Past Architects of the Year include Gabriela Carrillo (2017); Studio Gang-founder Jeanne Gang (2016); Teresa Borsuk, partner at Pollard Thomas Edwards (2015); Mecanoo’s Francine Houben (2014); ABA founder Alison Brooks (2013); and Michál Cohen and Cindy Walters, founders of Walters & Cohen (2012).

The Moira Gemmill Prize for Emerging Architecture, which went to Cabral, grants a prize of £10,000 (about $14,000 USD) for continuing professional development to a designer of notable promise who has recently founded a practice or completed her first project. “Beyond her deep understanding of materials and construction, Cabral showed a sensitive appreciation of the life and use of the buildings she designs,” the judges said. “Her commitment is extraordinary and her passion is infectious.”

Since the prize’s establishment in 2012, winners have included Rozana Montiel (2017); Gabriela Etchegaray, co-founder of 2017 RECORD Design Vanguard firm Ambrosi Etchegaray (2016); vPPR founders Tatiana von Preussen, Catherine Pease and Jessica Reynolds (2015); Julia King (2014); Spanish architect Olga Felip (2013); and John McAslan + Partners’ Hannah Lawson (2012). 

The 2018 awards program also honored British architect and AL_A founder Amanda Levete with the Jane Drew Prize, which goes to a professional who has raised the profile of women in architecture, and artist Madelon Vriesendorp with the Ada Louise Huxtable Prize, which spotlights individuals working in the wider architectural industry for their contributions to the profession and the built environment.