Six Texas architects have been recognized among the 78 AIA members elevated to the College of Fellows in 2026. This honor is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to architecture and society at the national level, and fewer than three percent of AIA members hold this distinction.

In addition, Texas architect Michael Ford has been named the 2026 recipient of the Whitney M. Young Jr. Award, which celebrates an architect or architectural organization that embodies social responsibility and actively addresses relevant issues such as affordable housing, inclusiveness, or universal access.

The new Fellows will be recognized at the AIA Conference on Architecture & Design (AIA26) in San Diego in June 2026. Learn more about Fellowship and this year’s honorees on AIA’s website.

Congratulations to the newest Texas Fellows and award recipient!

Michael Ford, FAIA, NOMA
BrandNu Design Studios | AIA Dallas
Whitney M. Young Jr. Award 2026

Whitney Fuessel, FAIA
HKS | AIA Houston
Objective 2 | Practice, Technical Advancement

Daimian S. Hines, FAIA
HINESAD dba Hines Architecture+Design | AIA Houston
Objective 1 | Practice, Design

Gianna Lisa Pigford, FAIA
Stantec | AIA Dallas
Objective 5 | Practice, Service to Society

Thomas A. Powell, FAIA
BVG4 Architecture | AIA Dallas
Objective 2 | Practice, Technical Advancement

Connie G. Rivera, FAIA
Pfluger Architects | AIA Corpus Christi
Objective 3 | Practice, Led the Institute