PR 12/25 | Prioritise Good Architectural Outcomes Rather Than Good Legal Outcomes, KTP President during Premju Galizia
During Saturday’s National Awards for the Built Environment, Premju Emanuele Luigi Galizia 2025, the President of the Kamra tal-Periti called for a prioritisation of design quality and for respect towards the role of Periti in shaping the built environment.
These remarks came at the end of the largest-scale Premju Galizia organised by the Kamra tal-Periti so far, which spanned over six days, culminating in the awards ceremony on Saturday night, with over forty nominations considered, in eight different categories. For the event, both the Executive Chairperson of the Planning Authority, Mr Johann Buttigieg and the Superintendent of Cultural Heritage, Mr Kurt Farrugia were in attendance. The Planning Authority was the national partner of this event, whilst the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage and JMV Vibro Steel Limited also supported the event as platinum partners.
Perit André Pizzuto spoke about this year’s theme for the awards: Legacy. This was introduced earlier by the Artistic Director for Premju Galizia, Perit Joeaby Vassallo (I+A), who asked the question, “What would Galizia do?” as this year’s point of reflection — a question that set a compass which guided the international jury in measuring how the submissions align with Galizia’s values and his enduring standard of quality. Pizzuto emphasised that legacy is both what we inherit and what we leave behind. It reflects how decisions today shape the future of Malta.
In the lead up to the President’s Award, a yearly recognition of the best submission or nomination during the night, KTP’s President underlined the challenges in the planning approval process, often undermining design integrity, leading to compromises and diminished architectural quality. This, Perit Pizzuto said, is exacerbated by clients prioritising permits over good architecture, calling for a reform in the system to prioritise design quality and foster respect towards the professions.
In light of the ongoing debate on the proposed planning reforms, Perit Pizzuto highlighted the importance of trust and dialogue, whilst expressing disappointment at the current public debate, overly focused on legal outcomes rather than achieving good architectural outcomes for the community. The KTP president mentioned the ongoing work to develop a National Architecture Policy, to which he happily acknowledged Mr Buttigieg’s earlier intervention, in which it was confirmed that Planning Authority will be moving on with this policy, in collaboration with the Kamra tal-Periti. The speech concluded with a call to ensure Malta’s future reflects thoughtful, courageous, and purposeful design, serving the greater good, as well as acknowledgement to the jury, sponsors and contributors of the event.
After the categorial awards, the KTP further recognised Ms Simone Mizzi, Perit Vincent Cassar and Valentino Architects with the Galizia Leadership Award, Lifetime Achievement Award and President’s Award, respectively. Vice President of the Kamra tal-Periti, Perit Matias Camilleri de Marco outlined how through decades of tireless service, Ms Simone Mizzi never led from a distance, and her influence extended beyond the Maltese shores. Citing personal inspiration from Malta’s archaeology and historic fabric, Perit Camilleri de Marco awarded the Galizia Leadership Award, stating that Mizzi’s work remind us that leadership in architecture and heritage is, at its heart, about stewardship.
Perit Nicholas Mallia, Honorary Secretary of the Kamra followed by highlighting decades of devotion to shaping Malta’s physical and environmental landscape of Perit Vincent Cassar. Perit Mallia presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Perit Cassar, describing him as a true gentleman, pragmatic and level-headed, never to be swayed by noise and always focused on what is fair, reasonable, and right for the profession and for Malta.
Finally, the President Award 2025 was awarded to Valentino Architects, in what Perit André Pizzuto said was a clear recommendation by the international jury, diverting from previous years where the award recognised the ‘winner of winners’ amongst all awarded designs. The jury’s recommendation was based on the high quality of the several entries in different categories by this firm which spoke to their remarkable consistency and high design ethic.
Winners of Premju Emanuele Luigi Galizia 2025
PREMJU GALIZIA WINNERS
Adaptive Renovation Award
Teatru Salesjan
Single Dwelling Design Award
Dar iċ-Ċitru
Workplace Design Award
Architect’s Workshop
Hospitality Design Award
VIP Terminal
Engineering Innovation Award
Sustainable Living Complex
Emerging Practice Award
EBEJER BONNICI
Unbuilt Projects Award
Forgotten Stories
Architecture Leadership Award
Ms Simone Mizzi
Lifetime Achievement Award
Perit Vincent Cassar
President’s Award
Valentino Architects
PREMJU GALIZIA PARTNERS
National Partner
Planning Authority
Platinum Partners
Superintendence and JMV Vibro Steel Limited
Silver Partners
Vivendo Projects, ICI Limited, and Vassallo Builders
Media Partner
Design Dispatch
Venue Partners
Villa Bighi and Social Care Standards Authority
Special Thanks
Heritage Malta and SHARE Architects
