The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is elevating eight AIA members from AIA Virginia to its prestigious College of Fellows, AIA’s highest membership honor, for their exceptional work and contributions to architecture and society. Less than 3% of the architecture profession achieve AIA Fellowship. Excitingly, Kathleen O. Frazier, co-founder of Frazier Associates, was among those named a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA)!

For the past 40 years, Kathy (pictured right) has revitalized the historic heart of communities in Virginia and nationwide, transforming attitudes toward the built heritage through her dedication to historic preservation, economic revitalization, and community engagement. Since 1986, she has led design services for the Virginia Main Street (VMS) program and served as the principal architect at Frazier Associates for historic rehabilitation projects, design guidelines and community wayfinding sign systems. The architecture and planning firm has received over 100 awards for their projects, which have been completed within 20 states.

In terms of design awards, Kathy has received a national Palladio Award, as well as ones from AIA, the former Preservation Alliance of Virginia (PAV), and Preservation Virginia. Her work has also been featured in a broad range of magazines including Virginia Living, Traditional Building, Urban Land, and Southern Living.

“I am deeply honored and humbled to have received this recognition of my career as an architect. It has been wonderful to work with so many community leaders, local governments and property owners over the years to help them achieve their vision of a renewed and revitalized community through historic preservation and design excellence! I want to recognize and thank my sponsor, Hugh Miller, FAIA for his support and encouragement in this process. I’d also like to thank and acknowledge the team of architects and designers who have been a part of Frazier Associates since the founding of the firm.” – Kathy Frazier, Principal Architect, Frazier Associates

On behalf of the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), specifically the VMS program, we all congratulate Kathy on her being named a Fellow of the AIA!

“I’m thrilled to congratulate Kathy Frazier on being elevated to the AIA’s College of Fellows! While I have had the pleasure of working with Kathy for only the past four years, I’ve been aware of her firm and work for more than 20 years. Her mindful design has helped transform communities throughout Virginia, and this recognition by the AIA of Kathy’s career is well-deserved.” – Rebecca Rowe, Associate Director, Community Revitalization Office

Image Credit: AIA Virginia