In 1996, Markéta Cajthamlová and Lev Lauermann won a commissioned architectural competition for the design of the Czech Republic's embassy in Canberra. 28 years after the competition, in October 2024, the new embassy will be handed over for use. The design underwent an authorial revision in 2007 due to cuts in the state budget. Since 2016, we have had the opportunity to contribute to the realization as a project partner. The motto of the competition design was to create a building as a representative space for European culture. Besides the practical aspects of securing the projects and permits, we viewed our work as preserving the original author's concept. We took it upon ourselves to protect the author and their work. Our cooperation with Markéta was facilitated by our shared view of architecture, the common school we represent, which in a different cultural environment gained clearer contours. 28 years passed from the idea to its realization. The most important step and cornerstone of success, in my opinion, is that Markéta, Lev, and the client (the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) generated a design that embodies the essence of architecture. The idea of the "core of beauty" is as relevant today as it was in 1996. And perhaps, due to this experience, it is even more relevant now. Building takes decades, and therefore it should be designed and evaluated timelessly. The enduring value of the building of our embassy stands out above others. Its architecture transcends time, borders, and is a natural representative of the entire European cultural space.

Lastly, it must be said that it was an honor to watch Markéta at work, that we worked as if Lev were here, and that after the departure of Alena Šrámková, I have a personal candidate for the position of the first lady of Czech architecture.