The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has bestowed its prestigious College of Fellows distinction upon 78 architects, acknowledging their sustained influence on both the architectural discipline and societal progress. This esteemed recognition, considered one of the Institute's paramount accolades, is granted to professionals who have demonstrably elevated design standards, refined professional practices, expanded architectural pedagogy, or made significant contributions to public welfare. A nine-member Jury of Fellows, led by Sanford Garner of RG Collaborative, selected this year's honorees, who represent a diverse array of geographical origins and professional backgrounds, encompassing individuals from private firms, public agencies, and academic institutions across the United States.
Alongside the newly inducted Fellows, the AIA has also acknowledged eleven international architects through its Honorary Fellowship program. This initiative celebrates practitioners whose work has substantially enriched architectural discourse and shaped the built environment globally, emphasizing the widespread impact of their innovative contributions.
The distinguished roster of international architects honored includes Fernanda Canales from Fernanda Canales Arquitectura in Mexico City, Mexico; Minsuk Cho from Mass Studies in Seoul, South Korea; Alex Ely from Mae Architects in London, United Kingdom; Frida Escobedo from Taller Frida Escobedo in Mexico City, Mexico; Lina Ghotmeh from Lina Ghotmeh — Architecture in Paris, France; Rossana Ju-Shan Hu from Neri&Hu Design and Research Office in Shanghai, China; Ma Yansong from MAD Architects in Dongcheng District, China; Dorte Mandrup from Dorte Mandrup Arkitekter in Copenhagen, Denmark; Carlo Ratti from Carlo Ratti Associati in Cambridge, Massachusetts; Dan Stubbergaard from Cobe in Frederiksberg, Denmark; and Takaharu Tezuka from Tezuka Architects in Setagaya, Japan.
These architects embody the spirit of global collaboration and innovation in design, illustrating how diverse cultural perspectives can collectively shape a better world. Their recognition by the AIA highlights architecture's crucial role in fostering progress and enriching human experience across borders.