On June 11, 2026, American Institute of Architects New Jersey Chapter President Jessica O’Donnell, FAIA, was elevated to Fellowship. The 2026 College of Fellows Investiture Ceremony was held at the Jacobs Music Center in San Diego, California, as part of the AIA 2026 Conference on Architecture and Design.
The AIA Fellowship (FAIA) is the highest membership honor awarded by the American Institute of Architects. It recognizes architects who have made significant, nationally recognized contributions to architecture and society. Only about 3% of AIA members hold this prestigious designation.
All the NY, PA and NJ Fellows in Attendance
After the ceremony, AIA New Jersey members gathered with colleagues from AIA New York and Pennsylvania for a reception honoring Jessica and the new fellows from the tri-states. This event was held at the Fallbrook Cellar at the San Diego Wine and Culinary Center.
Twenty-two AIA New Jersey Members and Guests attended the festivities! From Left to right: Marcia and Jerry Eben, FAIA; Anna Kharina, AIA; David von Stappenbeck, AIA; Marissa Berwick, AIA; Matt Halpin, AIA NJ Executive Director; Jessica O’Donnell, FAIA; Chris Brand, AIA; Alexis Goldman, AIA; Michael Hanrahn, FAIA; Joshua Zinder, AIA; Stacey Ruhle Kliesch, AIA; David DelVecchio, AIA; Jay Dougherty; Christopher Townsend, AIA; Nancy Dougherty, AIA; Gary Kliesch, AIA; Eric Lam, AIA; Wendy and Kent Werner, AIA.
