CHICAGO – February 13, 2025 – The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is elevating three members from AIA Chicago to its prestigious College of Fellows, AIA’s highest membership honor, for their exceptional work and contributions to architecture and society. The three AIA Chicago members comprise the entire 83 member-architects and 10 non-member-architects elevated to the College of Fellows. New Fellows will be honored at the AIA Conference on Architecture & Design (AIA25) in Boston.
The fellowship program was developed to elevate those architects who have achieved a standard of excellence in the profession and made a significant contribution to architecture and society on a national level. Architects who have been elevated to fellowship can be identified by the designation FAIA after their name.
Included in the list below are the newly elevated members from AIA Chicago:
Stephen Cavanaugh, FAIA
DLR Group
Object 2: Practice (Technical Advancement)
Forging a path toward carbon neutrality, Steve Cavanaugh pioneered the use of mass timber for large-scale structures. His innovation, technical leadership, and advocacy advance architecture by reducing the environmental impact of building construction.
Susan Heinking, FAIA
Pepper Construction
Object 2: Practice (Technical Advancement)
As both an architect and contractor, I leverage my dual roles to overcome challenges and forge new pathways and partnerships, creating sustainable architecture that enriches lives, benefits the planet and shapes vibrant futures.
JinHwa Paradowicz, FAIA
Perkins Eastman
Object 2: Practice (Technical Advancement)
A passionate advocate and architect focused on dignity, equity, and social impact, JinHwa leads transformative design to create healthy environments for underrepresented communities, pioneers intergenerational design, and empowers the next generation of diverse architectural professionals.
Fellows are selected by a 10-member Jury of Fellows. This year’s jury included Chair Carl D’Silva, FAIA, Perkins&Will; Roderick Ashley, FAIA, Roderick Ashley Architect; Margaret Carney, FAIA, Cornell University; Sanford Garner, FAIA, RGCollaborative; Julie Hiromoto, FAIA, HKS; John Horky, FAIA, Ripples, by design; Mary Ann Lazarus, FAIA, Cameron MacAllister; Marilys Nepomechie, FAIA, Florida International University; Anne Schopf, FAIA, Mahlum, and Jose Javier Toro, FAIA, Toro Arquitectos.
About AIA Chicago
The American Institute of Architects Chicago (AIA Chicago) serves nearly 4,000 architect members in Chicago and is the second largest AIA local chapter in the country. AIA Chicago’s mission builds on the city’s architectural legacy by advocating for the profession, sharing knowledge among members, and partnering with communities. It fosters a culture of design excellence for equitable, sustainable places and spaces.
AIA Chicago offers lectures and continuing education courses; specialized, issue-specific Knowledge Communities; advocacy for architects; and help for consumers looking for an architect.
AIA Chicago is the local Chicago chapter of The American Institute of Architects. Based in Washington, D.C., the AIA has been the leading professional membership association for licensed architects, emerging professionals, and allied partners since 1857. Learn more by visiting AIAChicago.org.
