Alison Brooks and Faye Toogood recognised in Birthday Honours

(Above) Alison Brooks was recognised in the King's Birthday Honours

by Jennifer Hahn

Architect Alison Brooks and designers Ron Arad, Faye Toogood and Max Lamb are among the industry leaders who have been recognised in King Charles III’s 2026 Birthday Honours list.

The King’s biannual honours programme, which rewards outstanding contributions and services to the country, also recognised architects Peter St John, Tony Fretton, David Bonnet and Mina Hasman, housing advocate David Birkbeck and design journalist Barbara Chandler.

Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) – the highest-ranking Order of the British Empire award apart from dame- and knighthood – was presented to British-Israeli designer Ron Arad, who pioneered the idea of collectible design with pieces like the Rover Chair.

Another CBE went to Peter Rowland Tudor St John, one half of architecture firm Caruso St John, known for innovative renovation and reuse projects such as Damien Hirst’s Stirling Prize-winning Newport Street gallery.

“Caruso St John’s approach to conservation is irreverent yet sensitive,” the judges said at the time.

One rung below that, newly titled Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBEs), include Brooks – the only UK architect to have won the Stirling Prize, Manser Medal and Stephen Lawrence Prize – and architect Fretton, known for cultural buildings including the Camden Arts Centre and Denmark’s Fuglsang Kunstmuseum.

Hasman, sustainability director at Skidmore Owings & Merrill (SOM), was also recognised for her leadership in advancing climate literacy, net-zero design and sustainable urban development.

“Mina has been an extraordinary force in moving our profession towards a more sustainable future,” said SOM design partner Chris Cooper. “This OBE is a fitting tribute to a career defined by purpose and impact.”

Other industry figures to receive an OBE include Birkbeck, whose social enterprise Design for Homes campaigns for better-designed homes, and inclusive design consultant Bonnett, who works with architects and developers to make the built environment accessible for people with disabilities.

Finally, the third-highest ranking title, Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), went to several prominent design industry figures.

Among them is Toogood, arguably the UK’s most prominent female designer, whose playful catalogue includes the Roly Poly chair and Puffy lounger.

“I am incredibly honoured and humbled to receive an MBE,” Toogood said. “This recognition belongs as much to the many talented people I have worked alongside as it does to me.”

Also on the MBE list is furniture designer Lamb, known for his hands-on approach, which emphasises the beauty of the making process, and seasoned design journalist Chandler, who, aged 78, founded the Green Grads platform to support UK design graduates with ideas to heal the planet.

Other industry figures who have been honoured by King Charles III since his ascension to the throne include Scottish-Ghanaian architects Lesley Lokko and Patty Hopkins, as well as designers Michael Anastassiades and Tom Dixon.

*The top photo of Alison Brooks is by Tereza Cervenova and Ron Arad’s portrait is by Gary Morrisroe. Other image credit: Dezeen

This article is originally available at www.dezeen.com.