AIA Fellows 2022

Exciting to see the American Institute of Architects College of Fellows Class of 2022! Bravo!

This is smallest class of new AIA Fellows (88) elevated since 2007, when 76 joined the College. Some earlier classes were considerably smaller. In recent years, the number of Fellows elevated annually has been dropping. Why? Certainly not because AIA architects have been doing less meaningful and honors-worthy work. Everywhere I turn I see architects going above and beyond the standards of architectural practice to do more, give more, design better, improve the environment, fight climate change, get involved politically, serve the Institute and answer the call for architects to make a difference in society.

No one disputes the statement I make when working with AIA Fellowship committees at the state level: “Juries are weird.” Thus, for those not elevated this year, schedule your debrief with Honors & Awards and do not give up. If a group of your peers—especially individuals who are Fellows themselves and have gone through the process—feel you are “F-worthy,” then try again. And again. Review the best examples that will be updated for 2022 as part of AIA online resources on Fellowship.

I have the opportunity to be face-to-face with many “Fs” over the years. No matter what anyone tells you, not everyone gets elevated the first time around. Keep going. And, especially, keep moving forward in your good deeds. Albert Einstein said, “You never fail until you stop trying.”

Congratulations to the AIA College of Fellows Class of 2022!

See Architect + Action = Result for more information on AIA Fellowship.

Cheers!