FELLOWSHIP
AIA Fellows are recognized with AIA’s highest membership honor for their exceptional work and contributions to architecture and society. Architects who have made significant contributions to the profession and society and who exemplify architectural excellence can become a member of the College of Fellows. Only 3% of AIA members have this distinction.
CONTEMPLATING FELLOWSHIP? FELLOWSHIP DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE CAN HELP
AIA Tennessee’s Fellowship Development Committee has developed a list of questions for individuals to consider as nominees or potential nominees. Please take the necessary time to thoughtfully consider each question, answer accordingly by annotating below, and develop responses that are personal and specific to you, your professional journey, and how you have meaningfully contributed to the profession of architecture.
Prior to answering the questions below, please visit the AIA’s website dedicated to Fellowship.
Read each section on Eligibility, Submission, Jury, Past Recipients, FAQ, Criteria, and the different Objects. This will provide you the greatest opportunity for success as the Fellowship Development Committee is dedicated to being a resource to you and your Sponsor.
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
- Have you visited the Fellowship website, and can you confirm you understand in narrative format that you understand the work involved in submitting application? (50 words max)
- The most important question is “why you?” and what differentiates you from your peers. Please prepare a Summary Statement that is like a thesis statement that summarizes your career and your overarching significant and consistent contribution you have made to the profession. (35 words max)
- Which of the six Objects most closely supports your Summary Statement and why? (50 words max)
- Who is your Sponsor, are they a Fellow, and why do you believe they are willing to sponsor you? (50 words max)
- Who do you believe would be your seven (7) letters of recommendation? The letters themselves are important, but equally critical is the geographic diversity of the writers, as is the range of facets that the different letters touch on as an extremely influential aspect of the submission process. Please state their full name, position, and a brief narrative of their professional relationship to you as the nominee (25 words max per each).
- Advancement of the design profession and meaningful participation in the AIA at a variety of component levels is of great importance. Summarize your accomplishments as it relates to contributions, recognition, speaking engagements, juries, authored material, and community involvement. (25 words max)
NEXT STEPS
Complete the Questionnaire below and submit it to the AIA Tennessee’s Fellowship Development Committee. Please note: you do not have to have approval from this committee to apply for Fellowship. Committee members want to be a resource to members interested in pursuing Fellowship and to help others achieve this honor. For additional questions or more information, please contact David Powell, FAIA.