Celebrating Our Newest Fellows

It was a proud moment on the stage in Orlando, Florida when Page Senior Principal James M. Wright and Page Principal Daniel R. Kenney were elevated to Fellows of the American Institute of Architects, earning the right to add “F” in front of their AIA credential. This honor is reserved for those who have demonstrated significant contributions to the profession of architecture and society on a national level. Out of a total AIA membership of over 90,000, approximately only three percent of members are recognized as fellows.

James was nominated for “advancing the science and art of planning and building by advancing the standards of architectural education, training or practice”. His forty years of experience working on overseas projects led to his involvement with the AIA International Practice Committee Advisory Group, which he chaired in 2014, as well as his appointment to the AIA International Region (IR) Board of Directors, a new region he helped found in 2012.

James subsequently served as the AIA IR Vice President in 2014, rising to President in 2015 and still serves in that capacity today. Under his leadership, the chapter has successfully held two global conferences, a new annual benefit for members. Most recently he joined some of his AIA IR colleagues and co-authors onstage at the national AIA Conference on Architecture 2017 to present the first edition of the Global Practices Primer.

Dan’s nomination was based on “promoting the aesthetic, scientific, and practical efficiency of the profession”. His career has been focused on transforming how planning and urban design can serve as a means to create great university campuses and livable, sustainable cities. Dan was a leader in linking physical campus designs with student success and has led the design of more than ninety-five community-enhancing campus plans.

Dan too is a co-author, and his publication Mission and Place: Strengthening Learning and Community through Campus Design, has been used as a graduate text. He is a founding member of the Urban Land Institute’s University Development and Innovation Council, which explores the role of higher education institutions in partnership with their host cities in urban revitalization and economic development.

Congratulations to our newest FAIA members, James and Dan!