Daryl Sanders Jackson AO, a towering figure in Australian architecture, passed away on February 21, 2026, at the age of 89. Renowned for his innovative designs and profound influence on the built environment, Jackson leaves behind a legacy of iconic structures and a distinguished career that spanned over six decades. His work, characterized by a blend of modernist principles and a deep understanding of Australian context, shaped cities and inspired generations of architects across the globe.

Born on February 7, 1937, in Clunes, Victoria, Australia, Jackson received his education at Wesley College in Melbourne before earning a Diploma of Architecture from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) and a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Melbourne. He established his first architectural practice with Evan Walker in 1965, laying the groundwork for what would become Jackson Architecture, an international firm with a significant presence in Australia and beyond.

Jackson's early work often embraced a sculptural expression rooted in Brutalist architecture, exemplified by the Harold Holt Memorial Swimming Centre in Melbourne, designed between 1966 and 1969. His commitment to design excellence was recognized early on when the Canberra School of Art, a project from 1970-1976, received the inaugural Sir Zelman Cowen Award for Public Architecture in 1981. This marked the beginning of a career punctuated by numerous accolades and groundbreaking projects.

Throughout his illustrious career, Jackson garnered widespread recognition for his contributions to the profession. He was awarded the prestigious Royal Australian Institute of Architects Gold Medal in 1987, the highest honor for an Australian architect. In 1990, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his exceptional service to architecture. His firm was responsible for major sporting venues like the Great Southern Stand (1988-1991) and Northern Stand (2003-2005) at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and the County Court of Victoria (2002), which earned an RAIA Interior Architecture Award in 2003.

Beyond his practice, Jackson was a dedicated educator, writer, and mentor. He served as a professorial fellow at the University of Melbourne's Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning and authored several books on architecture. His enduring impact on educational design was further acknowledged in 2015 when the Australian Institute of Architects' highest award for educational architecture was named in his honor. Daryl Sanders Jackson's vision and dedication have left an indelible mark on the architectural landscape, ensuring his legacy will continue to inspire for generations to come.