Former TB+A managing partner David Arnold awarded CIBSE Gold Medal

David Arnold, former managing partner of building services consultancy Troup Bywaters + Anders (TB+A), has received the Gold Medal of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), the institution's highest honour.

TB+A announced the award in October 2026. CIBSE said in an announcement on 13 October 2026 that Arnold was one of five Gold Medallists among 29 members recognised at its 2026 President's Awards Dinner, held in London.

According to CIBSE, Gold Medals recognise major, long-standing contributions to building services engineering and the profession. The institution's citation said Arnold has made an exceptional contribution to building services engineering spanning more than 65 years.

James Campbell, managing partner of Troup Bywaters + Anders, said: "His service to CIBSE and his contribution to our Partnership have always been grounded in a genuine commitment to moving the profession forward."

Career and contribution

Arnold was a longstanding partner at TB+A and served as managing partner from 1990 to 1996, the firm said. TB+A has been operating since 1958, according to its website.

CIBSE's official list of past presidents records David Arnold FREng CEng FCIBSE as president in 1994. The institution's citation referred to that presidency and to more than five decades of active membership, and said his commitment, vision and leadership had left a lasting legacy for CIBSE and the wider built environment.

TB+A said Arnold has been a corporate member of CIBSE for more than 50 years and has championed natural ventilation, thermal storage and low-energy building design throughout his career. The firm said his contribution can be seen in technical papers, books, CIBSE guidance, conferences and postgraduate education.

Campbell said: "The Gold Medal is a thoroughly deserved recognition of that legacy."

The medal

CIBSE describes the Gold Medal as its highest honour, awarded to corporate grade members who have achieved exceptional eminence. Its criteria say the medal recognises lifetime achievement, typically marking over 25 years of exemplary service.

At the 2026 dinner, CIBSE presented five Gold, seven Silver and 17 Bronze Medals. That compares with four Gold, four Silver and eleven Bronze Medals at the 2025 President's Awards Dinner, which was held at Claridge's in London, according to the institution.

Medal	2025	2026
Gold	4	5
Silver	4	7
Bronze	11	17

CIBSE said 29 members in total were recognised at the 2026 event.