Together with our sister company, Kaplan Thompson Architects, we are proud to announce that the 2024 Jury of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) has elevated Principal Jesse Thompson, FAIA, LEED AP, CPHC to its prestigious College of Fellows!

Friends, this is a BIG DEAL. As the organization’s highest honor, Fellowship is awarded to members who have made significant contributions to the profession and to society, who exemplify architectural excellence, and whose work has had a profound influence or ripple effect.

We have always known that he’s a superstar, and the architecture community agrees. Only 3% of the AIA’s 98,000+ national members have earned the distinction of Fellowship. In 2024, 96 AIA members were elevated to this honor. He joins six other Fellows in the state of Maine, and is the first to be recognized in the state since 2016.

Jesse was recognized in the category of Design, Urban Design, or Preservation, in which candidates must demonstrate how they have promoted the aesthetic, scientific, and practical efficiency of the profession. The submission was based on his commitment to designing for ecology, change, and equity. Through industry leadership, individual mentorship, and high-performance architecture expertise, he inspires others to rise to the challenge of creating spaces that are beautiful, sustainable, and attainable.

AIA Maine Executive Director Jeannette Schram let us know her thoughts: “AIA Maine is thrilled that Jesse Thompson was elevated to the College of Fellows. Jesse has a deep understanding of the impact architects can have on the world's most pressing challenges regarding climate action, equity and justice, and education. As President of AIA Maine, Jesse carefully threaded the needle of meeting members where they were while proving by example that small, incremental, future-focused changes can have a significant and lasting impact on the organization and the profession.”

We couldn’t agree more, Jeannette. Jesse is in excellent company in the Maine architecture community, including his sponsor Scott Simons, FAIA, who encouraged Jesse to apply and provided a steady guiding hand throughout the rigorous submission process.  

Jesse will accept the award at an investiture ceremony held during the AIA national conference on June 7, 2024 in Washington, DC. He will wear a robe. We will get pics.

Congratulations, Jesse!