The Collection

Sir David Adjaye OM OBE is a Ghanaian-British architect celebrated for his visionary approach to civic and cultural architecture. Founder of Adjaye Associates (est. 2000), with offices in Accra, London, and New York, his practice spans private residences, furniture, and exhibitions to major cultural institutions and master plans. His largest and most acclaimed project, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (2016), was named Cultural Event of the Year by The New York Times.

Adjaye’s global perspective is rooted in his early life traveling across Africa and the Middle East with his diplomat father. His work is informed by material sensitivity, social purpose, and a commitment to architecture as a force for community and equity. A photographic survey of all 54 African capitals, published as Adjaye Africa Architecture, underscored his interest in documenting and reimagining African urbanism.

Among his honors, Adjaye was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2017, awarded the RIBA Royal Gold Medal in 2021 (the first African recipient), and appointed to the Order of Merit in 2022. He is also the recipient of the World Economic Forum’s Crystal Award and serves on the Board of Patrons for the African Futures Institute, Accra.

His notable projects include the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver (2007), the Idea Stores public libraries in London, and numerous commissions worldwide. For Adjaye, architecture is “a social act,” rooted in history yet oriented toward building futures.