Marc Breitman and Nada Breitman-Jakov named 2018 Richard H. Driehaus Prize laureates

This morning, the University of Notre-Dame announced that the French architects, Marc Breitman and Nada Breitman-Jakov, have been named the 2018 laureate of the 16th Richard H. Driehaus Prize. The prize, which comes with a $200,000 check, honors living architects for their long-term significant contributions to the discipline and whose work has made a positive impact in “keeping with the highest ideals of classical architecture in contemporary society." Previous laureates include Scott Merrill, David M. Schwarz, Thomas H. Beeby, Michael Graves, and Robert A.M. Stern.

Marc Breitman and Nada Breitman-Jakov founded their architecture and urban planning studio, Breitman and Breitman, in 1989 and have since built residences, schools, hotels and commercial blocks to entire neighborhoods. Jury chair, Michael Lykoudis, remarked that "in contrast to current conventions of flawed experimentation in public housing, the Breitmans’ work stands out for its beauty and dignity." 

"The public-private partnerships in which the Breitmans have engaged show the power of public officials to transform cities by carefully selecting architects and urban planners who are sensitive to the needs of citizens who experience the built environment on a daily basis" he continued. 

The jury citation also added that "unlike so many recent urban interventions, the work of the Breitmans takes its place in and inspiration from historical cities, breathing new life into beloved and time-tested architectural and urban patterns. Their developments contribute momentously to the enterprise of creating and preserving attractive and thriving urban communities that are sustainable, accessible, and that elevate the cultural life of their denizens.”

The two will honored at a ceremony in Chicago on March 24th.