The son of George Stevens Curl (1903–1974), who worked as an inspector of agents for the Eagle Star Insurance Company,[2][3] and Sarah (née McKinney), Curl was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
An honorary Doctor of Arts degree was conferred on him by De Montfort University in 2014 in recognition of his "distinctive contribution to the study of Architectural History" and of his "outstanding contributions to the intellectual and cultural life of the nation and the region".
[6] Curl is a Member of the Royal Irish Academy, a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London, a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, a Fellow of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, a member of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland, a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects, and a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Chartered Architects of the City of London.
In September 2017, he was awarded the President's Medal of the British Academy "for his contribution to the study of the History of Architecture in Britain and Ireland".
He is Joint Patron of the Mausolea and Monuments Trust, President of the Friends of Southampton Old Cemetery, a Vice-President of the Friends of Kensal Green Cemetery, a member of the Art Workers' Guild, and a member of the Oxford & Cambridge Club.