On December 8, 2021 the 2020 and 2021 AIA College of Fellows had our investiture at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC. According to the AIA Archivist, I am the youngest African American to receive this honor in the organizations 164 year legacy.
Pascale Sablan on Stage receiving her recognition
AIA Fellows are recognized with the AIA’s highest membership honor for their exceptional work and contributions to architecture and society. Architects who have made significant contributions to the profession and society and who exemplify architectural excellence become a member of the AIA College of Fellows. Only 3 percent of the AIA members have this distinction. (And now i'm one of them!)
I was elevated under Object Five category:
"To make the profession of ever-increasing service to society."
Fellowship in this object is granted to architects who have made notable contributions to the public through alternative careers or volunteer work with organizations not directly connected to the built environment. Achievements may also be of a kind that transcends the other categories for advancement to serve society or humanity in a unique and important manner.
Photo of my amazing family and evidence my grandmother the flyest of us all.
My family from near and far gathered in DC to help me celebrate this milestone achievement. It takes a village to move the mission forward and I would like to take this opportunity to thank my family, my friends and my support team in helping and supporting me through my career.
Out of the approximate 2,850 AIA Fellows, 136 are African American.
Therefore I am excited to also announce my collaboration with AIA College of Fellows.
Beyond the Built Environment, LLC received $20,000 from AIA College of Fellows to support the research efforts for the SAY IT LOUD - Washington DC at the Octagon Museum in 2022. The funds will be used to hire NOMAS or AIAS students to help research the 136 African American AIA Fellows to be displayed in the SAY IT LOUD - Washington DC Exhibition.
Floor Plan of the Octagon Museum
If you know any students who could be interested our paid research effort please have them apply using this link:
If you are wondering why I chose to send you this email, please know your support means everything to me. You are a part of my community and someone I aspire to make proud.
Super exciting to see you at this level. Congratulations on your award in such a short record time. Your work is extraordinary, and I imagine 2022 will be more exciting.
Kembe la -