American Institute of Architects elevates four Washington University alumni to College of Fellows

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has elevated four Washington University alumni to the AIA College of Fellows, the highest honor bestowed by the organization. According to the AIA, only 3% of the 98,000 AIA members worldwide have the distinction of Fellow.

The WashU alumni elevated to Fellow are:

• Edward R. Ford, FAIA, AB ‘71 / MArch '72
  
• J. Leora Mirvish, FAIA, AB '83
  
• Irene M. Nigaglioni, FAIA, AB '87 / MArch '90
  
• Ripley A. Rasmus, FAIA, MArch '80
  

AIA Fellows are recognized for achieving a standard of excellence in the profession and making a significant contribution to architecture and society on a national level. Prospective candidates must have at least 10 years of AIA architect membership and demonstrated influence in at least one of six key areas: promoting the aesthetic, scientific, and practical efficiency of the profession; advancing standards of practice; coordinating the building industry and architecture profession; ensuring the advancement of living standards; being in service to society; and advancing the standards of architectural education and training.

They are selected by a seven-member jury. This year’s jury included Chair Lisa Lamkin, FAIA, Brown Reynolds Watford Architects, Inc; Carl D'Silva, FAIA, Perkins + Will; Sanford Garner, FAIA, RGCollaborative; Margaret McFadden Carney, FAIA, Cornell University; Pamela Rew, FAIA, KSS Architects; Anne Schopf, FAIA, Mahlum and Lourdes Solera, FAIA, MCHarry Associates.

The newest Fellows will be honored at the June AIA Conference in Washington, D.C. and at the Sam Fox School’s alumni reception at the conference. Details on the school reception are forthcoming. For more information about the AIA, visit aia.org.