Photo credit: Samuel Lahoz
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has elevated 102 AIA members to its prestigious College of Fellows, AIA’s highest membership honor, for their exceptional work and contributions to architecture and society. Six AIA Pennsylvania members are among the 2021 Class of Fellows from across the nation.
The Fellowship program was developed to elevate those architects who have made a significant contribution to architecture and society and who have achieved a standard of excellence in the profession. Election to fellowship not only recognizes the achievements of architects as individuals but also their significant contribution to architecture and society. Architects who have been elevated to fellowship can be identified by the designation FAIA after their name.
Out of a total AIA membership of over 95,000, less than three percent of members are distinguished with the honor of fellowship. The elevation to fellowship is conferred on architects with at least 10 years of membership in the AIA in one or more of the following nomination categories:
Object One: Design, urban design, or preservation
Promoted the aesthetic, scientific, and practical efficiency of the profession
Object Two: Education, research, literature, or practice
Advanced the science and art of planning and building by advancing the standards of architectural education, training or practice
Object Three: Led the Institute, or a related organization
Coordinated the building industry and the profession of architecture
Object Four: Public service, government, industry, or organization
Advanced the living standards of people through an improved environment
Object Five: Alternative career, volunteer work with organizations not directly connected with the built environment, or service to society
Made the profession of ever-increasing service to society
The newly elevated fellows, their component affiliation, and nomination category are as follows:
Stefani Danes, FAIA
Adjunct Professor, Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh | Object 2: Education
Through her integrated teaching, research, and practice, Stefani Danes brings much-needed new voices into the design process and advances the profession’s standards for inclusive and socially sustainable environments.
Billie Faircloth, FAIA
Partner, KieranTimberlake | Philadelphia | Object 2: Research
Billie Faircloth demonstrates the power and purpose of research in architecture. She structures novel forms of design inquiry; fosters transdisciplinary collaboration; and creates new knowledge, tools, and practices to amplify the agency of architects.
David Hollenberg, FAIA
University of Pennsylvania, Facilities and Real Estate Services, Weitzman School of Design | Philadelphia | Object 4: Industry Organizations
As an architect-client, David Hollenberg has guided the creation and preservation of nationally acclaimed buildings and spaces, uniting the architecture profession’s highest aspirations for memorable placemaking, cultural significance, sustainability, effective functionality, and superior craft.
Robert Kelly, FAIA
Founder, idee Designworks | Philadelphia | Object 3: Led the Institute
Through leadership, skillful innovation, and advocacy, Robert Kelly crafted a comprehensive strategy and methods for large component transformation, chapter collectivism, and community impact. In doing so, he has established a replicable model of national significance.
Brian Phillips, FAIA
Principal, ISA | Philadelphia | Object 1: Design
Brian Phillips stewards a uniquely hybrid design practice, engaging building and research through the lens of the City of Philadelphia as a laboratory for living, working and making in the twenty-first century city.
Laura Finkel Stagner, FAIA
Principal, Stagner Consulting, LLC | Philadelphia | Object 4: Government
Laura Stagner has transformed the practice of public architecture. Leading innovative project delivery practices, and shaping national policy to support collaborative teams, she ensures excellence in delivery of high performing federal architecture throughout the country.
Visit AIA National’s website for more information on College of Fellows or to view the complete list of newly elevated architect fellows.
Celebrate Pennsylvania’s Newest Fellows
Save the date! AIA Pennsylvania plans to host a virtual 2021 Fellows Reception celebrating the newly inducted fellows on Thursday, June 24 at 5 PM. Details and registration link to be posted to our events calendar.