Coming to The Octagon · Washington, DC
Elevating
Architects:
75 Years of the AIA
College of Fellows ©
December 12, 2026–summer 2027
The Octagon · 1799 New York Avenue NW
Plan your visit
The exhibition
What will our legacy be?
Behind every significant building is a larger story of ideas, influence, and service.
Elevating Architects: 75 Years of the AIA College of Fellows © brings those stories into view. Through photographs, archival documents, models, publications, and personal records, the exhibition explores how architects shape the places we live—and the profession itself.
The exhibition celebrates the people and contributions behind Fellowship, while asking what their work makes possible for the next generation.
01 / People & paths
A career becomes a record of impact.
Fewer than 3% of AIA members are recognized with Fellowship. The exhibition makes that distinction tangible through the work, service, and ideas that bring architects to this honor.
Explore I. M. Pei’s nomination papers and the stories of world-renowned Fellows alongside figures such as Paul Revere Williams and Lois Lilley Howe. Stories of trailblazers appear alongside professional partnerships and family legacies, revealing the individuals and relationships behind the College’s history.
02 / Six ways to lead
Many kinds of contribution.
One profession moving forward.
The six Objects of Fellowship recognize the breadth of an architect’s influence.
Education
Teach what comes next. Shape how future architects learn and practice.
Literature
Put ideas into circulation through writing, research, and publications.
Institute service
Build the profession through leadership and service to AIA.
Design
Set new standards for the buildings and places we share.
Science of construction
Advance how architecture is made, from materials to methods.
Public service
Put architectural knowledge to work for communities.
03 / Ideas that endure
The story is still being written.
Spend time with the ideas Fellows leave in circulation.
A reading room featuring books by Fellows invites visitors to learn about their impact on our built environment and to connect architectural history to today.
The exhibition connects architecture’s record of achievement with an open question: what will the next generation contribute?
See it at The Octagon
Make a visit.
Find a new perspective.
On view December 12, 2026–summer 2027
1799 New York Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20006
Visiting information
The Octagon is open Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., with last admission at 3 p.m. Guided tours are offered at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Admission: $10 for adults; $5 for seniors, DC residents, college and graduate students, teachers, AIA members, and military personnel; free for visitors under 18.
The historic building is not currently ADA accessible. Visit our Plan your visit page for the online tour and full visitor information.
For group visits and questions:
octagon@architectsfoundation.org
About the curator
Craig Lee
Craig Lee is a writer and curator specializing in the history of modern architecture and design. Most recently, he served as assistant curator in Architecture and Design at the Art Institute of Chicago, where he co-curated Bruce Goff: Material Worlds.
His work has also examined Charles Moore, Helmut Jahn, Denise Scott Brown, Edgar Miller, and the history of commercial signage.
Presented by AIA College of Fellows ® and the Architects Foundation
At The Octagon, the historic home of the Architects Foundation.
Organized by guest curator Craig Lee.