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In 2026, EPA founding directors George Elphick and Nick Proome were each awarded the SAIA Gold Medal for Architecture, the South African Institute of Architects’ highest individual honour for architecture.
But the story behind the medals stretches back 37 years – to two young architects establishing a practice in Durban in 1989, and the buildings, ideas, people and evolving architectural language that have shaped Elphick Proome Architecture over the decades.
In 1989, George Elphick and Nick Proome established Elphick Proome Architecture in Durban.
What began as a young practice has evolved over more than 37 years into an established architectural practice with a diverse body of work across South Africa and internationally. Throughout that evolution, George and Nick have remained closely involved in the design, development and direction of the practice.
Their influence extends beyond individual buildings. It can be seen in the architectural approach of the practice, in its commitment to collaboration and in the people who have contributed to its work over successive generations.
The Gold Medal recognises George and Nick individually, while also providing an opportunity to reflect on the wider contribution of their careers – to the practice they established, to the buildings they have produced and to the architectural profession.
Photo: Johan Pretorius Photography
George and Nick’s story is inseparable from the story of EPA.
Since its establishment in 1989, the practice has continued to evolve in response to changing contexts, opportunities and generations of architects, while retaining a strong sense of continuity.
In 2017, George and Nick were named the 29th Sophia Gray Memorial Lecture laureates, presenting Evolution – a reflection on the genealogy of ten EPA projects and the development of the practice.
The lecture and accompanying exhibition explored the relationship between EPA’s past, present and future, demonstrating how the work of earlier generations continues to inform the practice as it evolves.
Over more than three decades, EPA’s work has encompassed a broad range of architectural typologies and scales.
From the early projects that established the practice, through its growth and development, to the work being undertaken today, the architecture reflects an ongoing process of questioning, learning and evolution.
Rather than representing a single architectural style, the body of work reflects a consistent engagement with place, purpose, materiality and the people who use the spaces created.
The projects selected here offer a glimpse into that journey – not as a complete catalogue, but as a series of moments that have contributed to the evolution of the practice.
Architecture is never the work of one person.
Over 37 years, EPA has been shaped by architects, architectural technologists, designers, collaborators, consultants, clients and many others who have contributed to the practice and its work.
The Gold Medal is therefore also an opportunity to acknowledge the wider community around George and Nick – the people who have worked alongside them, challenged ideas, shared knowledge and helped build the practice that exists today.
Their legacy is not simply contained in the buildings EPA has produced, but in the people and ideas that continue to carry the practice forward.
The Gold Medal forms part of a longer history of professional recognition for EPA and its work.
From the practice’s early SAIA recognition in 1991, EPA’s work has been recognised across successive decades through SAIA National Awards for Excellence and Merit, KZNIA Regional Awards, SAISC Steel Awards, the Fulton Awards and international architectural and property programmes.
The Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal is a particularly notable recent example, having received 13 national and international awards and recognitions, including recognition from SAIA, KZNIA, the Steel Awards, African Property Awards, WAN Awards, The Plan Awards, RTF Global Architecture + Design Awards and Architecture MasterPrize.
In 2017, George and Nick were named joint Sophia Gray Laureates, presenting Evolution as a reflection on the practice’s journey.
In 2026, that history reaches another significant milestone: George Elphick and Nick Proome are each awarded the SAIA Gold Medal for Architecture.
The Gold Medal marks a significant moment in the careers of George Elphick and Nick Proome, and in the story of the practice they established together in Durban in 1989.
After 37 years, it is an opportunity to reflect on the buildings, ideas, people and relationships that have shaped EPA – and on the enduring contribution of two architects to the practice and profession.
A legacy embodied in 37 years of evolution.
For the full announcement and citation, visit the South African Institute of Architects.