Highlights of a Successful AIA25 Conference
The AIA Conference on Architecture & Design 2025 was a resounding success, marked by several key moments that celebrated leadership, innovation, and dedication within the architectural profession.
Investiture of the 2025 College of Fellows and National Award Recognition at Trinity Church
The cornerstone of the conference’s celebratory events took place at the historic Trinity Church in Boston. This memorable event brought together architects from across the nation and many countries, highlighting the shared pursuit of standard-setting work and commitment to the built environment. Here, the 2025 class of AIA Fellows was formally invested, recognizing architects whose exceptional work and profound contributions have significantly advanced the profession and society.
The Northeast saw significant representation, with AIA New York State, AIA Pennsylvania, and AIA New Jersey proudly recognizing their distinguished members. These architects have not only elevated the quality of design but also demonstrated a profound impact on their communities and the broader architectural landscape.
AIA New York State celebrates a robust cohort of new Fellows:
- Graciela Carrillo Cifuentes, FAIA
- James Crispino, FAIA
- Eric C.Y. Fang, FAIA
- Richard W. Hayes, FAIA
- Ali C. Höcek, FAIA
- Andrea D. Lamberti, FAIA
- Brian H. Messana, FAIA
- Deborah Finkelstein Moelis, FAIA
- Derek A. R. Moore, FAIA
- Joshua Ramus, FAIA
- Suchitra M. Reddy, FAIA
- Mark J. Thaler, FAIA
- Georgeen A. Theodore, FAIA
From AIA Pennsylvania, two exceptional architects were elevated to the College of Fellows: - David W. Altenhofen, FAIA
- Alan Metcalfe, FAIA
AIA New Jersey proudly recognizes one of its own for this prestigious honor: - Michael Hanrahan, FAIA
During this same ceremony, Kelly Hayes McAlonie, FAIA, AUA, LEED AP, was also recognized with the 2025
AIA Award for Excellence in Public Architecture. Announced on April 14, 2025, this award celebrates Kelly
as a visionary leader in public architecture, lauded for her work in “bridging communities, advancing
justice, and setting new standards for design in the public realm.” Her dedication to improving public
spaces and her broader advocacy within the profession exemplify the profound impact architects can have
on society.
Reception and Recognition at the Scorpion Bar
Following the Investiture, and as part of the celebratory events surrounding A’25, the atmosphere shifted to a vibrant gathering at the Scorpion Bar. The reception provided an informal yet professional setting for the newly invested Fellows from New York State, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, their families, and
colleagues to connect, share insights, and acknowledge their remarkable achievements. The camaraderie among the tri-state contingent was palpable, underscoring the strong state and local bonds within the national AIA framework.
Recognizing Dedicated AIA Volunteers
During his impactful speech, The Honorable Stephen T. Ayers ‘85, FAIA, LEED AP, interim executive vice president and CEO of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), highlighted three outstanding AIA
volunteers. Among those recognized was Katherine Serrano Sosa, the 2024 recipient of the AIANYS Young Architect Award, lauded for her commitment to educating and empowering others. Katherine has developed bilingual architectural resources and extended her outreach through partnerships with organizations like Nassau County Hispanic Affairs. She also shares her journey publicly, inspiring others.
Her leadership within AIA Long Island has been pivotal, organizing study sessions, mentoring professionals, and sponsoring a scholarship. She further supports Latina representation in architecture through her work with Arquitina.
We extend our sincere congratulations to all the 2025 Fellows, to Kelly Hayes McAlonie, FAIA, and to Katherine Serrano Sosa, AIA on these significant milestones, which collectively made AIA25 an exceptional conference.