RECORD spoke with the 2019 AIA Gold Medal–winner about sustainability and climate change, the growth and density of cities, and the architect’s role as problem-solver.

The Ennead Architects partner emeritus reflects on winning the 2018 American Institute of Architects Gold Medal.

The AIA’s 2018 Firm Award goes to Minneapolis-based Snow Kreilich.

Williams, the first African American to receive the prize, won over finalists Zaha Hadid and Richard Rogers.