The American Institute of Architects Elevates Seven Local Architects to the College of Fellows
SAN FRANCISCO – February 14, 2025 – The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is elevating seven members from AIA San Francisco to its prestigious College of Fellows, AIA’s highest membership honor, for their exceptional work and contributions to architecture and society. The seven AIA San Francisco members comprise the entire 83 member-architects and 10 non-member-architects elevated to the College of Fellows. New Fellows will be honored at the AIA Conference on Architecture & Design (AIA25) in Boston.
The fellowship program was developed to elevate those architects who have achieved a standard of excellence in the profession and made a significant contribution to architecture and society on a national level. Architects who have been elevated to fellowship can be identified by the designation FAIA after their name.
Included in the list below are the newly elevated members from AIA San Francisco:
William Duff, FAIA
William Duff Architects
Object 2: Practice (Technical Advancement)
For over 25 years, William Duff has developed a much admired people-based practice where creativity is democratized, business management is transparent, and employee growth and well-being are championed.
Jim Zack, FAIA
Zack | de Vito Architecture + Construction
Object 2: Practice (Technical Advancement)
Jim leads one of the most influential architect led DesignBuild firms in the country. His practice, integrating award winning design, construction and craft, informs and inspires clients, architects and builders nationwide.
Carolyn Kiernat, FAIA
Page & Turnbull, Inc.
Object 2: Practice (Technical Advancement)
Carolyn Kiernat re-imagines historic buildings through rehabilitation and adaptive reuse, extending their role as cultural assets and positioning them as drivers for sustainability and economic growth. Her vision enriches communities and her leadership inspires generations.
Pierluigi Serraino, FAIA
Pierluigi Serraino Architect(s)
Object 3: Literature
Pierluigi Serraino’s writings reassess the modernist tradition of the 20th century and its impact on present-day practice, extracting lessons of continuing relevance for contemporary architecture.
Adrianne Steichen, FAIA
PYATOK architecture + urban design
Object 2: Practice (Technical Advancement)
Adrianne Steichen, AIA, a lifelong organizer, leader, and active contributor to mission-driven causes, champions the needs and desires of under-served city dwellers, deftly blending inventive design and diplomacy to ennoble lives and enrich neighborhoods
Gary Strang, FAIA
GLS Landscape | Architecture
Object 5: Alternative Career
Both architect and landscape architect, Gary Strang brings lyricism, nature and ecology to architectural design and intellectual rigor and architectural discipline to landscape design through his richly diverse, award-winning interdisciplinary practice.
Anne Torney, FAIA
Mithun
Object 2: Practice (Technical Advancement)
Anne Torney has advanced the design of affordable housing, demonstrating the potential of high-performance affordable housing as multi-benefit urban infrastructure to advance equity and combat climate change.
2025 Fellowship Nominating Committee
AIASF's Fellowship Nominating Committee reviews and cultivates the submission packets of local candidates, fostering the development of strong applicants and securing their nomination by the Chapter for consideration before the AIA National jury. We would like to extend our gratitude to the Committee leaders for their dedicated efforts in championing the fantastic accomplishments of the AIASF membership.
David Meckel, FAIA (Chair); Paul Adamson, FAIA; Marc L'Italien, FAIA; Edmund Ong, FAIA; Dennis Paoletti, FAIA; Elizabeth Ranieri, FAIA; Mark Cameron, Hon. AIA; Francesca Oliveira, FAIA; Ruth Todd, FAIA; Doug Tom, FAIA; Gregory Mottola, FAIA; Mark Schatz, FAIA
About AIA San Francisco
Since 1882, the American Institute of Architects, San Francisco (AIASF) has represented architects and building industry professionals in San Francisco and Marin County. In 2023, AIASF opened The Center for Architecture + Design in the historic Hallidie Building, becoming the Bay Area’s hub for architecture and design.
As one of the largest AIA (American Institute of Architects) chapters in the US, AIASF is a vital resource for architects, allied members, and the public. Our mission is to connect, elevate, and advocate for our members who create resilient, inclusive, and thriving built environments.