Michael Henry Reid Munnik, born in Paarl in 1930 and educated at Rondebosch Boys High School, obtained the degree of B Arch (1st class) at the University of Cape Town in 1953.  After working in Copenhagen and London for a few years he returned to Cape Town in 1957, was a studio master at UCT School of Architecture and commenced private practice in 1958.

At the time of his return to South Africa, the prevailing post-war influences had impacted detrimentally on our buildings and environment.  Understanding of and respect for our architectural heritage was fast disappearing.  Michael rediscovered the qualities and spirit of that heritage and successfully integrated these into his architectural philosophy and attitudes, producing an extensive body of work over the last five decades.  He is also an artist of note.

With a deep conviction regarding the future of the discipline, profession and practice of architecture in this country, Michael made a significant contribution as teacher and practitioner and, while President of the Cape Institute and President-in-Chief of the Institute of South African Architects, played a major role in the development and adoption of the Architects’ Act of 1970.

Many generations of students and architects owe a great deal to Michael for the influence that his work has had on our built environment.  His work is an architecture of humanity and grace with complete visual and practical integration of internal and external space, structure and material.  His unswerving dedication to producing architecture of quality is evidenced by his role in the University of the Western Cape Library being selected for the inaugural Award for Excellence by the Institute of South African Architects in 1990.  Michael’s methodical and analytical approach to design challenges, his diligence, enthusiasm and complete and comprehensive professional service to his clients will remain an exemplar and encouragement to his colleagues, which has earned him many other awards and prizes.

Michael has made a major contribution to various community projects, most notably in the conservation and regeneration of Simon’s Town.  But it is particularly his contribution towards the development of the professional body, in education and in the built environment that holds a proud place in the architectural legacy of South Africa, which makes Michael Henry Reid Munnik a worthy recipient of the Medal of Distinction of the South African Institute of Architects.