Reflections #14: Elevation to AIA Fellowship

#aia #FAIA #architecture #architect #bsa #givingback #jacobs

In 2019 I was elevated to Fellowship in the American Institute for Architects (FAIA). I hadn’t thought much about applying for FAIA. I assumed it was all about design and my career path has included multiple interests and hasn’t been focused purely on design. After I was nominated for Fellowship by the Boston Society for Architecture, I began to think about how to articulate my career story. There are six categories for submission. 1. Design, Urban Design, Preservation; 2. Practice Management or Practical Technical Advancement; 3. Leading the Institute or Related Organization; 4. Public Service: Government, Industry or Organization; 5. Alternative Career, Volunteer Work, Service to Society; 6. Education, Research, Literature. Fellowship is awarded to architects who have made notable contributions in one of these categories, and who exemplify architectural excellence. Only 3% of AIA members are Fellows.

I submitted under Object 3, highlighting my positions on the Board of the Boston Society for Architecture (BSA), and the Board of the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP), together with leadership of the SCUP North Atlantic Council. I showcased professional work that focused on strategic and sustainable renovations of college and university buildings. My position as Co-Chair of the BSA/SCUP College + University Roundtable (BSA/SCUP) has allowed me to tie together leadership roles on the BSA and SCUP Boards, my professional work, and my interest in trends in higher education design and planning. ?BSA/SCUP provides a platform to develop presentations and share insights on topics relevant to higher education. Though I hadn’t realized that I had a unified career plan, it turns out that the things I enjoy doing, and the things I spend time doing, combine to create a career focused on advancing architecture and planning for higher education. Organizing my FAIA story made me think about what I had accomplished to date, and what was yet to be. It was an intimidating application process and a humbling experience to be awarded Fellowship.

I believe that architecture and design can change the world. I experience this in all my projects when I see people and communities benefiting from something that I helped create. It keeps me eager for the next opportunity. While Fellowship is about accomplishment, it is also very much about contribution and giving back. Think about your own career story and how you can give back to your communities through architecture.