The American Institute of Architects, Vermont Chapter honored member, Brian Mac, for being elevated to the AIA College of Fellows at its annual meeting held on December 13, 2018 at The Engine Room in White River Junction.

The 2018 Jury of Fellows from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) elevated 152 member-architects to the prestigious College of Fellows, an honor awarded to members who have made significant contributions to the architecture profession. Among those selected was Brian Mac, FAIA, a resident of Waterbury and a principal in the firm Birdseye of Richmond.

The AIA Fellowship program was developed to elevate those architects who have made a significant contribution to architecture and society and who have achieved a standard of excellence in the profession. Election to fellowship not only recognizes the achievements of architects as individuals, but also their significant contribution to architecture and society on a national level.

Of this honor, Mac said, “I am humbled and honored to be listed amongst my architectural heroes. The College of Fellows reflects a  diversity of contribution, at the highest level, to the profession of architecture. My gratitude toward those who contributed to my application is beyond words. My colleagues at Birdseye and those who wrote letters of recommendation on my behalf all contributed in a positive way that really moved me. Their narrative reflected a spirit of professionalism and authenticity that embodied why I love practicing architecture in Vermont."

Out of a total AIA membership of over 90,000, approximately 3 percent are distinguished with the honor of fellowship. The elevation to fellowship is conferred on architects with at least 10 years of membership in the AIA in one or more of four nomination categories: 1) promoting the aesthetic, scientific, and practical efficiency of the profession; 2) advancing the science and art of planning and building via improved architectural education; 3) leadership in the AIA and other related organizations; or 4) advancing the living standards of people through an improved environment.

Mac was elevated for his contributions in fellowship category 1. A member of AIAVT since 1997, he has received an astounding 12 AIAVT and AIANE awards in a 14-year period for design excellence in collaboration with the Birdseye team. In addition, Birdseye received 3 additional AIAVT awards this year, which were presented at the Annual Design Awards event on December 13th.   He has also received several international design awards. Prominent architect jurors for from as far as Wyoming and Colorado have echoed the comments of jurors around the Northeast in describing the signature themes that feature in Mac’s many residential projects.

Rolf Kielman, a Principal at TruexCullins Architecture and Interiors based in Burlington, spoke on behalf of Mac at the AIAVT Annual Meeting and Design Awards Event, highlighting Brian’s many achievements as well as his passion for the work. “Brian Mac does not practice conventional architecture. He works within an exceptional design-build practice and his method harkens back to the approach of earlier master builders. His inventive design skills are augmented and informed by a close engagement with the act of making the architecture he conceives. Brian is himself a former builder and he practices within a creative cluster of craftsmen, closely aligned with the tradition of design and build here in the rural state of Vermont. His role is unique and embodies our professions progression to a full engagement with both the design and construction process. This is wonderfully reflected in Brian’s body of work.”

Brian Mac’s winning projects will be exhibited along with the 33 other entries to the 2018 AIAVT Annual Design Awards throughout 2019 at various locations around the state. Details and images for all of the winning projects can be found at: <link awards>www.aiavt.org/awards/18awards/