Jiricna, Eva (1939–)
Jiricna, Eva (1939–)
Czech architect. Born Mar 3, 1939, in Zlín, Czechoslovakia; graduate of University of Prague (1962); Prague Academy of Fine Arts, MA, 1967; Royal Institute of British Architects, diploma, 1973; married an architect.
Followed husband to London for temporary work (1968); after Soviets invaded Prague and revoked her citizenship, had to remain in England; lived in exile for 22 years; a modernist, worked with Greater London Council (1968–69), De Soissons partnership (1969–80), David Hodges (1982–84) and Richard Rogers Partnership (1984), designing interior for Lloyd's Headquarters building; worked with Jan Kaplicky and Future Systems office, then independently (1982–85), then partnered with Kathy Kerr (1985–87); established Eva Jiricna Architects in London (1987), becoming important figure in interior design; elected fellow of Royal College of Art (1990) and Royal Society of Arts; elected president of Architectural Association (2003). Named Commander of British Empire (CBE, 1994).