AIA New Jersey President Jessica O’Donnell was recognized last week as the newest American Institute of Architects Fellow from New Jersey!
An AIA Fellow (FAIA) is a member of the American Institute of Architects who has been elevated to the College of Fellows in recognition of their exceptional work, leadership, and significant contributions to architecture and society. It is the AIA’s highest membership honor, awarded to less than 3% of members for notable, national-level impact.
Unsurprisingly, Ms. Jessica O’Donnell applied in Object 3, Led the Institute: To coordinate the building industry and the profession of architecture.
While we know Jessica locally for her many years of dedicated commitment to AIA as an inspiring and stalwart leader in New Jersey, her commitment to the profession has global reach and noteworthy impact.
Jessica facilitating the Mini-MBA Program in 2016 (Photo provided by Jessica O’Donnell, FAIA)
From her application, we share the following:
Jessica M. O’Donnell strengthens the Institute’s connective fabric by developing and advancing pathways throughout the AIA and AEC industry. Her leadership catalyzes AIA engagement, mobilizes the next generation, and shapes the profession. She enhances the visibility of the Institute within the broader AEC industry community. Her leadership strengthens the Institute by developing and advancing pathways that increase member engagement across the AIA ecosystem.
As a visionary who is never content with the status quo, Jessica’s dynamic leadership as an At-Large Representative on the AIA Strategic Council (Council) made history as the first person elected to serve as Moderator during their second year, and as the first person elected to serve a second term as Moderator. She revolutionizes communications from the Council, magni!es Council work, and enhances the group’s connections to the larger AIA ecosystem. Her communications have initiated over 109,700 impressions, reaching over 20,270 individuals.
Over the past ten years, Jessica has been elected or appointed to 44 global, national, state and local leadership positions.
At an ACE Mentorship Meeting in 2023 (Photo provided by Jessica O’Donnell, FAIA)
Her application featured details on her transformative influence over the following:
- CATALYZING AIA ENGAGEMENT: Empower Architects, Inspire Participation, Take Action
- MOBILIZING THE NEXT GENERATION: Transform Pathways, Support Young Architects, Expand Engagement
- SHAPING THE PROFESSION: Improve Practice, Advance Knowledge, Broaden Access
According to Jessica’s sponsor, the esteemed Wendy Ornelas, FAIA, Associate Dean and Professor Emerita of The Department of Architecture at Kansas State University, “Jessica has a proven record of dedication and impact on the Institute and makes an exceptional candidate. She has advanced meaningful changes in the AIA while also opening avenues for emerging architects to help shape the future of the Institute. Whatever Jessica puts her mind to – the Strategic Council, Young Architects Forum (YAF), the emerging professional community, helping to develop an assessment tool for our profession’s competencies, or ensuring qualified young professionals want to enter the workforce – she pursues each with abandon for their continued success by delivering them through long-lasting, solid solutions.
Through Jessica’s leadership in the Strategic Council, she has enriched the visibility of the Institute. Initially elected to the Council as an At-Large Representative, she quickly inspired and empowered her colleagues through her digital content creation and dissemination to better amplify their work. While most AIA members understand the ‘concept’ of the Council few really know what it is doing. To better assess its effectiveness, Jessica conceptualized the first virtual Big Think survey, gaining insight from more than 120 past and present members (plus the public). She was also a part of the team that created the first Council Year in Review Journal, which has had over 109,700 LinkedIn impressions. Never before has the Council been so transparent and technology-driven in its communications. Through these leadership qualities, Jessica became the first Council member elected as Moderator to serve in that position during her second year, and then was re-elected for a historical second term.
Six years ago, I met Jessica through the inaugural YAF/COF Align Program and immediately saw her leadership skills. She was eager to listen and learn from the Fellows as well as her colleagues. I was able to witness Jessica as Chair of YAF. During this time, she created a structure where she mentored her to successor through the final stages of the YAF expansion. Jessica used this experience to transform New Jersey’s Emerging Professionals Community and to collaborate with the Integrating Design Education through Architecture group and the COF to engage activities for local K-12 students at the AIA23, AIA24 and AIA25 national conferences (and she is in the planning stages for AIA26). By curating emerging professionals’ and young architects’ engagement within the AIA, she mobilizes and permeates the next generation.
As one who is compelled to focus her career on improving what is best for the profession over what is best for herself, Jessica inspires the next generation. She is an active leader in the AIA at many levels, empowering emerging professionals with tangible resources to advance their skills and leadership potential. Jessica consistently celebrates the work of her colleagues, challenges prospective leaders to believe in their value to the communities they serve, and she pro-actively seeks new avenues to make our world a better place.
Jessica O’Donnell’s selfless commitment to architecture is exhibited by her focus of giving back to the profession through her leadership roles. I have met no one else who can match her passion and dedication to advancing both the AIA and her communities about the built environment. I believe one simple aspect of Fellowship is to inspire our ‘fellow’ professionals to be role models in our profession. Jessica O’ Donnell, AIA is the epitome of this ideal, and one whom others will emulate. In whatever she tackles – through her leadership in catalyzing engagement within our profession, mobilizing the next generation, or shaping the profession through the evolving standards of practice with our allied professions – she is uniquely adept in amplifying the voice and the mission of the AIA with solid and unique solutions. The impacts of her work have been felt across the nation and the Institute, and for that reason, I wholeheartedly support Jessica O’Donnell’s advancement into the College of Fellows.”
AIA Strategic Council (Photo provided by Jessica O’Donnell, FAIA)
AIA NJ Public Awareness Committee Co-Chair, William J. Martin, AIA, offers the following on behalf of his committee, “Congratulations on your elevation to the AIA College of Fellows — an honor that reflects not only your professional excellence, but the integrity, leadership, and service you’ve brought to the profession over many years. Your work has shaped the profession, advanced practice, and inspired colleagues across the field. This recognition is a testament to the impact you’ve made and the legacy you continue to build. Enjoy! We are all proud of you!”
AIA New Jersey will be celebrating Jessica’s achievement in San Diego at the AIA Conference on Architecture & Design 2026 in June. We hope you will join us!