Twenty-nine CIBSE members have had their dedication to and passion for the building services industry recognised with medals at the President’s Awards Dinner.
Five Gold, seven Silver and 17 Bronze medals were presented to those whose exceptional contributions to the Institution and the industry have made a significant impact.
The five Gold medals went to David Arnold, Kwok-Cheung Thomas Chan, Paddy Conaghan, John Field and Peter Kinsella.
David Arnold
David Arnold’s exceptional contribution to building services engineering spans more than 65 years, distinguished by outstanding leadership, technical innovation and unwavering service to CIBSE. As CIBSE President in 1994, and through over 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 (pictured above)
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 transformed 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 a dedicated advocate for education, inspiring generations of engineers through his leadership in graduate training.
Paddy Conaghan
Paddy Conaghan has provided exceptional leadership and service to CIBSE, helping to 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
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 many CIBSE publications, including as principal author of TM46 informing the industry’s approach to building performance evaluation and energy benchmarking. As Chair of CIBSE Certification Ltd, John has been a trailblazer in the commercial forays that CIBSE have made into government regulated energy management. He continues to support the profession as a Trustee of the CIBSE Benevolent Fund.
Peter Kinsella
Peter Kinsella has provided exceptional leadership both 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 were awarded to:
Ian Giles, whose leadership roles across multiple CIBSE groups and his influential work on Guide M, SFG20, and asset standards, has strengthened industry practice, professional development, and operational performance.
Ka-Yue Leung, as Hong Kong Regional Chair and long-serving committee member, he has championed training, sustainability, digital innovation, and professional excellence, leaving a lasting impact across Hong Kong and beyond.
John Mardaljevic, through pioneering Climate Based Daylight Modelling, leadership of the CIBSE Daylight Group, and standards development, he has transformed daylight assessment worldwide and strengthened CIBSE’s reputation as a leader in technical excellence.
Kevin Mitchell, As CIBSE President in 2022, he inspired the next generation of engineers while strengthening international partnerships and member engagement. His leadership across major global projects and commitment to technical excellence have advanced engineering worldwide.
Andrew More, as Chair of the CIBSE Heritage and Retrofit Group, he has provided thoughtful leadership on the decarbonisation of historic buildings, championing evidence-based solutions, the reuse of existing services, and the preservation of engineering heritage.
Tadj Oreszczyn, CIBSE Vice President, academic leader, and trusted government adviser, he has bridged academia and industry, shaping policy, advancing knowledge, and influencing generations of researchers and practitioners.
Brian Whitehead, a committee leader, mentor, and advocate for the profession, who has strengthened membership engagement, supported technical development, and helped develop future generations of engineers.
Bronze medals in recognition of services, were awarded to: 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, Peter White.
Also on the night, Ken Butcher, CIBSE editorial manager, received a President’s Commendation for long-service to CIBSE, having worked for the Institution for 49 years.