Building as an act, not an object | Níall McLaughlin

Níall McLaughlin founded his London-based practice, Níall McLaughlin Architects, in 1990. Over three decades, the studio has developed a reputation for elegant detailing and thoughtful material exploration. This careful, consistent approach shapes a diverse body of work across a wide range of typologies. Underpinning it all is McLaughlin’s belief that building is “an act, not an object.” Following the announcement that Níall McLaughlin Architects has been appointed to design a new Catholic cathedral in Sydney, ArchitectureAu editor Lucia Amies speaks with McLaughlin about his studio’s philosophy, process and evolving approach to architecture.   Further Reading Australia’s first new cathedral in over a century planned for Sydney https://architectureau.com/articles/australias-first-new-cathedral-in-over-a-century-planned-for-sydney/ 2026 RIBA Gold Medal won by ‘humble visionary’ https://architectureau.com/articles/2026-riba-gold-medal-won-by-humble-visionary/