The Manser Medal

Manser Medal AJ Partnership

In 2019 The Manser Medal was incorporated within the AJ programme of awards and presented to the architect(s) winning the AJ House of the Year.

The longstanding prize – named after the renowned British architect, RIBA president and Royal Academician Michael Manser – partners with the AJ Architecture Awards (AJAAs) to recognise the best completed house in the UK.

This exciting new development, supported by the Manser family, sees the AJAA House of the Year category renamed The Manser Medal – AJ House of the Year.

The Manser Medal was launched in 2001 to inspire innovation in house design and began life in partnership with the AJ. The inaugural winning project was Cezary Bednarski’s 1A Merthyr Terrace; other winners have included Mole Architects’ Black House and Skene Catling de la Pena’s Flint House.

Michael Manser (1929 – 2016) set up his practice Michael Manser Associates in 1961 and was well-known for his exceptional house design, with projects ranging from Capel Manor House in Horsmonden, Kent to The Quell in Haslemere, Surrey.

The Manser Medal – AJ House of the Year recognises architectural excellence in a new-build house. All short-listed projects will be visited by an expert judging panel.

Jonathan Manser, Michael’s son, said of the partnership with the AJ Architecture Awards:

“We’re really pleased that the Manser Medal has found a home and partner with the Architects’ Journal. This seems to us the best possible union of an award prized by young architectural practices particularly and the most established and respected weekly Architectural publication in the UK”

Emily Booth, AJ editor, said:

“Michael Manser has a significant place in the history of house design and The Manser Medal has long been synonymous with outstanding architecture. We are thrilled to be working with the Manser family to honour Michael’s memory and continue the legacy of this important prize.”