Former AIA Middle East President Thierry Paret, FAIA became the first member from the Middle East Chapter to be elevated to the American Institute of Architects College of Fellows during the 2014 National Convention held in Chicago on June 27th. Mr. Paret was presented with his medal by AIA President, Helene Dreiling, FAIA and the Chancellor of the College of Fellows William J. Stanley III, FAIA. Thierry was also the only fellow to be elevated from the AIA International Region this year.

Founded in 1952, the College of Fellows is composed of members of the Institute who are elected to Fellowship by a jury of their peers. Fellowship is one of the highest honors the AIA can bestow upon a member. Elevation to fellowship not only recognizes the achievements of the architect as an individual, but also elevates before the public and the profession those architects who have made significant contributions to architecture and society. Out of a total membership of 84,000 approximately 3000 members are fellows. Thierry was the only new fellow from the AIA International Region to be elevated in 2014.

2014 AIA Middle East Chapter President Loay Quota, AIA and AIA Middle East Chapter Fellowship Director Steven Miller, FAIA attended the two hour long ceremony.

The investiture ceremony was held in Chicago’s historic Roosevelt Theatre designed by Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler in 1888.