On May 18, The Architectural League will present its highest honor, the President’s Medal, to Michael Bierut, in recognition of his extraordinary impact on architecture and design. With a singular career spanning more than 45 years and a distinct graphic approach, Bierut has made an unmatched contribution to the built environment.

The League will honor Michael Bierut at a gala dinner held in the Crossing of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in Manhattan. There, we will celebrate his commitment to elevating the collective experience of architecture. From his landmark work in the public realm to his design that gives voice to countless institutions, Bierut has inspired generations of architects and designers to push through chaos toward clarity; to strive for accessibility above elitism; and to find joy in the discoveries that come with open, curious, values-driven collaboration.

Please join us in celebrating Michael Bierut and supporting the League’s mission by attending this special evening, co-chaired by Rosalie Genevro, Wendy Evans Joseph, Rachel Judlowe, Fern Mallis, Debbie Millman, Paul Needham, Chee Pearlman, David Rockwell, Paula Scher, and Betsy Smith.

The League thanks the Benefit Leaders of the President’s Medal Dinner for their generous commitments as of April 13, 2026. All donors will be recognized with gratitude in our printed event materials on May 18.

Benefactor
Pentagram

Patrons
Mary and Brad Burnham
KPF

Advocates
Bloomberg Philanthropies
Field Operations
RAMSA
Rockwell Group
Studio Joseph

Sustainers
Alloy
Armand LeGardeur Architect
Arup
Avani Parikh Architecture
Betty Y. Chen
DeSimone Consulting Engineering
Fogarty Finger
Elise Jaffe + Jeffrey Brown
JUDLOWE
Ken Smith Workshop
Carol Loewenson
Paul Needham
Paratus Group
Sage and Coombe Architects
SKIDMORE, OWINGS & MERRILL
Susan T. Rodriguez | Architecture • Design
Billie Tsien
TYLin
Marion Weiss & Michael A. Manfredi
Carol and Mark Willis

Support

The League is grateful to the following partners for their donations and services:

Spirits generously donated by Fort Hamilton Distillery
Flowers provided by Ora La Casa de Las Flores