Eva Jiřičná received a lifetime achievement award at the London festival

"There is not one specific work that I am particularly proud of," said the Czech architect in an interview with festival organizers. "I am simply immensely grateful to everyone who has worked with me, who entrusted me with the work. Everything in architecture involves teamwork, and I have worked with so many amazing people," she added.

In addition to Jiřičná, designer Neri Oxman was honored for her innovative approach, while Grace Wales Bonner received the award for young designers. The main award went to fashion designer Hussein Chalayan of Cypriot origin, known for his avant-garde designs.

Jiřičná emphasized London's creative contribution to her work. "Everything is possible here; there are no boundaries that restrict your creative freedom, you can simply explore and move between different fields of creation and cultures," she told the organizers.

Among the most notable projects of the Czech architect, who celebrated her 79th birthday in March, are the interior of the London building of the Lloyd's insurance company and the flagship store of the fashion brand Joseph, which she designed in 1988. In May of this year, the Educational Complex of Tomas Bata University in Zlín, which she designed with her Prague team, was named Building of the Year 2017 for the Zlín Region. In 2013, Jiřičná received an award in Britain for her exceptional contribution to the status of women in architecture, named after British architect Jane Drew.

The works of Jiřičná and other honored creators are exhibited at the V&A museum during the duration of the festival until the end of this week.