Robert M. Taylor Jr. (B.A. ’74) and Amy Dunn Taylor are the recipients of the 2026 Dean’s Medal of Honor, awarded to individuals whose vision, commitment, and generosity have had a lasting impact on the built environment and the Rice School of Architecture.
Robert Taylor, principal of Chelsea Architects, has built a distinguished career spanning architecture, engineering, and forensic practice, bringing to his work a rare combination of technical expertise, professional rigor, and enduring dedication to architectural excellence. He has held numerous leadership and volunteer roles, including service on the Rice board of trustees and as past president of the Association of Rice Alumni, and has supported students through the Rice Architecture Mentoring Program and the Chelsea Architects Scholarship. Through these and other commitments, he has helped strengthen the school’s connections to its alumni community and professional networks.
Amy Taylor is an accomplished trial lawyer, mediator, and educator whose career has been defined by intellectual rigor, a commitment to service, and a deep investment in developing future professionals. Her work in civil trial law and legal education—including many years teaching trial advocacy at South Texas College of Law Houston—reflects values of clarity, discipline, and thoughtful problem-solving that resonate strongly with the ethos of architectural education.
“Robert and Amy Taylor have demonstrated extraordinary generosity and tireless service to the Rice School of Architecture,” said Dean Igor Marjanović. “Rob, in particular, has been a trusted advisor—both to me personally and to the university through his leadership on the Board of Trustees—offering invaluable insight and unwavering support. Together, their commitment reflects a deep and enduring investment in the future of the school.” Their planned gifts to the university, including major unrestricted endowments and dedicated support for the School of Architecture, reflects both a profound belief in the university’s mission and a lasting investment in the future of architectural education. Their support will help ensure that future generations of students have the resources to learn, create, and thrive.
The Dean’s Medal of Honor was established in 2023 by Dean Igor Marjanović to recognize individuals whose commitment to architecture extends beyond professional achievement to encompass mentorship, scholarship, advocacy, and generosity. Robert and Amy Taylor join a growing number of distinguished honorees whose contributions have helped shape the trajectory of the school and the discipline.
Past Recipients:
2023 Russ Pitman
2024 Raymond Brochstein, received in his memory by Susan Brochstein
2025 Frank and Lynda Kelly
Robert and Amy Taylor will be presented with the 2026 Dean’s Medal of Honor at the Rice School of Architecture’s annual Award Ceremony on Wednesday, April 29.
Photo Caption:
Robert and Amy Taylor, recipients of the 2026 Dean’s Medal of Honor, in the Taylor Student Atelier, Cannady Hall, Rice School of Architecture. Photograph by Derwin Graham.