I recently received a reminder about the invaluable role of architects who strive to better understand their clients’ business. And all it took was earning an “F”!
As in “F” for “Fellow” of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Granted, at first glance, this probably means more to me than it does to you. Fellowship is one of the AIA’s highest honors, bestowed by a jury of peers and based heavily on an architect’s service to society on top of architectural accomplishments. It’s represented by an “F” in front of “AIA,” and it was not on my radar at all until a colleague asked if I’d ever considered applying for fellowship.
Given my role in designing community-based recreation centers in the public sector for almost 30 years, I decided to submit a Fellowship application and was among the relatively few architects nationwide elevated to “Fellowship” status in 2025. Collectively, only 3% of all AIA members can include that “F” after their names.
I mention all of this because the lengthy submittal process crystalized for me how an architect is so much more than a building designer. An exceptional architect will endeavor to walk in their clients’ shoes by finding ways to bring themselves closer to the daily challenges their clients face. That can be accomplished in a number of ways.
In my case, those extra efforts include roles ranging from membership on the National Recreation and Park Association’s Business Council, multiple Athletic Business Facility of Merit judges’ panels and dozens of public speaking engagements to positions as city plan commissioner, city parks and recreation commission member and founding board member of a volunteer neighborhood association.
Taken as a whole, that body of work plus service helps me plan and design community-focused facilities that better and more broadly serve entire communities through inclusive planning and welcoming design. AIA recognized my “persistent” championing of community-focused approaches as “elevating the science, art and impact of quality-of-life projects.”
I recognize that many of my recreation planning and design peers who are not AIA Fellows are also “citizen architects,” which is good news for facility operators looking to embark on a building project.
Regardless of whether you’re in the public or private sector, it’s vital to consider architects who do more than simply design a facility and then move on to something else. There’s a reason the AIA especially recognizes architects who are invested in their specialties and engaged in their communities.
Believe me: I am not trying to pat myself on the back here. But if I’m a parks and recreation director looking for an architect, if I can get a someone who understands my world — who has intrinsic knowledge of how the type of building I need will operate and why it is so important to the community I serve — that’s huge.
Going through the process of selecting an architect is a lot easier when the options include people who understand your objectives and challenges, who reply to your questions with thoughtful and authentic responses, and who are engaged not just in their own work but in shared goals like providing service and leadership for the greater good.
Having an “F” after their name is just a bonus.
