If you are an architect who has spent the last decade passionately designing, leading, researching, or advocating for a better built environment, this is your moment. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has officially opened submissions for its prestigious 2026 Fellowship Program, the highest honor awarded to its members—an accolade earned by only 3% of AIA professionals worldwide.
What Is the AIA Fellowship?
The AIA Fellowship recognizes architects whose work has made a profound impact on the profession and society—far beyond the walls of their firms or communities. Whether through groundbreaking design, transformative leadership, public service, education, or research, recipients of the FAIA (Fellow of the AIA) distinction stand as icons in architecture.
Who Should Apply?
This is for architects who:
- Have maintained at least 10 cumulative years of Architect Membership before the deadline
- Have demonstrated a ripple effect—their work has elevated the profession and impacted people or places beyond local boundaries
Fellowship Application Categories: Six Powerful Paths to Recognition
Candidates must apply under one of the six “Objects of Nomination,” each with related sub-objects:
- Design, Urban Planning & Preservation – Recognizes holistic, culturally impactful work.
- Practice Management & Technical Advancement – For advancing standards that benefit the entire architectural community.
- Leadership in AIA or Professional Organizations – Recognizes institutional leadership that drives engagement and innovation.
- Public Service, Government, Industry Work – Highlights transformation of public infrastructure or institutions through architectural leadership.
- Alternative Careers, Societal Impact, Volunteerism – Celebrates architects redefining service through unconventional or philanthropic routes.
- Education, Research & Literature – Honors those enriching minds and advancing architectural knowledge.
The Ripple Effect Matters!
Fellows are not only brilliant practitioners—they are changemakers. The jury will closely examine your “ripple effect”—how your mentorship, public speaking, publications, cross-border influence, or innovations have touched the profession broadly.
Fellowship Recognition and Perks
Selected Fellows will be:
- Publicly celebrated in AIA’s promotional channels
- Invited to the exclusive Investiture Ceremony at the AIA Conference on Architecture & Design
- Granted complimentary registration to AIA26, along with a special Fellows Reception
Apply: https://www.aia.org/design-excellence/awards/fellowship.
The last date to apply for the 2026 AIA Fellowship is October 8, 2025, with submissions closing at 5:00 PM Eastern Time.