Congratulations to the 2017 AIA Fellows

We are pleased to announce that the American Institute of Architects has elevated six AIA Dallas members to Fellow in 2017. 

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 on a national level. Out of a total AIA membership of over 90,000, approximately 3 percent are distinguished with the honor of fellowship and honorary fellowship. Please extend your congratulations to your peers on their outstanding achievement.

The six AIA Dallas members elevated to Fellow are:

Marcia Ascanio, FAIA - HKS

Marcia Ascanio, an associate principle at HKS, has raised the bar for the industry through her leadership in delivering unparalleled technical proficiency, setting high standards in quality management and technical education, and developing emerging architects through instrumental mentorships worldwide. Ascanio is a guest professor at UT Arlington and a noted expert on building envelope cladding systems and vegetative roofs.

Bob Borson, FAIA - Malone Maxwell Borson Architects

Bob Borson is a gifted storyteller who has used the experiences acquired over his 25-year career to create the “Life of an Architect” blog, the most-trafficked non-commercial architectural website in the world. The site’s success is due to its first-person narrative, which creates a sense of intimacy and insight into the profession. Borson’s use of digital media has changed the paradigm for architectural advocacy and fostered an honest, perceptive, and relatable conversation about architecture that engages people all over the globe.

John Hutchings, FAIA - HKS

John Hutchings, a principal at HKS, has created one of the world’s most acclaimed sports practices, delivering architecturally and environmentally significant multi-use facilities designed to be regionally appropriate and to revitalize cities, globally. His firm's Sports & Entertainment practice is ranked as the world’s third largest sports practice by BD World Architecture’s Top 100, and second in the United States among Building Design+Construction magazine’s “Sports Facility Giants” in 2016.

Lisa Lamkin, FAIA - BRW Architects

Lisa Lamkin is recognized for creating educational environments that transform communities and shape lives. Through practice, leadership, and knowledge sharing, she has demonstrated the capacity of architecture and architects to positively impact social infrastructure. Lamkin has two decades of involvement with AIA Dallas, has served as chair of the AIA National Project Delivery Knowledge Community, and has led both local and regional chapters of the Association for Learning Environments.

Michael Malone, FAIA - Malone Maxwell Borson Architects

Michael Malone has promoted the advancement of design excellence, strengthened the profession through dynamic leadership, and served as a model and mentor for the next generation. Malone created TxA's first award for lifetime design achievement during his time as president in 2015, was instrumental in launching the first regional design conference in the Southwest, and has for the past 20 years made lasting contributions to the Society's governance, finances, and property. He has also mentored countless students, interns, and young architects during his career, consistently striving to create a culture of inclusiveness, learning, and caring in his firm and in the profession at large.

Marcela Abadi Rhoads, FAIA - Abadi Accessibility

A passionate advocate for people with disabilities, Marcela Abadi Rhoads empowers, educates, and collaborates with building industry professionals to shape environments free of physical and attitudinal barriers for all. Rhoads creates programs that raise awareness about the challenges that people with disabilities face and how architects can make the built environment better and more inclusive for them. She has written two books about the ADA, publishes a monthly newsletter, and presents to organizations across the country on the topic of barrier-free design.

 The 2017 Fellows will be honored at an investiture ceremony at the AIA Conference on Architecture in Orlando in April. 

We would also like to acknowledge the dedicated work of our local Fellowship Committee and all who were sponsors and mentors—they spent countless hours working with our members on their fellowship process. For more information about the nomination process, attend our Demystifying Fellowship Workshop on February 23.