Twenty-nine CIBSE members have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to building services engineering at the 2026 President’s Awards Dinner (PAD), held recently in London.
The annual event celebrates the dedication, expertise and leadership of individuals who have made a lasting impact on CIBSE and the wider building services engineering profession.
Five Gold, seven Silver and 17 Bronze Medals were presented to members in recognition of their long-standing service, technical achievements and commitment to advancing the industry. The evening also featured several additional honours, including the Dufton Silver Medal, the Barker Silver Medal, the Ken Dale Bursary, the Carter Bronze Medal, the Napier Shaw Bronze Medal and the Brian Moss Fan Makers Award.
Gold Medals
Gold Medals recognise major, long-standing contributions to building services engineering and the profession. The 2026 recipients were David Arnold, Kwok-Cheung Thomas Chan, Paddy Conaghan, John Field and Peter Kinsella.
David Arnold has made an exceptional contribution to building services engineering spanning more than 65 years, distinguished by outstanding leadership, technical innovation and unwavering service to CIBSE. As CIBSE President in 1994, and through more than five decades of active membership, he has championed the profession nationally and internationally, strengthening collaboration with ASHRAE and enhancing CIBSE’s global standing. A pioneer of low-energy design, natural ventilation and thermal storage, David has combined academic excellence with practical achievement, authoring influential publications, mentoring future professionals and shaping industry guidance. His enduring commitment, vision and leadership have left a lasting legacy for CIBSE and the wider built environment.
Kwok-Cheung Thomas Chan has made an exceptional contribution to building services engineering across Hong Kong and Asia. Through his leadership of landmark healthcare, governmental and institutional projects, he has helped transform the built environment while advancing innovation, resilience and sustainability. Notably, he directed nine major developments under Hong Kong’s £16.7 billion Hospital Development Plan and championed pioneering Modular Integrated Construction and Multi-trade Integrated mechanical, electrical and plumbing technologies. His long-standing service as Hong Kong Region Chair and Council member has significantly strengthened the Institution’s influence in Asia. Thomas is also a dedicated advocate for education, inspiring generations of engineers through his leadership in graduate training.
Paddy Conaghan has provided exceptional leadership and service to CIBSE, helping shape both the Institution and the wider building services profession. As CIBSE Vice President, Chair of the BIM Group and Chair of the Premises Advisory Committee, he has driven significant strategic initiatives, including the successful delivery of CIBSE’s new headquarters and the advancement of BIM across the industry. A passionate advocate for collaboration between academia and practice, he has championed knowledge-sharing, innovation and professional development. Respected for his mentorship, thoughtful leadership and commitment to excellence, Paddy’s influence continues to inspire.
John Field has demonstrated outstanding service to CIBSE and the building services profession through decades of technical leadership, innovation and institutional commitment. As CIBSE President in 2016–17, he championed greater visibility for the profession, promoting diversity, inclusivity and stronger engagement with the built environment agenda. John has made significant contributions to CIBSE publications, including as principal author of TM46, which informs the industry’s approach to building performance evaluation and energy benchmarking. As Chair of CIBSE Certification Ltd, he has also played a pioneering role in CIBSE’s work in government-regulated energy management. He continues to support the profession as a Trustee of the CIBSE Benevolent Fund.
Peter Kinsella has provided exceptional leadership within the Institution and across the industry. As CIBSE President in 2013, he helped shape a more internationally representative Institution, broadening engagement beyond the UK and reinforcing CIBSE’s global outlook. Through sustained service on the Australia and New Zealand Regional Committee, regional leadership roles and dedicated mentoring of emerging professionals, he has strengthened governance, professional standards and member engagement. Respected for his integrity, collaboration and stewardship, Peter’s contribution has left a lasting legacy for CIBSE and its international community. Peter will receive his award at a later date.
Silver Medals
Silver Medals recognise significant service to CIBSE and the building services engineering industry. This year’s recipients were:
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Ian Giles, for leadership across multiple CIBSE groups and influential work on Guide M, SFG20 and asset standards, strengthening industry practice, professional development and operational performance.
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Ka-Yue Leung, for his service as Hong Kong Regional Chair and long-standing committee member, championing training, sustainability, digital innovation and professional excellence.
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John Mardaljevic, for pioneering Climate Based Daylight Modelling, leading the CIBSE Daylight Group and contributing to standards development, transforming daylight assessment worldwide.
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Kevin Mitchell, for his leadership as CIBSE President in 2022, strengthening international partnerships and member engagement while inspiring the next generation of engineers.
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Andrew More, for his leadership of the CIBSE Heritage and Retrofit Group and advocacy for evidence-based approaches to decarbonising historic buildings and preserving engineering heritage.
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Tadj Oreszczyn, for his contribution as CIBSE Vice President, academic leader and government adviser, bridging academia and industry, shaping policy and advancing knowledge.
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Brian Whitehead, for his leadership across committees, mentorship and advocacy for the profession, strengthening member engagement and supporting the development of future generations of engineers.
Bronze Medals
Bronze Medals recognise dedicated service and support for CIBSE, the building services engineering community and local networks.
The 17 recipients were David Battersby, Ingrid Berkeley, Roger Birchmore, Leslie Copeland, Keith Elliott, Stephen Gathergood, Richard Gilpin, Patrick Leung, Tim Moxom, Shunil Parmar, Sophie Parry, Sonia Pepperell, Dimple Rana, Mohammad Rezvan, Christopher Underwood, Stephen Weir and Peter White.
Additional honours
The evening also recognised outstanding contributions and achievements through several additional awards:
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Dufton Silver Medal: Emmanouil Perisoglou
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Barker Silver Medal: John Mardaljevic
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Ken Dale Bursary 2026: Yijun Liu
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Carter Bronze Medal: Andy Shea
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Napier Shaw Bronze Medal: Masha Sayfikar
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Brian Moss Fan Makers Award: May Zune
Ken Butcher, CIBSE Editorial Manager, received a President’s Commendation in recognition of his long service to the Institution, having worked for CIBSE for 49 years.
Celebrating dedication to the profession
The President’s Awards Dinner is an opportunity to recognise the people whose expertise, commitment and generosity of time help strengthen CIBSE and the wider building services engineering profession. From technical innovation and industry leadership to mentoring, education and regional engagement, this year’s recipients reflect the breadth of contributions that support the profession’s continued development.
CIBSE congratulates all the medal recipients and awardees and thanks them for their outstanding service to the Institution and the industry.