
“He and his team have delivered almost thirty major projects that have had a tangible and positive impact on the lives of the people of Waterford. From public realm works, to art installations and housing schemes, Rupert has played a key role in making design quality a key driver in all aspects of the cultural and economic development of the city and county.
“Rupert’s contribution has enriched the lives of the people of Waterford, and I would like to congratulate him on this outstanding achievement and thank him for his exceptional service with Waterford City and County Council.”
-ends-
Image attached:
Rupert Maddock receiving the James Gandon Medal from RIAI President Charlotte Sheridan MRIAI (Image: WCCC)
Rupert Maddock was honoured with the Gandon Medal for Lifetime Achievement at the RIAI (Image: Conor Healy)
About the RIAI James Gandon Medal:The RIAI introduced the James Gandon Medal in 2011 and each President of the RIAI has the honour of selecting a recipient for the Medal during their two-year term of office.
Previous winners of the Gandon Medal were Shane de Blacam and the late Jonn Meagher (1947-2021); Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara of Grafton Architects; James Pike of OMP Architects; Des McMahon of Gilroy McMahon Architects; Dr Ronnie Tallon of Scott Tallon Walker Architects; and the US-based Irish architect Kevin Roche.
