A true sole practitioner, Murcutt chooses mostly to design single-family dwellings, and only in Australia. The resulting structures attest to the depth of attention he affords each project.

Murcutt's design work shows the influence of the rural Australian shed vernacular, the Aboriginal people of Western Australia, and Mies van der Rohe. He combines metals, concrete, wood, masonry, stone, and glass. Cladding of corrugated iron and straightforward, open plans are common in his houses.

The American Institute of Architects has recognized Murcutt's mastery — and his international influence — in awarding him the 2009 AIA Gold Medal.

In his nomination of Murcutt for the award, Tom Howorth, FAIA, wrote, "[T]here are few individuals who can claim sole and original authorship of a convincing body of significant architecture. Standing tallest among those few is Glenn Murcutt."

"While some might characterize a single-continent geographic range of work as 'regional,' the effect of Mr. Murcutt's is amplified by impassioned and extensive lectures and a commitment to teaching throughout the world," added Howorth.

Murcutt's work also embodies a deeply, intrinsically sustainable approach. "Recently our architectural field experienced an 'ecological boom,'" writes Tadao Ando. "However, without relation to such a trend of time, Glenn Murcutt has always been focusing on the geographical and regional conditions, from the very beginning of his career."   >>>