Roderick Ashley, FAIA
Member, AIAO Fellows Committee
Fellowship in the American Institute of Architects is the second highest honor bestowed upon an individual other than the AIA Gold Medal. The AIA recognizes members as Fellows for design excellence; elevating standards in the profession, and service to the Institute, other organizations, and community. Today, over 3,000 members are recognized as Fellows.
The AIA was founded in 1857 and the first mention of “Fellow” was in 1873. The AIA College of Fellows (COF) as known today held its first Investiture Ceremony during the 1953 AIA Convention in Seattle when Portland’s Glenn Stanton, FAIA, was President. Two years later, Elizabeth Coit was the first woman advanced to Fellowship. Since then, members are nominated to apply for advancement into the COF, and continue to be invested into the College during the National Conference which usually occurrs in a unique and often historical venue in the Conference city.
The first Oregon Fellow was Edgar M. Lazarus who was elevated in 1895. Today, there are 57 Fellows in the state, and most reside in Portland. Although the Northwest and Pacific Region (NW&PR) has been officially dissolved, the COF elected to retain the region model of representation due to the disparity of Fellows in large versus small states.
I always thought this recognition came from members of my local Chapter deciding who receives this award, knowing nothing of the process or if I was even qualified or had the credentials to be recognized. The reality is that it is up to the individual member to decide if they want to pursue the path to Fellowship, and let it be known to the Chapter and Fellows Committee so they can provide input and support to an applicant.
Once a Fellow, the decision is yours regarding how you want to be involved. At this time, I am one of the two Representatives to the COF from the previous NW&PR. It is our responsibility to be the liaison between our COF members and the COF Executive Committee, and to be available to answer questions of current Fellows and those anticipating applying for Fellowship.
The COF’s Mission is to promote Research and Scholarly Work; Mentor Young Architects and Emerging Professionals; and Sustain the College. The College supports the Young Architects Forum and Upjohn Research Initiative; it also oversees the Young Architect Award and honorariums, the $100,000 Latrobe Prize Research Grant, and Emerging Professionals Component Grants. For some, elevation to Fellow is the penultimate chapter of their career. More often, the recognition is a call to action for giving back to the profession that has supported them and one they find so satisfying.
Mentorship is a strategic goal for Fellows, and opportunities for involvement are available immediately. There are two virtual programs sponsored by the COF that have been created over the past several years. The ALIGN program is meant for Young Architects to meet with Fellows on a regular basis to discuss issues of practice and events affecting the profession in general. Along with another Fellow in Albuquerque, the two of us meet every month with five members who live across the country. The NEXUS program is similar, although it has been oriented toward Emerging Professionals who typically meet one-on-one throughout the year. These two programs are advertised locally every year and are a great way to meet members throughout the country and share ideas and be involved in broader issues. AIA Oregon offers opportunities through leadership and participation on the Board of Directors, Committees, and Sections. Fellows are actively involved in all facets of AIA activity.
Pursuing Fellowship is an opportunity available to any member. Requirements for applying are relatively simple – ten years of cumulative membership in the AIA; obtaining the support of either your assigned Component (AIA Oregon), five Fellows or any ten members in good standing from anywhere in the nation; and prepare a 40-page submission that tells a story of your career and influences upon others through work and service. The application is all about the applicant – who they are; their accomplishments and why they are significant; and who and how others benefited from your work, or its ripple effects. New Fellows range in age from late 30’s into their 80’s.
Members apply for Fellowship in one of six Objects, commonly referred to as categories. The application is the means for proving your story through a summary page; showing significant work, publications, and awards; exhibits of work; and reference letters. Working with a sponsor helps applicants navigate the process, and assist in critiquing and editing the submission. Although the application process can be an arduous endeavor, the upside is an opportunity to look at your career, recognition, and professional interests in a way that can be shared with others – including family and friends who often question what we were up to all of those early mornings and late nights.
If you have any interest in pursuing Fellowship, even if you are not yet ready for application, I urge you to attend the Demystifying Fellowship webinar on May 25th. Some Oregon Fellows will be participating and will hopefully have good answers to your questions. You can learn valuable tips about how to prepare for application so you will be more informed when you are ready. If you are considering application this year, these sessions will offer a unique opportunity to refine and review with others who have previously navigated the process. Applications are due in the fall – this year on October 5th.
If you are planning on attending the A’23 Conference next month, you may want to attend the COF Class of 2023 Investiture on Thursday afternoon at the Moscone Convention Center, Moscone West, Level 3. It is a memorable ceremony where the impact statements of each recipient are read, giving you more perspective on this rewarding opportunity for your dedication and service to the profession. I certainly remember my 2017 Investiture in Orlando, Florida, and I look forward to seeing some new and familiar faces in San Francisco.
Roderick Ashley, FAIA