Recognized as promoting a truly sustainable African architecture, enthusiastically engaging in long and complex political and consultative processes to ensure that the legacies of the projects last well beyond the building's completion.

Rich is one of the leading proponents of a contemporary African architecture, a fusion of modernism and tradition born from a deep understanding of African tribal vernacular.

Rich received the 2009 World Building of the Year Award for his design of the Mapungubwe Interpretive Center. He was also awarded a gold medal by the South African Institute of Architects in 2010.