The AIA College of Fellows seeks to stimulate a sharing of interests among Fellows, promote the purposes of AIA, advance the profession of architecture, mentor young architects, and be of ever-increasing service to society.
State Conference on Architecture
Krista Phillips, FAIA NCARB
The COF is preparing for the upcoming AIA AK State Conference on Architecture in late October.
We will be hosting two events: (1) “Demystifying Fellowship”, a presentation by AK’s Fellows on the current requirements, process, and strategies of applying for/being nominated to apply for AIA Fellowship, and (2) a one-hour work session for all AIA AK members facilitated by AK’s Fellows regarding the future state of our “Architect Pipeline in Alaska”. Results of the workshop/suggestions for action will be provided to AIA AK Board of Directors and the membership after the conference.
AIA AK Fellows-managed Awards:
Crittenden (Northern Design) and Kumin Awards: both awards were posted on the AIA AK website this summer. No submissions were received for the Crittenden Award. One (incomplete) submission was submitted for the Kumin Award. There will be no awards bestowed in this year’s award cycle. We will revisit our requirements and work on a new approach communicating and marketing these awards to our membership.
Fellows Candidate Advocacy:
Increasing our membership’s understanding of what it means to be a Fellow, how to apply, readiness, etc, are issues at close hand for this committee. We hope the connections and information we make and provide at this year’s conference will inspire our AIA AK colleagues to consider an application for Fellowship and reach out to us for further information outside of the conference weekend. Elevation to Fellowship is not a secret club invitation, a lifetime achievement, or a special privilege award. Fellowship is testimony to an individual professional’s contribution to our society and the built environment, that recognizes a lifetime of exceptional work and influence. Candidates must demonstrate that their work has impacted people, the environment, or the practice of architecture well beyond their individual day-to-day projects or local office. Seeking Fellowship is a serious commitment of time and personal energy and this tends to be the largest deterrent, alongside lack of confidence in a body of work that is worthy to be put forward that shows evidence of “the ripple effect”. Alaska has so many talented professionals! The AK Committee of Fellows seeks to mentor those who may be up for the rigorous commitment to apply, and more importantly, those who are committed to the duties of a Fellow as defined by the Fellows Mission statement. Each Fellow decides where and how to continue the contribution to society and the profession once elevated.
We are looking forward to seeing all members in Girdwood!
