Elizabeth Hallas, FAIA, and Thomas Walsh, FAIA, have been newly elevated to the College of Fellows, one of the highest honors bestowed by the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
Congratulations to our two new Fellows, Liz Hallas and Thomas Walsh! With just 40% of the submissions being elevated this year, both in Colorado and nationally, to be recognized is well-deserved honor for both of them. This is AIA’s highest distinction short of the Gold Medal. The investiture ceremony at Boston’s Trinity Church will be a highlight of their careers, both of which have already received numerous other accolades. They join 108 other Fellows from Colorado dating back nearly 140 years.
Phillip H. Gerou, FAIA
Chair, AIA Colorado Fellows Nominating Committee
Liz Hallas, FAIA, Principal at Anderson Hallas Architects, Golden, CO
I am deeply honored to have been selected for the College of Fellows and will continue to promote sustainable reinvention of our existing built environment, while advancing equity within our profession.
Elizabeth Hallas, FAIA
Liz is a design leader in sustainable preservation, a mentor for the next generation of preservation architects, and a thought leader in Colorado’s preservation community and nationally through her work on the AIA Historic Resources Committee. Her strong stewardship ethos and exemplary designs for her preservation projects have benefitted the many communities and national parks in which she has worked. Her elevation to fellowship is a well-deserved honor.
Tom Jester, FAIA, Quinn Evans, Principal, Chief Operating Officer
Thom Walsh, FAIA, Principal at Fentress Architects, Denver, CO
Thom Walsh, FAIA, is a respected professional colleague, a consummate collaborator and a globally recognized expert on the airport terminal typology. I have known Thom for many decades and can attest that his work is emblematic of his deep understanding of our role as architects, as mentors and as advocates for the built environment.
Joseph A. Gonzalez, FAIA, Global Director of Design, Ghafari
AIA Fellows are recognized for their exceptional work and contributions to architecture and society. Less than 3% of AIA members hold the prestigious FAIA designation.
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is elevating 83 member-architects and 10 non-member-architects to its College of Fellows, an honor awarded to architects who have made significant contributions to the profession. New Fellows will be honored at the AIA Conference on Architecture & Design (AIA25) in Boston.
The fellowship program was developed to elevate architects who have achieved a standard of excellence in the profession and made 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 the following areas:
- Promoted the aesthetic, scientific, and practical efficiency of the profession.
- Advanced the science and art of planning and building by advancing the standards of practice.
- Coordinated the building industry, and the profession of architecture.
- Ensured the advancement of the living standards of people through their improved environment.
- Dedicated oneself to a profession that continually grows in its service to society.
- Advanced the science and art of planning and building by advancing the standards of architectural education and training.
Fellows are selected by a 10-member Jury of Fellows. This year’s jury included:
- Chair Carl D’Silva, FAIA, Perkins&Will
- Roderick Ashley, FAIA, Roderick Ashley Architect
- Margaret Carney, FAIA, Cornell University
- Sanford Garner, FAIA, RGCollaborative
- Julie Hiromoto, FAIA, HKS
- John Horky, FAIA, Ripples, by design
- Mary Ann Lazarus, FAIA, Cameron MacAllister
- Marilys Nepomechie, FAIA, Florida International University
- Anne Schopf, FAIA, Mahlum
- Jose Javier Toro, FAIA, Toro Arquitectos
