Demystifying the FAIA: Your Path to Fellowship
AIAU25-COF01
Included in subscription
1.0
LU
Live course date: 04/30/2025 | 02:00 PM
Included in subscription
Description
Wednesday, April 30, 2025 | 2:00-3:00pm ET
This course provides architects with a comprehensive understanding of the AIA College of Fellows application process. It is critical to educate AIA members on who should be thinking about applying for Fellowship and what it means to be a Fellow. Hear from the Chancellor of the AIA College of Fellows and a recent Jury of Fellows chair on how to craft a successful application. Discover the key dos and don'ts of the process, along with valuable insider tips to help navigate it more effectively. Architects who have made significant contributions to the profession and society and who exemplify architectural excellence can apply for Fellowship. Less than 3% of AIA members hold the prestigious FAIA designation. The course will cover eligibility requirements, nomination objects, the importance of demonstrating a "ripple effect," and how to present your achievements effectively.
Learning Objectives
Understand the key elements of a successful AIA College of Fellows application, including the dos and don'ts of the process.
Gain valuable insights from the Chancellor and a recent Jury of Fellows chair, including insider tips and strategies to navigate the application process more effectively.
Identify which nomination object (category) aligns with their contributions to architecture and society.
Define and demonstrate the "ripple effect" of their work, showcasing its impact on the profession and society beyond their immediate practice.
Hosted in partnership with the AIA College of Fellows.
Abigail R. Brown, FAIA, is a project architect at Gensler. Specializing in large-scale mixed-use, hospitality, and cultural projects, she excels at bridging concept design and execution, transforming ambitious design ideas into dynamic, real-world experiences.
Abi currently serves as 2025 Strategic Council Vice Moderator, 2025 Secretary’s Advisory Committee Co-Chair, and as a 2022-2025 At-Large Director on the AIA|DC Board of Directors. She previously served as a member of the AIA Young Architects Forum (YAF) Advisory Committee from 2018-2022, where she led the YAF as Chair in 2021 and significantly expanded the organization’s reach by increasing the number of state representatives from 19 to 53. She also served on the AIA-AGC Joint Committee (2018-2019) and the AIA DC Emerging Architects Committee (2013-2017).
Abi has been recognized for her leadership and service, receiving the 2020 AIA Young Architects Award and the 2016 AIA|DC Emerging Architect Award. She was elevated to the AIA College of Fellows in 2024 under Object 3: Led the Institute.
Kate Schwennsen, FAIA, has been inaugurated as the 63rd Chancellor of the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects, (AIA). Schwennsen was elected Chancellor by members of the College of Fellows. She is the first woman to serve as both AIA President (2005-06) and Chancellor of the College of Fellows.
Schwennsen is Professor Emeritus and Director Emeritus of the Clemson University School of Architecture, where she led a decade of growth and transformation. Prior to Clemson she was Professor and Associate Dean, College of Design, Iowa State University, appointments at her alma mater that followed a decade of practice. Kate’s expertise is in bridging architectural education and practice, design and women’s leadership, and practice evolution.
Schwennsen’s work and leadership have been recognized with numerous awards. She received AIA Iowa’s highest honor, the Medal of Honor, in 2003. DesignIntelligence named her one of the nation’s Most Admired Design Educators twice, (2014 and 2019). She also received the American Institute of Architecture Students Outstanding Educator Award; the Presidential Medal for Distinguished Service from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards; and the Christian Peterson Design Award, the highest honor bestowed by the College of Design, Iowa State University. She is an honorary member of several international architectural organizations, and an Honorary Lifetime Trustee of the Clemson Architectural Foundation.
Steven L. Spurlock is a principal at Quinn Evans. His work includes commercial, institutional, residential, and historic preservation projects.
Steven studied at the Architectural Association in London, and Virginia Polytechnic Institute, from which he holds a BArch with distinction.
Steven served as a member of the AIA|DC Chapter Board (2007-2011), including as President in 2010. He served as a Regional Director on the National Board of the AIA (2012-2014). Additional service activities include the Public Outreach Committee (2012-2016), the Equity in Architecture Commission (2016), and as a juror on the Diversity Recognition Awards Program (2017-2019). Steven served as a COF Regional Representative (2021-2023) and on the AIA Jury of Fellows (2020-2022), including as Chair in 2022.
Steven currently serves as the Secretary of the COF Executive Committee and is a member of the Honors and Awards Task Force.
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