The King's Birthday Honours mark the extraordinary contributions and service of people across the UK
Date: 17 June 2026
Three London Metropolitan University academics have been recognised for their achievements in the King's Birthday Honours: Professor Peter St John and Professor Tony Fretton for services to architecture, and Senior Lecturer Berhane Dory for services to education and early years.
Peter, co-founder of London-based Caruso St John Architects, was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). He recently received an RIBA international award and curated the architectural element of this year's Royal Academy Summer Exhibition.
Peter, who is co-founder of London-based Caruso St John Architects, was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). He recently received an RIBA international award and curated the architectural element of this year’s Royal Academy Summer Exhibition.
And Tony, founder of Tony Fretton Architects, was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). Tony, who teaches postgraduate architecture at the University, was shortlisted for the 2009 RIBA Stirling Prize for the Fuglsang Art Museum in Denmark.
Anne Markey, Dean of The School of Art, Architecture and Design, said: “Through their teaching in their design studios, Peter and Tony share their talent and insight with generosity and passion. Their commitment ensures that each student flourishes and is thoughtfully prepared for the profession they are about to enter."
And Claire Jamieson, MArch course leader, added: "Over the course of their careers, Peter and Tony have each shaped the culture and intellectual life of British architecture – and their influence at London Met has been equally profound.
“For more than a decade apiece, they have brought to our students a commitment to designing real buildings with rigour and care: attentive to material and construction, and grounded in a socially and contextually responsive approach to design.”
Also receiving an OBE was Berhane Dory, Senior Lecturer and Academic for Early Childhood Studies.
Berhane, who shaped London Met’s Early Childhood Studies programmes and promoted reflective, inclusive pedagogy, was recognised for services to education and early years.
Kelly Cooper, Dean of the School of Social Sciences and Professions, said: “Berhane’s career is a remarkable story of turning adversity into advocacy – from her early work with street children and national education policy in Ethiopia, to mentoring thousands of educators here in the UK.
“Arriving as a refugee in the 1990s, she has devoted her life to championing the rights of children and families, particularly those from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds, and to supporting asylum-seeking communities with extraordinary compassion.
“Her contribution to early childhood education, her academic leadership, and her decades of tireless voluntary service embody the very best ideals of public service. This OBE is richly deserved, and we celebrate her achievement with the deepest admiration.”
