AIA College of Fellows Inducts 2007 Class

Summary: At a ceremony that captured the beauty of the Alamo shrine, the AIA College of Fellows inducted 76 U.S. architects and nine foreign architects into its ranks. During a ritual brimming with optimism and confidence about the future of the profession, AIA President RK Stewart, FAIA, and College of Fellows Chancellor Frank Lucas, FAIA, challenged the recipients of the AIA’s highest individual membership honor to ensure that design excellence and environmental sensibility are passed to succeeding generations.

“On this very special day and for this particularly delightful occasion, we are privileged to be in such a historic city, at a place that evokes such emotions and pride and truly engages the spirit,” said Lucas, welcoming the new fellows into the College. “This indeed is hallowed ground and the Shrine of Texas Liberty, a revered and significant part of our American history and heritage.”

Stewart invited the inductees to be inspired and awed by the site and their role in the profession. He noted that the new fellows and honorary fellows have in their hands the opportunity to “write the next, more hopeful chapter of the history of our world.”

Responsibility for future generations
Stewart connected the history of the site to the role of architects in society. To the new Fellows and Honorary Fellows, he said, “To you who will be inducted into the AIA College of Fellows, today your investment in the profession, society, and the Institute clearly demonstrates that architects are not simply passengers on this planet but drivers of a preferred future.”

AIA Fellows Jury Chair Lorri Sipes, FAIA, called the honorees in sequence to receive their medal from Stewart and hear the Investiture Charge issues by Lucas:

“It is inherent in the work of the architect that success is shared with the greater society. As leaders of the profession, you are each uniquely charged to insure that design excellence and environmental sensibility are passed on to succeeding generations.

As you go forward today as exemplary role models and as mentors within our profession, you represent what it means to take responsibility for excellence and distinction in the architectural profession; to create as well as to preserve that which is meaningful to our culture...”

The applause and accolades of friends and family came through loud and clear.

Congratulations, Fellows!

—Tracy Ostroff