Washington – The American Institute of Architects (AIA) announced it granted honorary AIA membership to Peter A. DeLisle, Greg Galer, Kira Gould, Gregory H. Kats, and George M. Smart Jr.
Greg Galer
DeLisle has offered more than 200 presentations and professional development programs to architects, schools of architecture, and national associations. His background in education is rooted in architecture, engineering, and commerce, and he has served as a professor of practice at three universities. Additionally, DeLisle is an executive education faculty member at nearly 20 institutions of higher education across the globe.
In February, Galer took on the role of executive director of the Association for Preservation Technology International. Galer has served as the executive director of the Boston Preservation Alliance (BPA), and is a collaborator with the Boston Society of Architects, working closely with design professionals to positively impact Boston and the national preservation scene. He plays an active role in the effort to modernize the preservation movement in Boston and beyond as a director of the National Preservation Partners Network, which represents preservationists in 38 states and territories. Galer was recently recognized by the Boston City Council for his contributions to historic preservation in the Boston area.
Kira Gould
Gould has channeled her talents to include climate action, health, and equity in the understanding and definition of design excellence. For more than three decades, she has operated as a catalyst and connector across a number of roles. She’s worked as a journalist, most notably at Metropolis magazine; a consultant and staff member for a number of design firms; and a volunteer with AIA. She has been involved at all levels of AIA since the beginning of her career, and much of her work has been dedicated to the Committee on the Environment (COTE).
As an innovator, investor, and thought leader, Kats has played a role in mainstreaming the ideals of green building in the United States for more than 30 years. Through his research, policy, and advocacy work, he has contributed to AIA’s commitment to sustainability leadership and infused the profession with newfound income streams and creative opportunities. He has authored several reports and studies sponsored by AIA, including the Washington, D.C. Smart Roof Cost-Benefit Report and Greening America’s Schools: Costs and Benefits.
Gregory H. Kats
A documentarian and historian of Modernist residential design, Smart heads two organizations that promote and sustain the movement’s ideals. He established the nonprofit NCModernist and its accompanying website, the singular resource for the North Carolina’s Modernist buildings and their histories. In 2015, he founded USModernist, a nonprofit educational archive dedicated to the preservation and documentation of Modernist works across the country.
Honorary AIA membership is conferred upon individuals who have made notable contributions to the advancement of the architecture profession but are not otherwise eligible for AIA membership. In order to be considered for honorary membership, candidates must meet a host of criteria. Additionally, candidates must be nominated by a member of the AIA Board of Directors, Strategic Council, chapter leadership, or Knowledge Communities. Nominations are subject to the review and consideration of a jury.
