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.