SAN DIEGO March 1, 2019 – The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has announced the elevation of two AIA San Diego architects to its prestigious College of Fellows, an honor awarded to members who have made significant contributions to the profession of architecture.

Mitra Kanaani, Professor of Graduate Architecture at NewSchool of Architecture & Design, and Steven H. Shinn, Project Manager and Project Architect at Gensler, are amongst an elite subset of AIA members to be distinguished with this honor. Fewer than three percent of AIA’s membership of more than 94,000 are designated fellows.

The fellowship program was developed to elevate those architects who have achieved a standard of excellence in the profession and made a significant contribution in one of several categories – design, practice, education or service to society.

Kanaani and Shinn were selected by the seven-member Jury of Fellows for having distinguished themselves in the categories of education and service to society, respectively.

Mitra Kanaani has advanced design excellence through teaching, leadership, administration, scholarship, mentorship, practice, activism, humanitarianism and service to the University, profession and community at national and international levels. Her work has elevated NewSchooI to national prominence.

Through his civic engagement, Steven Shinn has integrated the values of preservation, sustainability and livable communities into the urban fabric by proactively involving the public, government entities, the building community and academia through advocacy and education.

Kanaani and Shinn will be honored at a ceremony on June 7th at the AIA Conference on Architecture 2019 in Las Vegas.

About The American Institute of Architects, San Diego

The mission of AIA San Diego is to promote the profession of architecture in San Diego and support members in professional excellence. AIA San Diego and AIA Palomar represent nearly 1,000 members in the San Diego region. Founded in 1928, AIA San Diego has a distinguished track record of vigorous advocacy for design, planning, sustainability, architecture education, professional development and civic leadership.