the pritzker architecture prize is given each year by the hyatt foundation. it is for talented and significant architect who has created great projects throughout his or her life. jay a. pritzker and his wife cindy began the award in 1979. the pritzker family pays for the prize. it is the top prize in architecture, and it is often called the nobel prize of architecture. the country, race, religion or political ideas of the architect are not important. winners get us$100,000 and a certificate. winners receive a medal. the back of the medal has these words in latin—"firmitas, utilitas, venustas" (english: "durability, utility, and beauty"). the idea comes from the roman architect vitruvius. before 1987, a limited edition henry moore sculpture came with the prize money.