College of Fellows
© Francisco Lopez de Arenosa
What We Do
Introducing the 2023 AIA Chicago Fellows
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is elevating 73 member-architects to its College of Fellows, an honor awarded to members who have made significant contributions to the architecture profession, including five AIA Chicago members:
Sara Beardsley, FAIA; Object 2, Practice (Technical Achievement), Solomon Cordwell Buenz (SCB)
David Block, FAIA; Object 5, Alternative Career, Evergreen Real Estate Group
Xuan Fu, FAIA; Object 2, Practice (Management), Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM)
Mark Schwamel, FAIA; Object 3, Led the Institute, Ware Malcomb
Mark Walsh, FAIA; Object 2, Practice (Technical Advancement), Perkins&Will
Who We Are
AIA Fellows are recognized with the AIA’s highest membership honor for their exceptional work and contributions to architecture and society. Architects who have made significant contributions to the profession and society and who exemplify architectural excellence can become a member of the AIA College of Fellows. Only 3% of the AIA members have this distinction.
Become an AIA Fellow
Licensed architects who have distinguished themselves in the categories of design, practice, education, or service in the community, and who have at least 10 years of cumulative AIA membership are eligible applicants for Fellowship. You can read more about the Fellowship Categories here. Please note that the Chicago chapter only has the ability to nominate AIA Chicago members.
2023 Submission Timeline
- Wednesday, May 10, 2023, 5:00pm Central: Chapter nomination submission deadline
- Late June: AIA Chicago Submitting for Fellowship Presentation (information forthcoming)
- Tuesday, June 27, 2023 (tentative): AIA national Fellowship application portal opens
- Thursday, October 5, 2023, 4:00pm Central (tentative): AIA national submission deadline
If you are interested in AIA Chicago nominating you for Fellowship, and have not been nominated before, please submit the following materials to Steve Riforgiato at AIA Chicago:
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Resume/CV (PDF)
- Cover letter that specifies which Object/Category listed and supporting content that illuminates your approach to elevation under designated category
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Selection of supporting material (PDF, max 10MB), with a careful separation/denotation of the individual’s work from any firm’s work
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Well-considered decision about which Fellowship Object/Category to be pursued and why
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Clear information on how the individual’s work has had ripple effects beyond the immediate firm and primary area of work, specifically in regard to the Object/Category selected
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Documented involvement and contribution to the AIA in some fashion
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List of broader contributions, even if not directly related to the Object/Category, such as mentorship, writing, teaching, or community involvement
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Careful review of AIA national’s Fellow requirements to assure that the individual will ultimately be able to comply
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