Architect and urban planner Marshall Cook is to be presented with the New Zealand Institute of Architects Gold Medal – the highest honour bestowed by the Institute.

The medal is given to an individual or practice for an outstanding contribution to the practice of architecture, demonstrated through the production of a consistently high-quality body of work over a period of time.

NZIA President Richard Harris says: “Marshall's work evolves from a strong New Zealand tradition of innovative architect designed houses with a slight nod in the direction of mid-century Californian masters.

Mr Cook set up his own practice in Auckland in1968 and the firm continues today as CookSargisson & Pirie.

The practice has worked widely in New Zealand and overseas and Mr Cook’s work has ranged from entire resorts and Japanese villages to large scale urban design projects and some of this country’s most acclaimed contemporary homes.

In recent years he has increasingly turned his attention to the issues of urban intensification and how to provide affordable housing in New Zealand.

The recipient of numerous architecture awards, he has combined his long career in practice with teaching including in the United Kingdom, Australia and at Auckland University. He currently teaches at Unitec where he is Adjunct Professor of Design.

The medal will be presented to Mr Cook at the New Zealand Architecture Awards in Auckland on May 14.