The Institution of Structural Engineers announces its 2021 Gold Medal has been awarded to Paul Fast, founder of Fast + Epp, an internationally recognized structural engineering firm based in Vancouver, Canada.

Since its inception in 1922, the Gold Medal has been awarded for exceptional contributions to the advancement of structural engineering. Fast is only the second Canadian to receive the medal.

The 2021 medal is awarded in recognition of Fast’s world leadership in the design of architecturally expressive structures that incorporate unconventional use of materials, including hybrids of wood, steel and concrete.

For over three decades, he has been the design lead for many of Fast + Epp’s most significant award-winning projects, including the Richmond Olympic Oval roof, the Grandview Heights Aquatic Centre, the Kingsway Pedestrian Bridge, and the 18-storey Tallwood House at UBC. He has seen the firm grow from one person to a staff of 125 with offices in Canada, USA and Germany.

“This is truly a very special recognition by the Institution of Structural Engineers. It is also most humbling when considering the pedigree and talent of previous award winners,” said Fast. “I have had the wonderful privilege of embarking on many adventures with clients and architects alike that opened the door wide for ambitious design exploration. Collaboration with our Fast + Epp staff has also been most rewarding and filled with abundant design enjoyment and much laughter. I am grateful for my professional lot in life.”

Subject to travel restrictions, Fast will be giving his Gold Medal address at an Awards ceremony at the Institution’s London UK headquarters in September.

The Institution of Structural Engineers is the world’s largest membership organization dedicated to the art and science of structural engineering. The Gold Medal was first presented in 1922 to professor Henry Adams. Other past recipients include Felix Candela, Ove Arup, Oleg Kerensky and Edmund Happold.