Speaking to CNN ahead of Tuesday’s announcement, the founder of one of China’s first private architecture firms reflects on a career designing unpretentious buildings in an era of excess.

Pritzker Architecture Prize has been awarded to Liu Jiakun of China, who earned the field’s highest honor for “affirming architecture that celebrates the lives of ordinary citizens.”

The Chinese architect was recognized by the jury for his ability to draw on every site’s unique heritage and challenges.

Liu, known for understated structures that respond to their surroundings, has been awarded the profession’s highest honor.

Liu Jiakun has a reputation for ‘forging a positive relationship between density and open space’ in designs of public areas.

Today, the 2025 Pritzker Architecture Prize was awarded to Chinese architect Liu Jiakun, a Chengdu-based talent whose human-centered designs aim to elevate everyday life. The 69-year-old architect and founder of Jiakun Architects has created over 30 projects,

Pritzker Architecture Prize has been awarded to Liu Jiakun of China, who earned the field's highest honor for "affirming architecture that celebrates the lives of ordinary citizens," organizers announced Tuesday.

You have to provide poetry’ as well as function, says Chengdu-based Liu. Awards jury hails Liu’s designs that ‘elevate the human spirit’.

Chinese architect Liu Jiakun has been named the winner of this year's Pritzker Architecture Prize for his portfolio of buildings that "celebrate the everyday lives of people".

Liu was recognized for designs that celebrate ‘everyday lives of people as well as their communal and spiritual identities’